If you suspect a loved one suffers from alcohol addiction, a rehab treatment program may help. Alcohol rehab centers in Colorado offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. These centers can help your loved one with a structured program that gives them the tools to overcome their addiction. No matter where they are in their addiction, alcohol rehab is a smart path forward. Review these five signs that indicate your loved one may need to start a rehab program today.
They consume an excessive amount of alcohol.
Although many people drink socially, you may notice that your loved one depends on alcohol differently. For example, they are dependent on alcohol to get them through everyday scenarios. Over time, the body can form a tolerance to substances, leading the person to take it in higher amounts. If you notice your loved one is drinking excessively, they may already be to the point of tolerance.
Unfortunately, the higher the tolerance, the more likely an overdose can happen. This is because they will keep drinking more each time to achieve a certain feeling from the substance. This is a sure sign that your loved one needs help in overcoming their addiction through rehab.
Drinking is the main priority.
If your loved one is drinking in excess, alcohol is most likely the main focus for them. However, alcohol abuse often leads to an obsession with the substance. They may always think or talk about when their next drink is. They may spend an inordinate amount of money or resources on alcohol. They may also forgo participating in activities and interests that they formerly enjoyed just to drink. When a person’s life no longer revolves around family, friends, or interests, it is most likely time to pursue rehab.
They use alcohol to cope with their mental illness.
A 2014 study by SAMHSA concluded that nearly 8 million people had both substance abuse and mental health disorder. Many people use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their mental illnesses. This is a large factor in the development of substance abuse. Instead of finding healthy coping mechanisms, your family member may have turned to alcohol instead.
Although it may feel good at the moment, alcohol has negative side effects on mental health. It can often worsen the effects of mental illness. The more that alcohol triggers mental health symptoms, the more a person becomes dependent on it. Alcohol rehab Colorado not only addresses issues of substance abuse. To fully recover, your family member will address underlying mental health issues as well.
Their physical health is suffering.
Alcohol can also affect a person’s physical health with adverse side effects. Your family member could sustain long-term liver problems or develop cancer. Long-term alcohol intoxication has many negative side effects.
These may include inappropriate behavior, unstable moods, impaired judgment, slurred speech, impaired attention or memory, and poor coordination. You can also have periods called “blackouts,” where you don’t remember events. Very high blood alcohol levels can lead to coma or even death.
These include:
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Memory impairment
- Blackouts
A structured alcohol rehab program helps patients recover from both physical and mental health effects. During their stay with qualified professionals, they’ll learn how to navigate withdrawal symptoms as well.
They have already tried to quit.
Your loved one may have already gone through a successful recovery program. That is wonderful news because it means they are familiar with the rehabilitation process. They probably know that addiction doesn’t disappear overnight. It is a chronic condition that involves periods of recovery and, oftentimes, relapse. Luckily, there are many different methods of recovery.
Each person reacts to treatment differently. What works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is that your family member is dedicated to recovery. A more comprehensive rehab program may be needed this time around. All you can do is encourage your family members to not get discouraged by their relapse. A different treatment plan may be the answer to getting them back on the road to alcohol addiction recovery.