When a DUI Signals the Time for Addiction Treatment
You were pulled over and failed a breathalyzer test. You only had a couple of drinks, but now you are facing a DUI or DWI. Your life is about to change significantly. Could alcohol addiction treatment help you?
The Risks of DUIs Are Serious
Many people find a DUI to be a terrifying experience because of its implications. It could include fines, limitations on your ability to drive (including going to and from work), and the risk of jail time, depending on whether or not this is your first time. You may find yourself facing financial difficulties if you cannot drive to and from work. On top of all of this, you’ll be labeled a drunk driver.
A DUI does not necessarily signal that you have a substance use disorder, but it’s a sign to take a look at your drinking behaviors and be honest about where you’re headed.
How to Know You Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Addiction to alcohol occurs because of the way the substance interacts with and changes the structure of the brain. Over time, alcohol causes the brain to seek out more of the substance, creating a constant need for alcohol. If your body suffers when you’re not drinking, this means that you have developed dependence. If you have tried to stop drinking and are unable to, despite the consequences, it’s time to consider professional alcohol addiction treatment.
Let’s look at some other signs that signal the development of a substance use disorder.
You Struggle to Limit Your Consumption
“Just one drink” turns into three within a short period of time. You try not to drink before 6 pm but find yourself struggling to keep that goal. If you go to a bar or a party, drinking a single drink seems impossible no matter how much you desperately want to limit your intake.
You Crave Alcohol
A craving is an intense physical and emotional desire for alcohol. Your brain has been programmed, through chronic drinking, to seek out situations and substances that create a pleasurable experience. Cravings are a sign of dependence. When alcohol has become the most important part of your day, that’s a sign to enter addiction treatment.
You Feel Withdrawal Symptoms When Not Drinking
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms from alcohol use include:
- Feeling anxious or angry
- Being moody and lacking control over your emotions
- Struggling with focus
- Feeling ill
- Struggling with headaches
If you experience these symptoms, which may start as soon as 12 hours after your last drink, you may be facing addiction. For some, alcohol detox can be a critical tool in restoring your health. Treating alcohol addiction in Louisiana with our team may be the best step to take now.
You Notice Changes in Your Social and Family Life
Many people with drug and alcohol addiction struggle endlessly with their need to drink. That puts every other relationship and objective at risk of being pushed off. Consider these signs that your relationships may be struggling:
- Your employer no longer trusts you. They expect you to need help or to fail at your tasks.
- Your family members ignore you or always seem to be angry with you. You cannot seem to do anything right.
- Everyone wants something from you. Even friends seem to always have demands for you.
- You have missed numerous family events and skipped activities because you forgot, were too drunk, or preferred to stay home and drink.
- You are facing financial concerns, health concerns, and changes in your personality.
What to Do When You See the Signs of Alcohol Addiction
These are just a few of the most common signs of addiction. A DUI might be the chance you need to evaluate your relationship with alcohol and seek treatment. Working with a trusted, experienced team can make an incredible difference in your future. At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, our team will help you create a plan to move forward. You can expect outstanding support from our professionals as we navigate this process with you. DUI or not, we are here for you. Call our admissions counselors today for help.