Alcohol is one of the most commonly used and abused substances in the United States. Data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates approximately 55% of adults over the age of 18 report drinking in the past month, and more than 85% report drinking at some point in their lives. Although these statistics may seem underwhelming, it is essential to note that frequent, excessive drinking increases one’s risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. The same survey reports that more than 14.5 million people over the age of 12 meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder in the United States. Of those, as many as 414,000 adolescents and teens ages 12 to 17 had an alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, of the nearly 22 million people with an alcohol use disorder who could benefit from addiction treatment, only about 12% (in 2019) received treatment in the past year.
How to Identify if You Are Addicted to Alcohol
Enjoying an occasional drink with friends or a glass of wine after work does not necessarily mean you are or will become addicted to alcohol. However, there are limitations to how much and how often one can and should drink. Alcoholism (now referred to as an alcohol use disorder) is a condition that causes an overwhelming desire or physical need to consume alcohol regardless of any known harmful effects. If you struggle with an alcohol use disorder, it is difficult (sometimes impossible) to reduce how much or how often you drink without the help of a professional addiction treatment program.
If you are trying to identify if you are addicted to alcohol, it is important to look for common warning signs, including:
- The inability to limit your alcohol consumption.
- A family history of alcoholism-especially a first-degree relative such as your mother or father.
- New or worsening problems at home, work, or in social environments.
- New or worsening physical or mental health symptoms.
- Experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms if you do not drink. Some examples of these may include nausea, sweating, or shaking (DT’s).
- New or worsening legal troubles related to drinking.
- Needing to consume increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to feel the effects that one drink used to achieve.
- Using alcohol as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress or physical discomfort.
Most importantly, if you find that getting and drinking alcohol takes precedence over all else, it is important to reach out for help at an alcohol rehab like Relevance Recovery.
How Alcohol Rehab in Toms River, NJ Can Help You Stop Drinking
The first step on your journey to recovery from alcohol addiction is admitting you struggle with alcohol. Next, it is vital to contact an alcohol rehab in Toms River, NJ specializing in alcohol addiction treatment. Although it is possible to stop drinking without help, detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous. Alcohol detox can produce intense, sometimes life-threatening symptoms, making it difficult to go through detox on your own. Unfortunately, many who try to stop using alcohol “cold turkey” relapse when withdrawal symptoms become too overwhelming to manage. For this reason, it is highly suggested that you detox at a program like Relevance Recovery, where trained specialists can help you detox and transition to a comprehensive therapy program designed to help you stop drinking.
If you or a loved one are ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact our admissions team today to learn more about our Toms River, NJ alcohol rehab and how our programs can help you stop drinking. Our treatment team will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan focused on your unique treatment needs and goals. If you are ready to get sober, contact Relevance Recovery today.