Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as “an impaired ability to cease or limit alcohol consumption despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences.” This condition hinders an individual from knowing when or how to stop drinking even when it seriously disrupts their finances and lives at home and work. If you have wondered is my spouse an alcoholic, you may require a luxury drug rehab in Malibu.
What Are the Risks of Alcohol Misuse?
Short term risks
People who consume large amounts of alcohol quickly are more likely to act recklessly and risk getting into accidents. The following are the immediate risks of abusing alcohol:
- Accidents and illnesses that need to be treated at a hospital, such as a brain injury
- Violent conduct
- Sexual activity without protection may result in an unforeseen pregnancy or STDs
- loss of personal items like wallets, keys, or smartphones
- Alcohol poisoning, which can result in vomiting, convulsions, and unconsciousness
Long-term risks
A person’s risk of developing major health issues is increased by ongoing alcohol abuse. Some of the health conditions include:
- Heart diseases
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Liver diseases
- Liver tumor
- Colon cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatitis
What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?
Most often, people with alcohol use disorders are not the first to notice but the people around them. Below are some of the symptoms common to alcoholics.
- Drinking in secret
- Not being able to control the amount of alcohol consumed, experiencing blackouts, and losing track of time when drinking
- A decline in interest in other activities
- Having a desire to drink
- Having a lousy attitude when alcohol may not be available
- Storing alcohol in unusual places
- Drinking to feel good
- Experiencing drinking-related issues with employment, finances, relationships, or the law
- Needing more alcohol to experience the effects
- Feeling queasy, sweaty, or trembling when not drinking
Is My Spouse an Alcoholic?
It might be challenging to determine whether your spouse’s drinking patterns are normal or indicate an addiction. However, a few important details, including how frequently and how much they consume, can give you a hint.
It’s crucial to understand that even those who have fulfilling lives can become addicted. The warning signs of drug addiction mentioned above can help you identify whether your partner is an alcoholic and needs help especially if you think you notice signs of alcoholism.
People with a positive relationship with alcohol don’t drink excessively or frequently enough to put themselves in danger. An alcoholic is physically and psychologically hooked on drinking alcohol regularly and often finds it difficult to stop once they start.
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Withdrawal and Detox
A detoxification program, or medically managed withdrawal, could be utilized as the first step in treatment. This typically takes two to seven days and is also referred to as detox. To stop withdrawal symptoms, sedative drugs may be required. Inpatient treatment facilities or hospitals are frequently used for detoxification.
Psychological Guidance
Counseling and therapy for both groups and individuals also support recovery from the psychological effects of alcohol use. Couples or family therapy may be helpful to an individual recovering from alcoholism because family support can be crucial to the healing process.
Mutual Assistance Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs offer peer support for those who are giving up or cutting back on drinking. Mutual-support groups can provide an invaluable additional layer of support when combined with care provided by medical experts.
Oral Medications
Disulfiram is a medication that can help a person stop drinking, but it won’t treat alcohol use disorder or stop the impulse to drink. Disulfiram causes a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches if alcohol is consumed while taking the medication.
Naltrexone, a medication that suppresses the positive effects of alcohol, may prevent binge drinking and lessen the desire to consume alcohol. Once one stops drinking, acamprosate may help to stave off cravings for alcohol. Naltrexone and acamprosate do not cause nausea after consuming alcohol, in contrast to disulfiram.
How to Get a Loved One Help; Rise in Malibu is an Alcohol Treatment Center in Southern California
Providing care for someone who struggles with alcoholism can be extremely stressful, but no matter how dire things may appear, obtaining the right care and therapy will always be beneficial.
Visit us at Rise in Malibu now to obtain the best treatment plans and drugs to help you fight alcoholism if you think you might have a problem with alcohol or if you are worried about a loved one.
Contact Rise in Malibu today to learn more about the drug and alcohol addiction treatment in Malibu.
