Drinking holidays are a challenging time for those with alcohol use disorders. Some days are harder than others, but every day has the potential to encourage high-risk triggers that can threaten a person’s sobriety. It can be difficult to admit when you have developed an issue with drinking. The effects of alcohol abuse go far beyond the individual. Alcohol abuse can affect family, friends, and work and cause financial and legal consequences. The first step is to admit you have a problem.
The next step is big—asking for help. DetoxLA provides a comfortable, safe, and secure environment for alcohol detox in California. If you are struggling with binge drinking or other forms of alcohol abuse, we encourage you to reach out to us today at 818.616.7341 for more information about our programs and services.
Why People Binge Drink
When teenagers, adolescents, and adults engage in drinking, they often go to extremes. This pattern can be the beginning of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Over time, this can develop into an alcohol use disorder.
Like any addictive substance, experimenting with alcohol can become a slippery slope. An occasional drink can turn into several drinks a week, which can turn into a few drinks a night, and soon enough, a person has developed a habit of daily drinking.
Regular drinking can also cause a person to develop a tolerance. Once tolerance develops, a person needs more alcohol to feel the same degree of euphoric effects.
People must continue their habit or deal with adverse side effects to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Avoidance of negative side effects and an increased tolerance fuel the cycle of abuse.
Drinking and Mental Health
Alcohol and other forms of substance abuse often result from underlying or unaddressed issues. Those who have developed an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcohol addiction are likely to have a co-occurring mental health issue and require a proper dual diagnosis.
People who have developed a drinking problem often struggle with issues that include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal ideation
A personal history of trauma is a likely contributing factor to developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Individuals with a family history of alcohol or drug abuse or addiction have an increased chance of developing an addiction. Additionally, children who grow up in a household affected by alcoholism often see violence or experience violent acts first-hand. Experience with trauma is another common reason for alcohol or drug abuse.
The Importance of Treating an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
It’s important to end the cycle of abuse as soon as possible. Just because you have not done something you deeply regret yet, does not mean you cannot make regrettable life choices due to heavy drinking.
Statistics reveal a correlation between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and crime. Small mistakes can be a gateway to more serious behavioral issues. It’s important not to blame the victim, but it’s also important not to create more victims by failing to deal with your problems.
A common misconception is that strangers perpetrate violence. In reality, the vast majority of crimes are committed by people the victim knows. More than 60% of alcohol-related offenses are against a person’s significant other.
Alcohol abuse, especially for men, is correlated with domestic violence. Intimate partner violence when alcohol plays a role is correlated with more severe negative outcomes. Not all alcohol-related violence is physical, especially in domestic partnerships. Alcohol-fueled verbal abuse is extremely common.
What to Expect from Detox
The first step in treating an AUD is detox. It’s always best to know a little about the process you are about to undertake so that you are not entirely taken by surprise.
There are common withdrawal symptoms associated with detox. These can be unpleasant and sometimes even require an emergency medical intervention. It is encouraged that you undergo treatment in a medically-supervised setting.
Symptoms experienced during the withdrawal period can include:
- Increased anxiety
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Shakiness
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Let DetoxLA Help You Quit Drinking Today
At DetoxLA, we know it can be difficult to change habits and routines. It’s important to keep in mind that you have the potential to gain a better outlook on life once you’ve detoxed from alcohol and found new reasons to enjoy life in sobriety. Sober life does not have to be boring, and those who quit their habits report a higher quality of life and improved sense of overall well-being.
Call 818.616.7341 today to get started.