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Signs of Alcohol Addiction

People drink alcohol for different reasons: to be social, to relax, to relieve stress, etc. Concern arises when individuals start to develop a daily dependence on alcohol. An increase in alcohol consumption affects different people in a variety of ways; some start to notice a decrease in productivity at work, relationships may spiral out of control, and legal battles can develop. When you’re physically or mentally addicted to alcohol, you may feel the need to drink just to get by or feel normal. You may be dependent on alcohol if you have three or more of the following problems in a year (WebMD):

• You cannot quit drinking or control how much you drink.
• You need to drink more to get the same effect.
• You have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These include feeling sick, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety.
• You spend a lot of time drinking and recovering from drinking, or you have given up other activities so you can drink.
• You have tried to quit drinking or to cut back the amount you drink but haven’t been able to.
• You continue to drink even though it harms your relationships and cause physical problems.

If three or more of the following factors above pertain to you, it’s probably best to consider an alcohol addiction treatment center. Get the help you deserve!

Alcohol Addiction Facts

Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that reduces an individual’s life expectancy. An individual with an alcohol addiction has a dependence on alcohol, which may be evidenced by drinking every day or drinking too much at one time. Alcohol abuse can affect the body in multiple ways, causing serious health issues, such as heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, lung disease, or stroke. It’s imperative to seek help for your alcohol addiction before your health spirals out of control, or you put another person’s life in danger. In 2012, 10,322 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

A recent article in the New York Times on alcohol use disorder contains valuable information. The article provides constructive takeaways on alcohol use disorder. For example:

• Individuals suffering from an alcohol use disorder increase their chances of early death.
• People who drink regularly have a higher rate of death from injury or violence.
• Alcohol overdose can lead to death.
• Frequent, heavy alcohol use directly harms many areas in the body and produce dangerous health conditions (liver damage, pancreatitis, anemia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction).
• Alcohol abusers who need surgery have an increased risk of postoperative complications, including infections, bleeding, insufficient heart and lung functions, and problems with wound healing. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms after surgery may impose further stress on the patient and hinder recuperation.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Southwest Florida

If you’re an individual who’s wondering how to stop drinking and how to beat alcohol addiction, Crossroads can help! Crossroads is one of the best alcohol addiction treatment centers in Southwest Florida. Crossroads offers a variety of alcohol addiction programs that are tailored to meet individuals’ needs. Crossroads not only offers alcohol addiction programs, we also offer alcohol addiction counseling, and a trained professional will work with you each step of your recovery. It’s important to have an ally when you’re learning how to beat alcohol addiction – a true supporter. We want each and every individual who’s suffering from alcohol addiction to know that there is help and hope. Start your life-changing wellness and recovery at Crossroads by calling (239) 354-1428 or send us a message today.