Alcohol use disorder can affect anyone. The chemicals in alcohol are very addictive, and due to the acceptable and social nature of alcohol use, drinking can get out of hand before you even realize there’s a problem.
If you’re starting to think that maybe you need help to stop drinking, there are many available programs to get you back on track. You don’t have to reach “rock bottom” before doing something for yourself.
Perhaps you’ve heard of alcohol recovery programs, and you’re considering whether a program would benefit you. Here are six warning signs that it might be time to seek professional help:
- You’re drinking more than recommended.
Medical guidelines limit alcohol to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women to avoid most health problems. If you’re drinking over that limit, you could be slowly and consistently damaging your brain, liver, and other organs. Binge drinking occurs when you drink five or more drinks per day.
- You promise yourself or others you’ll stop drinking, but you haven’t been able.
If you can’t moderate your drinking and find that one drink leads to many more, you might not be able to moderate your alcohol consumption. If you’re resetting your sobriety clock to day one on the regular, alcohol recovery programs can help you get sober and stay sober for yourself and your loved ones.
- The regrets and consequences are adding up, but you can’t stop.
If you’ve gotten a DUI, lost an important relationship or job, or suffered other consequences for things you’ve done under the influence of alcohol, alcohol recovery programs can help bring perspective back to your life. Even if you haven’t suffered serious external consequences, but consistently regret your behavior under the influence, you should consider professional support.
- You plan your days around alcohol.
If your life revolves around the next big party or getting home quickly to open a bottle of wine, and if you’re spending a lot of time doing activities related to alcohol, that could be a good sign that an alcohol recovery program is right for you.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
If you’re a heavy drinker, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and tremors. These symptoms could turn into a serious condition called delirium tremens. It’s important to consult with your doctor and consider an alcohol recovery program to help you detox.
- You drink more and get less of a buzz.
If you find your tolerance to alcohol has increased to where you drink a lot and it barely has an effect, you’re still doing damage to your body though you are no longer getting the same buzz. Increased alcohol tolerance may be a sign it’s time to enroll in an alcohol recovery program.
Finding the Right Alcohol Recovery Programs for You
If you’ve decided to explore getting help, you will find many alcohol recovery programs. Read through their websites and review their programs, therapies, and atmosphere to find a good fit and start on the road to sobriety.
