Alcohol addiction, more appropriately called alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a disease that impacts people from all walks of life. Treatment is possible. But, where do you start?

The first step in getting alcohol addiction treatment is to recognize what is happening and to be open to taking action. It is an honest reflection of yourself and acceptance that alcohol consumption has become a problem and that it is affecting your life.

Why Recognizing Alcohol Addiction Is So Important

You may be one of many people who “get it.” You know that alcohol consumption isn’t a good thing anymore, but you’re not sure if you have a “problem.” These are statements often made when a person has not fully recognized the extent of what is happening to them. Once you recognize the presence of AUD, you start on a path towards change.

Real Talk: Do You Have These Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

It’s never easy for anyone to admit that they are facing an uncontrollable situation, especially with alcohol. Not everyone who drinks alcohol develops AUD. But have you? Be honest with yourself now to consider the most common symptoms of AUD. If you see them in yourself, that could mean that recognizing what is happening is your first step.

Ten common signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Craving or thinking about alcohol on a routine basis, often every day
• Continuing to use alcohol even when you know it is negatively impacting relationships, work, finances, and legal well-being
• Trying to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed but struggling to do so
• Drinking more than you intended to, or promising yourself you’ll just have one drink and then not being able to stop
• Giving up activities, people, and responsibilities you enjoy because you need a drink
• Using alcohol in reckless situations, such as driving under the influence
• Paying for alcohol and seeking out alcohol even at the expense of other bills, such as paying the rent or mortgages
• Feeling withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol, including emotional and physical changes
• Using alcohol even if you have a medical condition that worsens because you are doing so
• Hiding how much you are drinking from family or friends

If you are engaging in any of these signs of alcohol addiction, consider, privately, what this means to you. None of these scenarios indicates a healthy relationship with alcohol. They all indicate that now is the best time to seek alcohol addiction treatment.

Have the Hard Conversation With Someone You Trust

One of the bravest things you can do if you are struggling with AUD is to seek out help. Admitting that you have a problem can be emotionally traumatic in itself. You may have a range of emotions running through your mind. “How did I let this happen? Why does this have to be me?” Take a moment and realize that the first step towards getting treatment is realizing that there is a problem, and that is an incredibly brave thing to do in itself. It is an opportunity for you to decide that what is happening to you right now isn’t working, and you’re ready to stop giving control of your life to a drink.

Still, recognizing a problem can sometimes be a bit clearer when you reach out to someone you trust to have that conversation. Ask questions such as:

• Do you think I drink too much?
• Does my drinking impact my relationship with you?
• Do you think I have an addiction? Why?

No one can make the decision for you that you have an addiction or that you should seek help. Yet, hearing the other side could provide you with insight into what’s happening. For example, your spouse could help you see that when you are drinking, you’re withdrawn from your family, or that you are not meeting your objectives at home. A good friend might tell you that they are worried about your health and life. They may provide examples of when you drink too much or how your health is impacted.

It’s not easy to hear these things. But sometimes, that realization that a real problem exists is critical. That’s when you may come to realize that now is the time to take action.

Let Our Team Be There to Help You Start Your Recovery

At Victory Addiction Recovery Center in Lafayette, LA, we know exactly what you are facing because we’ve helped many people overcome it. There is no judgment here. There is incredible support. If you believe you could be facing alcohol dependence, take a second right now to reach out to us. We’re here 24 hours a day to answer your questions and to help you start your recovery. Contact us now.