Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in the United States, and all over the world for that matter. Drinking can destroy a person’s life in a matter of moments if they make one poor decision under the influence, but for most people, it takes years of abuse to really see how they’re damaging themselves and those around them.
If you think you might be suffering from alcohol abuse or know somebody that is, it’s never too soon to get treatment. Doing it before you suffer even greater consequences is something that’s really helpful for most people.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can end the cycle of alcohol abuse and how you can diagnose yourself with a problem. You can also learn how to help somebody in need who may not be able to do it for themselves.
Is It a Drinking Problem?
Many people hate to say that they have a drinking problem or are worried about telling somebody that they have one. The phrase drinking problem is a polarizing one for many people, and almost everybody assumes that you have to be an alcoholic to get help. The fact is there is more than one type of drinking problem.
Alcoholism is typically defined by a physical or mental need to consume alcohol that damages a person’s life. Many people get shakes and are unable to function properly unless they consume alcohol. Of course, this doesn’t mean they are functioning at a high level since having alcohol in your body all the time can create serious problems.
There are other types of drinking problems though. A lot of people don’t drink every single day, but when they do drink, they drink too much. That’s what many people might refer to as a problem drinker.
Problem drinkers tend to do things they regret when they’re drinking because they overdo it. One beer turns into two, and that turns into three or four and a few shots. Over the course of an evening or weekend, people get DUI arrests and make poor choices.
All types of individuals who drink too much can get help. It isn’t something only for people who drink on a consistent basis or who make serious mistakes though. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to problems even if they’ve yet to pop up in a person’s life.
Talk to Them
If you’re worried about a friend, family member, or even a close co-worker, you probably realize that you can’t do everything for them. You can’t check into a Christian Alcohol Treatment Center for them, but you can talk about their issues and concerns.
Let the person know that you’re worried about their drinking and that you only want the best for them. That can seem like an attack at first, but most people will be happy that someone is concerned with their wellbeing. Believe it or not, many people who are dealing with a drinking problem know they have one even if they seem to be in denial.
Giving up drinking can be incredibly difficult, and it isn’t something most people are going to want to do without a little bit of prodding. Drinking is a major part of many people’s social lives, so giving it up is tough.
Talking to somebody with a drinking problem is the first step toward them getting help. Even if it doesn’t work right away, your words likely did not fall on deaf ears – at least not completely.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating an alcohol problem, there are quite a few different things you or any person can do to get help. Most people don’t want to enter treatment at first, but once they get help, they feel much better and lead rich, productive lives.
The first and often the best option for treatment is an inpatient program. When a person enters an inpatient program, they will be away from home and receiving proper care from doctors that understand their needs. It might seem hard to go away from home for help, but taking time to get away from familiar surroundings and taking part in an intensive program is beneficial for many people.
Other options include outpatient programs – which can also be utilized by people who have received inpatient care – where you stay at home and continue your life as you’re getting help. Outpatient programs tend to let you work regular hours, but some require more commitment.
Still, many people find it comforting to remain at home with their families while getting care. For others, it isn’t the best solution.
