ALCOHOLISM, ALCOHOL ADDICTION, ALCOHOL ABUSE

It can be difficult to determine whether a drinker is abusing alcohol or addicted to alcohol – two different types of problem drinking. Alcohol abuse results in consequences or problems for the drinker as a result of drinking; someone who abuses alcohol may not yet be physically addicted to alcohol. In alcohol dependence (i.e., alcohol addiction), withdrawal symptoms appear when no alcohol has been ingested. Alcohol abusers are far more likely to become addicted to alcohol than the average temperate drinker.

Alcoholism is generally defined as having signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continuing to drink in the face of mounting problems with physical or mental health and accumulating issues with family, job, or social responsibilities.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

-Problems at work or school because of drinking, such as tardiness, not showing up

-Engaging in risky behavior when drinking (e.g., driving while intoxicated, sexual promiscuity)

-After drinking, you cannot remember what happened while you were drinking (experiencing blackouts)

-Legal problems stemming from drinking (e.g., DUI/DWI, public intoxication, assault)

-Causing harm to yourself or others when drinking

-Drinking despite health problems caused or made worse by alcohol use

-Friends or family members worrying about your drinking

Signs of Alcohol Dependence (Alcohol Addiction)

-You cannot quit drinking and/or have lost control over how much you drink.

-You require more alcohol than before to get the same effect.

-Withdrawal symptoms start occurring when you stop drinking (e.g., feeling sick to your stomach, sweating, shakiness, insomnia, anxiety)

-The majority of your time is spent drinking and recovering from drinking.

-You have given up other activities in favor of drinking.

-You continue to drink despite knowing it is harming your relationships, causing health problems, etc.

Other Alcoholism Warning Signs

-Drinking in the morning, being drunk often for long periods of time, drinking alone

-Changing what you drink (e.g., switching from liquor to beer or wine) in an effort to drink less or prevent drunkenness

-Feeling guilt and remorse after drinking

-Making excuses for drinking or attempting to conceal your drinking, such as buying alcohol at different stores

-Worrying that you won’t get enough alcohol to last through the evening or weekend

-Showing physical signs of alcohol dependence (e.g., weight loss, a sore or upset stomach (gastritis), redness of the nose and cheeks, etc.)

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

–Alcoholic hallucinosis (hallucinations)

–Anorexia

–Anxiety, panic attacks, generalized fear

–Catatonia, stupor (acute loss of motor skills or, in some cases, constant hyperactive motor activity)

-Confusion, disorientation, decreased attention span

–Delirium tremens (a.k.a. the DTs, the shakes)

–Depersonalization, derealization (the external world and/or one’s life no longer seems real)

–Depression, lethargy

–Diaphoresis (sweating profusely for no apparent reason)

-Upset stomach, diarrhea, irregularity

–Euphoria

-Headaches, migraines

–Hypertension (high blood pressure)

–Hyperthermia (fever)

–Insomnia

-Irritability, restlessness, moodiness, agitation

-Nausea, vomiting, heartburn

–Psychosis

–REM rebound sleep (alcohol tends to supress REM sleep)

–Seizures (can be fatal in extreme cases)

–Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), palpitations

–Tremors

-Weakness

How long do alcohol withdrawal symptoms last?

Resources: Alcoholism, Alcohol Addiction, Alcohol Abuse

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Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

Kim Morton

Alumni Parent
I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

Roy Mantelli

Alumni
Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

Matt Kassay

Alumni
Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

Tommy Parker

Alumni
Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

Creed McClellan

Alumni
When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

Lance Duke

Alumni
I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

Tyler Buckingham

Alumni

Alcoholism, Alcohol Addiction, Alcohol Abuse