The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there are approximately 15 million people suffering from alcohol abuse in this country. The good news is that one million (seven percent) of these people who have this alcohol abuse diagnosis receive treatment.
Do you think you have a loved one fighting this same problem? If you’re not sure, read more here on what is considered alcohol abuse and its treatment options.
Follow the steps outlined in this alcohol abuse guide. Then you can help your loved one on the road to recovery.
What is Considered Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse, or alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to someone’s inability to control their drinking due to their emotional or physical dependence on alcoholic beverages. AUD can be caused by either genetics or other psychological or environmental causes.
Victims diagnosed with AUD note a strong urge or need to consume alcohol regularly. Those with AUD might be unable to control their drinking, continue consuming alcohol even when if it causes problems, or experience withdrawal symptoms when they rapidly stop or decrease their drinking.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
As a worried friend or family member, you might have seen these following physical symptoms of AUD in your loved one:
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Sweating
Other warning signs include:
- Consuming larger amounts of alcohol over a shorter period of time to reach a desired effect
- Lying about how much alcohol is consumed
- Neglecting job responsibilities to recover from a hangover
- Doing activities that are dangerous if done while drinking (i.e., walking in unsafe or restricted areas, driving, swimming.)
- Giving up hobbies or other activities previously considered important or fulfilling
If you notice these symptoms occurring over and over again, it’s time for you to get your loved one to recognize that they need help.
Treatment Models for Alcohol Abuse
There are different types of treatment for alcohol abuse. These models include:
Residential Treatment Centers
Residential treatment centers provide detoxification care to a patient in a residential, non-medical setting on a 24-hour basis. Patients live with other residents who have a similar addiction.
An on-site patient can receive medication therapy such as a naltrexone implant in conjunction with other behavioral counseling services.
Out-Patient Programs
Out-patient programs provide a non-medically supervised treatment service. This service is scheduled to accommodate a patient’s job or family life during their recovery process.
Sober Living Facilities
Sober living facilities include temporary housing for those patients who have concluded their residential treatment program.
Sober living clients participate in activities such as group counseling, self-esteem building, and other activities that help them develop a plan for sobriety.
What Are Your Next Steps?
Talk to your doctor. Ask them for their professional advice on how to approach someone that you think is suffering from alcohol abuse.
Review the treatment models outlined in this article with your loved one and ask your physician for referrals to these facilities. Your doctor can also help you develop the steps to take in the event your loved one suffers from a relapse during treatment.
Don’t forget to check our website for other blog posts on the latest trend reports and news on what is considered alcohol abuse. Now is the time to unite with friends and family members. With your help, your loved one can live a life that’s alcohol-free.
