Across the United States, about 18 million adults struggle with alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health. This prevalent health condition is also one of the leading causes of preventable death in the nation. So, if you find yourself wondering why do I need alcohol abuse counseling, you wouldn’t be alone.
Signs You Might Need Alcohol Abuse Counseling
If you’re wondering why do I need alcohol abuse counseling, then chances are you’ve noticed some signs that have you concerned. It might also be that someone close to you — a friend, coworker, spouse, or another family member — that caused you to question the possibility.
If you have any of the following signs, you might be a good candidate for alcohol abuse counseling:
Becoming isolated
This can take a number of forms including distancing yourself from those activities that you used to enjoy. It might be that you’d rather be drinking, that the people involved don’t approve of your drinking or some other issue. This sign may be difficult to see, particularly in the COVID-19 crisis. However, it is no less valid, particularly if other people have begun isolating from you. For instance, perhaps you’ve been told not to come to a particular function because of your drinking.
Experiencing memory loss and/or blackouts
If you drink so much that you experience blackouts or have short-term memory loss, it’s a sign that your drinking has veered into abuse. During these times of blackouts and memory loss, you are vulnerable to being physically and/or sexually assaulted.
Making excuses
Maybe you’ve found yourself leaning on drinking too much as a way to cope with the stresses of work and life in general. Perhaps at work, you look forward all day to coming home and unwinding with a beer. It might also be that you only feel like yourself — happy, carefree, outgoing, and personable — while you’re drinking.
These could be the reasons why drinking has become a crutch for you. They are also a red flag that you need to be aware of if you are concerned about your drinking.
Hiding your drinking
Many people start drinking as a social behavior. In fact, there are many activities in the United States that are centered around drinking. When a line is crossed, though, you might notice that others drink less than you do or don’t act in the same manner as you do when you’ve been drinking. This could prompt you to start drinking alone.
If your drinking has become the source of fights and contention with your significant other, you might find yourself trying to hide it. This could involve the use of mints, gum, and other aids in an attempt to mask the smell.
Extreme mood swings
Once your body and brain start to crave alcohol, any attempt to stop is likely to be met with signs of withdrawal. This might include cravings, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and more.
In some cases, if you stop drinking suddenly, you could experience seizures that are deadly. This is important to know so you can plan appropriately when you realize the answer to the question: why do I need alcohol abuse counseling.
If you are trying to figure out the answer to why do I need alcohol abuse counseling, Promises Behavioral Center can help. Our programs and services are designed to be tailored to meet the needs of each client. Some of them include the following:
- Family therapy treatment program
- Art therapy program
- Drug rehab for professionals
- EMDR therapy program
- Craniosacral therapy program
- Cognitive processing therapy program
The right combinations of treatment, support, and counseling can help you regain control of your life and live it to the fullest. Contact Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 and learn how we can help.