There’s a saying, meant in jest that goes “A glass of red wine a day keeps diseases away.” However, if you have an alcohol use disorder, it’s a good idea to come up with a rhyme or theme that sends the opposite message. Perhaps the phrase “Thinking is better than drinking” is a better model for those in alcohol rehab in Phoenix. At America’s Rehab Campuses, we can provide coping skills that help you learn healthy eating and drinking habits that don’t involve alcohol.
Alcoholism isn’t just about the amount you drink — it’s about the reasons behind it. Maybe you’re using alcohol to unwind, to escape, or even as a way to fit in. But when that casual drink begins to take control over your life — affecting your relationships, your work, and your health — it’s no longer a harmless habit. If you’re questioning whether you or a loved one has crossed the line, it’s important to recognize the signs early. No one should face this journey alone — help is available, and there is hope.
Alcohol Rehab Phoenix Residents Trust!
Here are some sobering stats from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) that emphasize how sober living saves lives:
- Every year, there are over 80,000 deaths related to alcohol in the US.
- Alcohol poisoning kills six people every day.
- Did you know that nearly one in three driving fatalities involves alcohol consumption as a primary cause?
Although drunk driving causes billions of dollars in damage every year, it also destroys lives. For the 15 million Americans battling alcohol use disorder, our innovative alcohol rehab in Phoenix provides a lifeline that could mean the difference between life and death, productive living or self-destruction.
Other statistics are even more heartbreaking. With 4700 teens dying from alcohol abuse every year, it’s important to seek out help if you don’t want you or your child to be another statistic. Approximately 8% of those with alcohol use disorders receive the care they need. So, if you want to be part of an elite statistic, shoot to increase this percentage by seeking help today.
DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) isn’t just about drinking too much — it’s about how alcohol impacts your life. The DSM-5, a clinical guide used by healthcare professionals, lays out specific criteria to help determine if someone is struggling with alcohol dependency. These include:
- Drinking more than intended.
- Feeling unable to stop drinking, even if you want to.
- Continuing to drink even after facing consequences.
- Developing a tolerance, where more alcohol is needed to feel the same effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. If you find that these signs apply to you, it might be time to seek help. Diagnosing yourself can be the first step in understanding your relationship with alcohol and getting the support you need.
Early Signs of Alcoholism
Recognizing early signs of alcoholism is key to getting the help you need before things escalate. Some of the signs you may notice include:
- Drinking more than you intended: You find yourself finishing that extra drink without thinking, or drinking when you said you wouldn’t.
- Feeling anxious or defensive when others ask about your drinking: If you’re getting irritable when people bring up your alcohol consumption, it’s a sign that something may be off.
- Using alcohol as a crutch: If drinking becomes your go-to solution for stress, anxiety, or even celebration, it’s time to pause and assess whether alcohol is controlling your emotions.
Subtypes of Alcoholism
Not all alcoholics are the same. Alcoholism can show up in different ways, and understanding these patterns can help you or a loved one get the right help. Here are a few different subtypes:
- The Young Adult Alcoholic: Often begins drinking at an early age and may binge-drink into adulthood.
- The Functional Alcoholic: Maintains a job and family life, but drinking secretly takes a toll on their physical and mental health.
- The Chronic Severe Alcoholic: This subtype may experience long-term consequences like liver damage and mental health issues. They drink frequently and in large amounts. Recognizing which subtype resonates with you can be crucial in tailoring the right treatment approach.
Warning Signs That You May Become An Alcoholic
It’s easier to see the signs and others than in yourself. People rarely set out to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs. It can happen before you realize what’s going on. Therefore, it’s important to know the warning signs that you need alcohol rehab in Phoenix to reverse the cycle and eliminate your body’s dependence on alcohol.
Because alcohol changes your brain chemistry, it’s difficult to stop on your own. When you drink alcohol, it raises the levels of GABA in your brain. This is a neurotransmitter that causes impaired thinking, slurred speech and other typical signs of being drunk. However, it also blocks and important and inhibitor called glutamate that slows your physiological responses. By boosting dopamine levels, drinking alcohol stimulates the brain’s reward center, making you crave more and more alcohol.
Before you know it, addiction can take over your brain, making it difficult if not impossible for you to stop drinking on your own. It can also be physically and psychologically dangerous to quit cold turkey. Therefore, it’s important to attend a reputable detox center to eliminate alcohol from your body completely.
Following detox, it’s important to come to a reputable center known for its effective results such as our alcohol rehab in Phoenix.
If you notice the following symptoms, it may indicate that you need help to stop drinking:
- Headaches
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Constant irritability and drastic mood swings
- Antisocial behavior
- Nausea
- Intense cravings
- Seizures, coma (rare) and death (from an overdose)
Come to America Rehab Campuses in order to break the cycle of addiction. Our alcohol rehab in phoenix can help you achieve your long-lasting recovery goals.
Consequences of Alcoholism (Physical and Emotional)
Alcoholism doesn’t just affect your ability to think clearly — it impacts every part of your life, from your body to your emotions. Some long-term consequences include:
- Physical consequences: Liver damage, heart disease, digestive problems, and weakened immune systems.
- Emotional and mental health consequences: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Relationship and social consequences: Strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Alcoholism can lead to isolation, lost friendships, and damaged careers. Recognizing these impacts early can help you take steps to regain control over your life.
Ready to start your path to recovery? Contact us today!
