Alcohol use and drinking culture is so ubiquitous, even celebrated at times, in American society today that you may not know the answer to the question, what does alcohol addiction look like? In short, if you or a loved one has a physical or psychological compulsion to drink alcohol, you probably show some of the most common signs of alcohol addiction. Thankfully, there is help. Our skilled team is ready to assist with helping you overcome alcohol addiction so you can lead a happier, healthier life. Contact our medical professionals online or call Avedis Detox at 833.514.0579 today to discuss how our alcohol addiction treatment center can help you regain control over your life and achieve sobriety.
What Does Alcohol Addiction Look Like?
Since almost every adult consumes some amount of alcohol and because many people around you daily can likely be technically considered functioning alcoholics, what alcohol addiction looks like is a more challenging question to answer than it may seem. Alcohol addiction is most commonly called alcoholism, and it is a harmful disease that does not discriminate, although research has been done to hone in on the factors of alcohol addiction, like:
- Genetics
- Sex
- Gender
- Race
- Socioeconomic background
Alcohol addiction, however, impacts people of nearly all ages and from all walks of life. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors all can and do contribute to whether a person does or does not develop an alcohol addiction. There is not, however, a single cause of alcoholism.
Alcoholism is a genuine and dangerous disease-causing dramatic changes to your brain and neurochemistry. This means that a person with an alcohol addiction may not always be able to control their actions.
The severity of a person’s addiction, how often someone drinks, and the specific type(s) of alcohol they consume will vary from person to person. This means that there is no set way in which alcohol addiction can and will reveal itself. Some people suffering from alcohol addiction drink all day heavily, while others stay sober between binge drinking periods.
No matter how you wear it, you likely have an alcohol addiction if you rely on drinking to feel normal and functional daily and can’t stay sober for an extended period. Those are two of the primary signs of alcohol addiction.
The Signs of Alcohol Addiction
An alcoholic is someone who drinks alcohol beyond their ability to control it. Another sign of alcohol addiction is being unable to stop drinking voluntarily. You may also be intoxicated regularly, drinking daily and consuming more alcohol than most people around you and more than you previously used to.
When it comes to what alcohol addiction looks like, it usually looks like someone who has a physical compulsion to drink and an obsession with thinking about consuming alcohol. The most common and alarming signs of alcohol addiction are:
- Drinking alone
- Drinking in secret
- A lack of interest in other activities or hobbies
- Alcohol cravings
- Drinking has become a priority over responsibilities
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Extreme mood swings
- Feeling guilt associated with drinking but an inability to stop
- Having your first drink in the morning
- Still drinking despite the health, financial, and family problems alcohol is causing
- Failed attempts at getting sober
Learn More at Avedis Detox
If alcohol is causing you harm and the addiction to it is damaging your family, relationships, and work life, learn how alcohol addiction treatment at Avedis Detox can be your first step to a sober life. Contact us using our secure online form or at 833.514.0579 today.
