How Daily Drinking Can Lead to Alcoholism

Drinking alcohol is a common pastime for many people. But what some may not realize is that drinking alcohol on a daily basis can actually lead to alcoholism.

While drinking a few beers after work every day may seem harmless and just a way that you can relax, if this habit is not kept in check it can lead to more dangerous consequences.

Not only will daily drinking lead to poor physical and mental health consequences, but it can also lay the ground floor for an alcohol addiction to occur.

The Dangers of Drinking Every Day

By drinking daily, your mind and body will get used to the presence of alcohol and start to rewire themselves to feel normal when alcohol is in the body and strange when there is an absence of alcohol.

Now, this will not occur when you’re just having a few beers a night, but if you start to drink a little bit more as you build up a tolerance to alcohol in order to feel the same effects, you may start to venture into this dangerous territory.

Alcoholism is a serious problem that can affect both your physical and mental health. It can also lead to problems in your personal and professional life as well as numerous physical and mental health problems as well as financial ruin.

There are some warning signs that you may be heading down the path of alcoholism. For many, they may not even realize that they are abusing alcohol so recognizing a few of the following signs can help you determine if you or a loved one potentially has an alcohol problem.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of alcohol abuse.

Common Signs of Alcoholism

Drinking more than you used to: This is often one of the first signs that you are developing a problem with alcohol. When we drink regularly, our bodies become tolerant of the effects of alcohol.

This means that we need to drink more in order to feel the same effects that we once did. If you find yourself drinking more than you used to, it may be time to take a step back and reassess your relationship with alcohol.

Drinking in secret or lying about how much you’re drinking: Do you find yourself hiding your drinking from others or lying about how much you’ve had to drink?

This can be a sign that you are trying to cover up your drinking habits and that you know deep down that what you’re doing is not healthy.

Neglecting other responsibilities: When drinking takes precedence over work, school, or family obligations, it’s a sign that alcoholism may be a problem. If you find yourself skipping work or school, or neglecting your loved ones in order to drink, it’s time to get help.

Drinking in dangerous situations: Drinking and driving is never a good idea. If you find yourself doing this regularly, it’s a sign that you have a problem with alcohol.

Likewise, if you drink in other dangerous situations (e.g., swimming, operating machinery), it’s a sign that you need to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

Experiencing blackouts or memory loss: One of the most serious signs of alcoholism is blacking out or losing memory after drinking. This is a sign that your body has become so dependent on alcohol that it can no longer function without it. If you experience blackouts or memory loss, it’s time to get help.

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms: If you try to cut back on your drinking or stop altogether, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include anxiety, irritability, sweating, shaking, and nausea.

If you experience any of these symptoms when you try to cut back on your drinking, it’s a sign that you have an alcohol problem and need professional help.

Changes in appearance: Alcoholism can take a toll on your appearance. You may look unkempt or disheveled, and you may lose weight.

Your eyes may be red and bloodshot, and your skin may be dry and yellowish. If you notice any changes in your appearance, it could be a sign of alcoholism.

Problems at work or school: If you’re an alcoholic, you may start to miss work or school, or your performance may suffer.

You may also get into trouble with the law because of your drinking. If you’re having problems at work or school, it could be a sign that you have an alcohol problem.

Relationship problems: Alcoholism can cause problems in your personal relationships. You may argue with loved ones more often, and you may distance yourself from friends and family. If you’re having relationship problems, it could be a sign that you have an alcohol problem.

These are just a few of the most common signs that you or your loved one may be struggling with alcoholism.

Other warning signs include feeling the need to drink in order to relax or feel better, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink. Okay, now that you can recognize the signs, what do you do next.

Let’s take a look at finding a treatment program.

Getting Help for Alcoholism

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If you think you or someone you know may be struggling with alcoholism, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Untreated alcoholism can lead to very serious health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and even death.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for alcoholism. The most important first step is admitting that you have a problem and need help.

From there, you can work with a treatment center, like an Orange County rehab, or counselor to develop a plan to get sober and stay sober.

This may include things like attending support groups, going to individual counseling sessions, and participating in group therapy sessions. There are also medication options available that can help make the process of getting sober easier.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are many resources available to help you find the right treatment online, let’s take a look at how you can go about finding the right rehab for you.

Finding The Best Rehab for You

When you’re ready to get help for your alcoholism, it’s important to find a rehab that will meet your needs. There are many different types of rehabs available, so it’s important to do your research to find the one that’s right for you.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a rehab:

• Make sure the facility is accredited by a reputable organization, checking for something like the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval is a good start.
• Ask about the staff-to-patient ratio. You want to make sure you’ll be able to get the individualized attention you need.
• Find out what kind of therapy is offered. If you have a specific type of therapy you’re interested in, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, make sure the facility offers it.

Overall, the best thing you can do is do research and call around. If you need help today and are looking for help in Southern California, the team at California Detox is here for you.

About The Author:

Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate to write about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest in health news for medical clinics and health magazines.