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Here in the UK, alcohol plays a significant role in society. It is present at parties, nights out with pals, at dinner parties, and even when having a barbeque with friends. It is often the gift of choice for a special event such as an anniversary, birthday, or Christmas. It is no surprise, therefore, that this substance is one that is prone to abuse, and because of this, some people will require treatment for alcoholism.
While most individuals can and do drink alcohol in moderation and well below the governments recommended guideline of 14 units per week, many people regularly drink to unsafe levels, thus putting their health at risk.
Harmful to Health
Although it was once the case that we were led to believe that a small amount of alcohol every day could be beneficial to health, recent advice seems to contradict this. In fact, according to a report published in early 2016 by Public Health England, alcohol is responsible for many illnesses, and even drinking to safe levels cannot eliminate the risk of some illnesses, including cancer.
With these warnings, it is hard to believe that some people would ever need treatment for alcoholism. After all, why would anyone continue to drink alcohol when they know the dangers it can pose. The truth is that some individuals are unable to quit alcohol. They have lost all control over their ability to stop using it, and even if it is causing harm in their lives, they will continue to abuse it.
It could be that they have built up a tolerance to the effects of alcohol over time and now need to drink more in order to achieve the same results they once did from a lesser amount. The affected person may have become physically dependent on it and suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, headaches, shaking and nausea, whenever he or she is not drinking. At this stage, the individual is likely to require treatment for alcoholism.
Do You Have a Drinking Problem?
Recognising that you have an addiction is often the hardest part of overcoming this illness because, as with most addictions, denial is quite common. It is hard to tell when you have crossed the line from social drinking to habitual or problem drinking.
Many people will have a drink at the end of a long day at work because it helps them to relax and unwind. However, when that one drink turns into two, and it becomes something you do every evening whether you have had a tough day or not, you are definitely in the realms of habitual drinking.
It is likely that you reach for alcohol without even thinking about it. You are not making a conscious decision to have an alcoholic drink; it is just something you are doing out of habit. But do you even realise that this is something you are doing most people do not.
It is only when loved ones question them about their drinking habits or raise concerns about their behaviour while under the influence of alcohol that the issue becomes something to consider. Many are shocked at the suggestion that they have a problem and dismiss their loved ones concerns.
This is something we see here all the time at UK Rehab. Lots of clients initially come to us because a loved one has suggested that they may have a problem. Many reach out to us in a bid to prove their loved ones wrong and occasionally (but only very occasionally), they do. In truth, when family members and friends notice that a loved one is drinking more than before, it is usually only the tip of the iceberg. For them to notice that there might be a problem means that there almost certainly is. If your loved ones have questioned you about your drinking habits, we urge you to get in touch with us today.
Not All Alcoholics are Equal
Maybe you do not think you are an alcoholic because you dont drink every day. Perhaps you believe that to be an alcoholic one has to drink the first thing in the morning and then all day long until bedtime. You probably think that because this is not the way you live your life, there couldnt possibly be a problem and the mere suggestion that you need treatment for alcoholism is laughable.
It is important that you overcome this stereotyping of alcoholism not all alcoholics are the same. Not everyone drinks cheap alcohol from a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag or falls drunk in the streets. Some individuals with alcoholism still manage to get up every morning and go to work; they still manage to provide for their families. However, that does not mean they do not have a problem. It is all about control, and the minute you lose control over your alcohol consumption, you are in trouble.
Treatment for Alcoholism
We would urge you to get in touch with us here at UK Rehab if you are worried about yourself or a loved one. As well as dealing with those who are directly affected by alcoholism, we also talk to family members and friends to offer advice and information that they can use to help their addicted loved one.
Treatment for alcoholism is available all over the UK, and we can help you to access it. We work with private clinics, local support groups, charities and the NHS to ensure that anyone that needs help can find it easily and quickly. Call today for more information on our free service.
