We know that regular drinking and frequent alcohol intoxication substantially increase the risk of social, medical, and psychological problems. Alcoholism is characterized by uncontrolled dependence on alcohol regardless of the consequences. Like many other health problems, alcoholism is easier to treat when detected early, but many alcoholics go to great lengths to conceal their condition. These are some of the early signs of alcoholism:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Avoiding events that don’t involve drinking
- Drinking when you shouldn’t
- Avoiding people who don’t drink
- Comparing your drinking to others’
- Hiding alcohol
- Injuries involving alcohol
- Sexual dysfunction
Without access to treatment, an alcoholic will drink to avoid dealing with the consequences of their drinking. Instead of understanding that they have an illness, many alcoholics have internalized cultural and family narratives that portray alcoholics as weak, lazy, and shameful. Alcohol addiction treatment can bring families together in order to help people stay sober. Our addiction treatment programs at Spokane Falls Recovery Center are designed to help people get sober before the consequences of alcoholism really take effect. Excessive alcohol use has both short- and long-term health risks:
Short-Term Effects of Alcoholism
- Injuries
- Violence
- Alcohol poisoning
- Acquiring an STD
- DUIs
- Dysfunctional relationships
Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism
- Organ failure in young adults
- Loss of sexual function
- Heart disease
- Cognitive delays
- Social problems
- Weakened immune system
- Isolation
- Dementia
- Cancer
Projection
If you find yourself continuously focusing on other people’s unhealthy habits instead of fixing your own, your problems are not going to get better. In the event you have not learned to deal with your own unacceptable urges (like drinking excessively), it is easier to focus on someone else’s. If alcohol causes problems in your life but you continue drinking, your life may get worse. It may seem unfair that other people can drink socially without consequences, but life is not fair. Your true friends will still love you if you quit drinking. Your significant other(s) who left because of your drinking will be more likely to reenter your life if you are sober.
Signs of Alcoholism
- Daily consumption
- Binges
- Blackouts
- Drug use when drinking
- Loss of control
- Impaired social and occupational functioning
- Alcohol-related violence
- Absence from work or school
- Legal difficulties
- Arguments with family and friends
Alcohol’s Impact on Public Health
Uncontrolled use of alcohol is responsible for almost 88,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Binge drinking (consuming 4 or more drinks per occasion by a woman or 5 or more drinks per occasion by a man) is responsible for more than half of these deaths. Binge drinking is also associated with many health and interpersonal problems. If you are considering alcohol addiction treatment, you already know that being an alcoholic is a dangerous lifestyle.
If you or a loved one in Spokane, Washington has symptoms of alcoholism, it is important to seek treatment. Alcoholics are often aware of the effects of their drinking. We will not insult you by telling you what you already know. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we offer the tools and community proven to help people get their lives back. Attending treatment for alcoholism is inconvenient, but, since you will not be drinking anymore, you will have more free time to focus on your recovery. It is overwhelming, we know. But it gets better.
Isolation and Alcoholism
If rational, well-meaning people tell you that you drink too much, you probably do. And, chances are, you probably know that already. Many people start drinking in order to make friends, but the later stages of alcoholism are lonely and desolate. An alcohol rehab in Spokane, WA might be your best hope for sobriety.
If you or a loved one in Spokane, Washington shows symptoms of alcoholism, it is important to seek treatment. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we can help. Contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center by calling 844.962.2775 and begin your journey to recovery today.
