While drug addiction has been in the headlines in the United States for the past couple of years, alcoholism is just as big of a national problem. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 16 million Americans suffer from alcohol addiction.

The Problem With Alcoholism

While men are more likely to suffer (9.8 million men compared to 5.3 million women), alcoholism affects everyone, including children of addicted adults. Alcohol is a mind-altering substance that is also very easy to purchase as long as you are over the age of 21, which means any adult can fall victim to its addictive properties.

What’s worse, tons of people do not realize that they are dependent on it, and even fewer people seek treatment for it. This leads to health problems due to excessive drinking and accidents caused by alcohol-impaired people. Alcohol-related deaths rank as third when it comes to preventable deaths in the United States.

Alcohol is not just an acceptable drink but it is so intertwined with the culture and society that it is difficult to live a life without having a drop of liquor. It also means recovering alcoholics face a lot of pressure and temptation once they return to their normal lives. While other people can control their drinking, people who have a history of addiction are not able to.

Unfortunately, addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that can relapse at any time. It causes people to abuse liquor (or drugs) even though they are aware of the consequences. At times, they simply find it impossible to live without alcohol or drugs and their bodies crave it over and over again.

Because it is a disease, it can be treated and managed. Alcohol addiction treatment aims to reduce the reliance on liquor and give the patient a chance to live a normal life again. In many cases, without this help and support, the alcoholism will continue until the end.

What Are The Signs Of Alcoholism?

Having a drink at the end of a tiring and stressful day does not mean you are suffering from alcohol addiction. But the fact is, many alcoholics are also unaware when they have crossed the line from being casual drinkers to being addicts. Here are some signs you need to watch out for:

• Deceptiveness

When you find yourself hiding the fact that you are or have been drinking, then it is a red flag. It means you might be aware that it is too much and do not want other people to notice and point it out. Another sign of deceptiveness is when you steal or use money for other purposes to buy more liquor. In many cases, addicts use deception because they themselves do not want to face the fact that they are addicted to alcohol.

Frequent Intoxication

When you find yourself more drunk than sober and displaying signs of frequent intoxication like disorientation, slurred way of speaking, or mood changes, then you might be suffering from alcoholism.

• Poor Prioritization

If you find yourself being unable to lead a normal life (fulfilling work and family responsibilities, going out, or even maintaining your own hygiene), then it is a huge sign that alcohol has become the most important part of your life.

• Emotional Instability

Addictive substances can also affect mood, and alcoholics will exhibit stark mood shifts (being happy to angry in a matter of minutes) and erratic behavior.

There are other signs, but the 4 mentioned above are usually signs that alcohol rehab is necessary to reduce the dependency on alcohol and find the road back to living a normal, sober life. This is because you might find quitting on your own too difficult, even if you want to stop. You might also suffer from extreme withdrawal symptoms when you try to drink less.

Excessive drinking can cost you a lot, including your job, family, financial stability, and other relationships. When you notice these signs of alcoholism, you should consider seeking professional help.

Types of Rehab Treatment for Alcoholics

When you seek help for your alcoholism, you can opt for different kinds of rehab treatments available in Houston. Factors like cost, family, and work responsibilities can influence your choice. You should also look for the treatment that you feel comfortable with.

1. Residential Treatment

This is the best choice for those who have a severe alcohol addiction, especially if they have unsuccessfully tried to be sober before. While staying in the rehab clinic, they can participate in various therapies to get to the root cause of their alcoholism and truly overcome it. Based on the severity of the addiction, stays can last between 30 and 90 days.

2. Partial Hospitalization

This is what patients with accompanying medical conditions require, so they can get help for both their addiction and for their other medical needs. They do not need to stay in the clinic during this time but they have to go to the hospital daily for a few hours.

3. Outpatient

If you only suffer from mild alcoholism or if you cannot be away from home for a longer period of time (due to family or work responsibilities), then an outpatient program is best. You will need to participate in sessions a couple of days a week for a couple of hours each time. This is, however, not recommended for more severe cases of alcoholism, as they require a more intensive and hands-on approach.

4. Sober Living

This is an option for those who have already finished their inpatient treatment program but need a gentler transition back to normal life. The huge advantage is that they are surrounded by other recovering alcoholics who can support them in their goal of sobriety.

Finding Your Way To An Alcohol-free Life

It is also possible for patients to switch from one kind of treatment to another as they go through their journey to overcome alcohol addiction. This is dependent on your goals, needs, and even your physical, mental, and psychological state. A great alcohol rehab center will not only provide support but also advice on how to achieve a life without alcohol dependency.