Alcohol dependency is a serious condition. Unfortunately, most people assume that alcohol is not a serious drug. Sure, it’s possible to buy alcohol at a local drugstore. However, it’s also possible for this seemingly innocuous habit to turn into a full-blown addiction.
In short, yes, alcohol is a drug. It is under the category of depressants. Typically, alcohol will eventually slow down your body’s primary functions. This is why alcohol abuse comes with unsteady movements, loss of balance as well as slurred speech.
Many individuals drink alcohol for the “stimulant effect.” It is a way for them to loosen up. However, if the individual will consume more alcohol than what the body can take, they will then experience the depressant effect of alcohol.
Alcohol overdose is something that you should watch out for. It can cause vomiting, nausea, unconsciousness, and even coma. In the worst cases, an alcohol overdose can cause death. Such reactions depend on the volume of alcohol that has been consumed and also how quick the consumption was.
Related article: Problems that Alcohol Abuse can Cause
Do I Have Alcohol Dependency?: Questions to Ask Yourself
Alcohol dependency can be a difficult subject to talk about. If you or someone dear to you is dependent on alcohol, it’s not that easy to start talking about it. But you need to confront the problem head-on because it’s the only way that you can start to make changes in your life if you think you have an alcohol dependency. If it is someone you care about who has problems with alcohol, then you can only help them if you and the person will be able to face the truth that alcohol has become a problem in your lives.
People who have alcohol dependency have better chances of overcoming it if they can acknowledge the problem and seek help fast. It may appear at first that the alcoholic doesn’t want any help but in most cases, they actually don’t know that they already have a problem with their drinking habits.
The first step towards alcohol dependency recovery is to admit that you have a drinking problem. There are cases where people can answer the questions “Do I have alcohol dependency?” with a yes. But if you’re not so sure if you have an alcohol dependency, there are questions that you can ask yourself. What’s important here is that you answer these questions truthfully.
Do You Experience Memory Loss?
One of the many side effects of alcohol dependency is memory loss. Have you ever experiences waking up the next day and not being able to remember what happened the night before? This kind of memory loss is what’s called a blackout. Try to assess if you’ve been having drunken blackouts constantly. It’s one of the indications that you may have an alcohol dependency.
Are You Able to Accept that You Have a Drinking Problem?
Most often, people with alcohol dependency don’t know that there’s already a problem. Many alcoholics are in denial about their condition. Have your friends and family told you that your drinking is getting out of control? Even if you think that you’re still in control of your drinking habits, if other people are telling you that it’s become a problem, you’ve got to trust them that indeed it has. Once you accept that you have an alcohol dependency, then the sooner you can also recognize that you need proper help.
Do You Have a High Tolerance for Alcohol?
Many of us are social drinkers. By this, it means that a drink or two is fine and we usually stop at that point. How about you? How many drinks do you consume before you stop? Can you drink so much more than your friends can and not become impaired? Many people are proud of their high tolerance for alcohol. But the truth is that this is a sign of alcohol dependency. Not being able to stop until you’re absolutely wasted is another sign that drinking has become a problem.
Do You Get Restless When You Can’t Drink Alcohol?
Restlessness and irritability when you can’t drink alcohol are withdrawal symptoms. If you stop drinking or weren’t able to get your drink for some time, then you may experience such symptoms. You may also vomit, have cold sweats, and even experience depression. Observe yourself if you experience any of these withdrawal symptoms because they can be dangerous for you, even deadly. Immediately seek medical attention.
Related article: How to Know if Alcohol Abuse is Already a Problem
What to Do if You have Alcohol Dependency?
If you’ve answered yes to most of the questions above, then it is most likely that you have an alcohol dependency. Among the initial steps that you need to make is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to refer you to one of the best addiction rehab centres where you can get treatment.
Remember not to go through detox on your own. You may be tempted to resolve the dependency by yourself. However, just as we mentioned previously, the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol dependency can be dangerous and fatal. You need to be under a medically-supervised detox program so that your body can get rid of the alcohol safely.
Another thing that you need to do is to tell your family about what your plans are. You may choose to tell your partner, your parents, a sibling, or a trusted friend. It’s vital that you have strong emotional support while you’re going through the alcohol addiction treatment.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that the sooner you can recognize that your drinking habits have become a problem, the better chances you have of getting the right treatment that you need. Alcohol dependency can be treated and you can do so much to manage the cravings and other challenges you may face. If you’re ready to make a big change for yourself, give us a call here at Addiction Rehab Toronto. We will be here for you in your journey to recovery.
Related article: Best Alcohol Addiction Treatments
