Next, you’ll probably wonder how to get sober and whether you need support, and it can be difficult to know when to go to rehab for alcohol addiction.
While you may not feel that you’ve hit rock bottom, the truth of the matter is that if you already think you’re at the point where you need alcohol addiction treatment, then you are probably at the point of needing professional help.
How Severe Is Your Addiction To Alcohol?
No two cases of alcoholism are the same, and like any addiction, it’s diagnosed on a spectrum. When you are admitted to rehab clinics, you’ll undergo a full assessment, and this will involve applying a number of criteria to determine the severity of your addiction. These include:
- Suffering withdrawal symptoms when trying to sober up
- Building a high tolerance to alcohol
- Getting into worsening situations and undertaking risks
- Losing interest in everyday life and being unable to take responsibilities
- Cravings for alcohol
- Damaging personal relationships
- Doing anything to get alcohol
- Wanting to quit but being unable to. Perhaps you’ve already tried to do alcoholic detox at home but found it impossible
- Lack of control over drinking and your life in general
The more of these criteria you meet, the more severe your alcoholism is likely to be. If you recognise some of these behaviours in yourself, then the best chance at overcoming alcohol addiction is to attend a treatment centre and go through a tailored programme of therapy, support groups and other treatment options.
Loved Ones Not Acknowledging Your Problem
Admitting your own alcohol or drug addiction can be very difficult, and it’s made harder when you have family members or friends who tell you that you don’t have a problem, or that it’s not severe enough for you to go to alcohol rehab.
There can be many reasons why others might be in denial about your addiction:
- They are also addicts – those who have their own drug or alcohol problem might not want to see you get professional treatment, as it’ll force them to confront their own addiction. Your friends who use alcohol or drugs may see it as losing a friend, perhaps worried you won’t want to spend time with them when you’re in recovery
- They don’t know the extent of your issues – many people with addictions are very good at hiding their issues. When you reveal to your family members or friends that you’re going into inpatient rehab, then it might be the first time they realise you have an issue. It’s quite common for people to be surprised and even upset when you tell them you’re seeking treatment.
- They want to give their own diagnosis – many loved ones will have their own excuses for your problems. It’s not alcoholism, you just like a drink, or you’re just stressed. But when it comes to treating alcohol addiction and diagnosing mental health issues, this is best left to the professionals.
Avoiding Worsening Issues
The nature of addiction means that if left untreated, it’s likely to get worse. While you may be wondering when to go to rehab for alcohol addiction, the short answer is that sooner is often better. This is because every day that you aren’t undergoing treatment programs is a day that you are building up a tolerance, becoming more dependent on alcohol, and damaging your body.
It can be difficult to talk people into seeking help for excessive drinking, as they may not see the problem as severe as some addictions. For example, if you were regularly taking cocaine, then people would be begging you to go into drug rehab, but people who drink will often wait until they’ve reached rock bottom before starting the recovery process.
By seeking help as soon as you notice problematic patterns, you can avoid the long-term issues that come with drinking to excess.
High Functioning Alcoholics
In cases of alcoholism, it can be common to meet people who are high functioning. They often keep up with their job, they may even be very successful in their field, and manage to keep up family relationships and day to day duties. However, in the background their addiction is quietly looming, making you feel like you’re living a double life.
In most cases, the façade eventually falls. They may start showing more outward signs of addiction over the years, or they may be caught drink-driving or make themselves extremely ill through drinking. This is why it’s better to get into rehab and get a treatment plan as soon as you think you need help, rather than having to struggle with your addiction and its fall out for many years.
Getting Help Today
It can be difficult to reach out and get help, but the team at Asana Lodge are extremely professional and here to help. We are always happy to discuss our programmes and treatment facilities, so you can decide whether we’re the right place for you.
We’ve worked with many drug and alcohol addictions over the years, as well as mental illnesses, eating disorders and more, so you can be sure of high quality of care. Many of our team were once alcoholics themselves, so you can be sure of a non-judgemental atmosphere and people who know exactly what you’re going through.
If you’d like to find out more about our treatment programmes, including alcohol rehab, simply get in touch with the Asana Lodge team by calling 01908 489 421 or via e-mail at enquiries@asanalodge.co.uk.
Sources
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcoholism
