Drinking alcohol is one of man’s oldest habits and is considered acceptable in various social settings. Bars can be found in most cities, and it’s completely normal for a household to stock a bottle of wine. However, it is very easy to fall into a drinking habit, which can become a serious case of alcohol use disorder. If someone finds themselves struggling with alcohol use, finding a Massachusetts alcohol rehab like Evoke Waltham can help.
We are committed to providing safe and compassionate addiction treatment programs at Evoke Waltham. Our friendly team of specialists works closely with patients and their families to create a comprehensive care plan that gives them the best chance at a successful recovery. Beating alcohol addiction is possible with the proper guidance and support. Contact us at 866.276.1920 today to learn when drinking becomes a problem and how Evoke Waltham can help.
What Happens when Drinking Becomes a Problem?
Some people think that drinking alcohol is not a big deal. Most celebrations have free-flowing alcohol to aid with the merry-making. Having a glass of wine or more with dinner is not unusual or frowned upon. However, drinking alcohol in excess or over a long period of time can lead to various health issues, including:
- Digestive issues like gastritis and pancreatitis
- Liver diseases like hepatic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis
- Heart problems include arrhythmia and an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, or an enlarged heart
- Neurological complications can result in numbness in the hands and feet, short-term memory loss, disordered thinking, or even dementia
Apart from the damage that alcohol can have on a person’s health, their personal and professional relationships can also be affected once their drinking becomes out of control. Excessive drinking can lead to decreased inhibitions, impaired judgment, risky behavior, and aggression. It is not uncommon for someone to do things while drunk that they regret when sober.
It may be easy to overlook alcohol use until the addiction has progressed so far that the signs are irrefutable. At this stage, the effects of alcohol addiction can be so severe that they can no longer be overlooked. However, it is always possible to kick an alcohol addiction given the proper interventions and support.
Early Signs of a Drinking Problem
The first step towards recovery is to identify that there is a problem. While some things may seem like minor issues, there are some early warning signs of a drinking problem that should not be overlooked. Some of these signs are:
- Frequently ending up drinking more alcohol than initially intended
- Being unable to cut down or stop drinking alcohol
- Getting strong cravings to drink
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Drinking more alcohol to get the same effect as before
- Making excuses to drink alcohol, such as to relax or to deal with stress
- Spending a good amount of time drinking, drinking, or hanging over
It is easy to dismiss any of the above signs as normal, but it is better to be overly cautious than to end up with a drinking problem that has gotten out of control. Seeking help before alcohol addiction can damage various areas of one’s life is ideal, but it is important to remember that it is never too late to get treatment.
Learn More about Evoke Waltham’s Massachusetts Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol addiction may seem less harmful than using other substances, but it is still a serious disease that can wreak havoc on lives and families. At Evoke Waltham, we offer quality alcohol addiction treatment that uses a variety of therapies to ensure lifelong sobriety. We believe recovery is possible for everyone with the proper guidance and support. Taking the first step may seem daunting, but our compassionate team is ready to help you through every stage of recovery. Contact us at 866.276.1920 today to learn more about when drinking becomes a problem and to start your journey toward a healthier future.
