Alcohol abuse can have serious consequences. From health problems such as liver disease to traffic accidents, alcohol has a predictable effect on the health of those who abuse it. Entering an alcohol addiction treatment program can be the difference between life and death for a person suffering from alcohol addiction.
In this month of Alcohol Awareness, learn the signs of risky behavior in your loved one. These behaviors are common among individuals who are addicted to alcohol. In addition, this behavior is often witnessed by other individuals in their social or family setting. As individuals, we can control our use of alcohol, but what are those signs, and how should we respond when we notice the signs of addiction in loved ones?
At Fort Behavioral Health, we treat all aspects of alcohol addiction, including the root causes, which significantly increase the odds of making a full and successful recovery. Reach out to us today online or at 844.332.1807 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
3 Examples of Risky Behavior
1. Drinking in Secret
It’s difficult to watch your loved one drink. It is even harder to watch them drink in secret. Drinking in secret is one of the examples of risky behavior indicative of alcohol addiction.
2. Becoming Irrational and Angry When Drinking
Perhaps you’ve heard the term “mean drunk” or noticed a loved one writing off inexcusable behavior as the product of too many drinks–or failing to remember it at all. If you notice that a loved one who drinks regularly or in excess becomes bitter, angry, mean, or violent when drinking, their alcohol use poses a problem in living.
3. Depending on Alcohol for Relaxation
Relying on alcohol for relaxation is another of the examples of risky behavior. Gravitating towards alcohol frequently as a means of relaxing could be indicative of an addiction. Similarly, designating every occasion as a reason to drink denotes a problematic relationship to the substance.
Identify Alcohol Addiction Behaviors
People who drink too much or too often can suffer from severe medical conditions and social-emotional consequences.
Risky alcoholic behavior can lead to:
- Hangovers
- Liver damage
- Visual impairment
- Damage to the central nervous system
- Loss of physical and mental health
- Bankruptcy or similar financial struggles
- Difficulty keeping a job
- Loss of family ties
- Social isolation
- Insomnia and nightmares
These effects can last for weeks, months, or a lifetime after attaining sobriety. The sooner a person can identify and begin to treat the symptoms and causes of alcohol abuse, the higher the likelihood of preventing severe and permanent consequences.
However, it’s never too late to seek help and begin the process of recovery. It’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional if you suspect you might suffer from alcohol addiction or be at risk for developing an addiction.
Alcoholism is a severe condition and can cause death, disability, or permanent damage to a person’s health. For many who abuse alcohol, their drinking habit has changed so much over time that they don’t recognize their behavior anymore. It occurs gradually and can be challenging to identify or untangle, which is why the support of loved ones is essential.
Alcohol abuse can result in long-term consequences including, but not limited to physical addiction. If you notice these or other signs of alcohol abuse in a loved one, encourage them to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and support them in getting help from a therapist or counselor. It also may be beneficial for you to attend a support group such as Al-Anon.
Contact Fort Behavioral Health for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
At Fort Behavioral Health in Fort Worth, Texas, we offer a variety of comprehensive addiction treatment options and support groups and therapy for those whose loved ones struggle with addiction. Contact us today at 844.332.1807 for addiction recovery support and resources.
