It takes time for alcoholism to develop. It doesn’t happen overnight. Alcoholism is, in reality, a chronic illness. Over time, what begins as casual drinking becomes dependency and addiction. The majority of persons who suffer from alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), required months or years to get there.Furthermore, no two people suffer from alcoholism for the same reasons. Regardless of the particular reasons and timeframes that vary from person to person, the disease itself follows a pattern.
There are four phases of alcoholism: pre-alcoholic, early alcoholic, chronic alcoholic, and end-stage alcoholism, which can assist you or your loved ones recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder. These classifications were created to aid people in understanding alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral flaw. The DSM 5 journal lists 11 diagnostic criteria for establishing whether or not an alcohol consumption disorder exists. People who abuse alcohol in any form are more likely to develop more serious problems in the long run. A minor disorder is defined as someone who meets two or more of the 11 criteria. A persistent alcohol use disorder, sometimes known as alcoholism, is defined by 6 or more criteria.
What Are the Signs That Someone Is an Alcoholic?
Because alcohol abuse is so common, determining if you or someone you care about has a drinking problem can be difficult. Some of the alleged benefits of moderate alcohol intake may even be familiar to you, such as:
- Lower heart disease rates.
- Lower diabetes risk.
- Reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke.
Moderate (low-risk) drinking is crucial in this situation. This type of intake may be safe and even beneficial in some cases, but severe or binge drinking is exceedingly harmful, even if there is a period of time between episodes. High weekly alcohol consumption, as well as binge drinking, are both linked to an increased chance of acquiring an Alcohol Use Disorder.
If you’re concerned about your or a loved one’s drinking, look for these indicators of a AUD:
- Withdrawal symptoms (uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms that arise when not drinking).
- Use of more alcohol or consumption of alcohol for a longer period of time than planned.
- Tolerance building (the need to drink larger amounts to get drunk).
- Making several unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop drinking.
- Drinking even when you’re not supposed to resulting in physical or mental health issues.
- Devoting a significant amount of time and effort to purchasing, using, and recuperating from alcoholic drinks.
- Failing to fulfill regular work, home, or school obligations.
- Forgoing social or recreational activities in order to consume alcohol.
- Drinking on a regular basis despite the high chance of negative consequences.
If two or more of these symptoms are present, the person is most likely suffering from AUD.
Mallard Lake Detox Is the Answer to Your Problems
Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston, can assist in the treatment of both short-term and long-term physical symptoms of alcoholism. Mallard offers a variety of highly effective programs for people with various stages of alcoholism. We adapt our methods to meet the needs of each client and try to develop a plan that is right for them.Our staff is well-versed in assessment and can give safe pharmacological treatments, counseling choices, and relapse prevention strategies. To learn more about the different programs and treatment options for alcohol, drug, and other co-occurring disorders, call Mallard Lake today.
