Can’t tell if you are addicted or if you suspect a family member is becoming addicted? We have compiled a summary of the most important signs for you. A distinction is made between changes in the behavior and appearance of the person affected by the problem.
Changes in mental state and behavior:
– unreasonable and sudden mood swings with an aggressive tendency;
– signs of a depressive state, accompanied by accusations against oneself or third parties;
– loss of contact with close family, friends, and work colleagues or rapid changes in the social environment;
– change or loss of personal interests or hobbies;
– frequent absence from home or isolation in separate rooms;
– unusual changes in sleep rhythm and alertness or sleep disturbances;
– a noticeable decrease in labor productivity at work, school, etc;
– growing debts and financial problems in the family;
– lies about yourself and your environment;
– committing criminal offenses;
– problems in a relationship with a partner (husband/wife);
– physical changes and somatic disorders;
– eating disorders: complete loss of hunger or sudden hunger, thirst, and excessive consumption of mostly unhealthy foods;
– strong weight loss in a short time;
– sweating at room temperature or without any physical activity;
– redness of the face and body or pallor in the facial area;
– increased susceptibility to constipation or diarrhea;
– bruises, trauma or cuts on the body, or obvious needle punctures.
Are you addicted and don’t know how to deal with it?
Limiting consumption is recommended as a first step. As a rule, in such cases, you should talk to someone you trust, and then contact the first alcohol rehab center. Feelings of shame or self-blame won’t do you any good. Aid centers are aware of the complex problems of alcohol addiction and can help you take the first steps to overcome your addiction.
The longer you avoid the help of specialists and experts, the more the risk to life and health increases. But keep in mind that you must be ready to change something in your current life situation and be ready to go through the healing process, i.e. full recovery is only possible if you work on yourself every day for a long period of time. Experienced professionals and therapists will show you how you can achieve your goal and support you in finding the right way to get rid of addiction. If you have reached a stage where abstinence causes you physical pain or severe psychological pressure, then under no circumstances try to forcefully get out of this situation.
Withdrawal symptoms can become uncontrollable and, depending on the type of addiction, can cause further serious health problems, and in the worst case, even lead to life-threatening illness. The use of alcoholic substances is not a criminal offense. You don’t need to be afraid of being prosecuted or talk to a counselor about it.
Your family member is addicted and you don’t know what to do?
One of the most common mistakes parents or relatives make is putting psychological pressure on a family member. Reproaches of guilt, avoidance of confrontation, and even threats of any kind are always counterproductive and always have the opposite effect. It happens that the patient feels confident in his consumption and behavior and thus moves away from the family. If the relative can’t find access to alcohol addiction, he must admit to himself that he needs the help of third parties, even if it is difficult. The step toward trained and experienced therapists is always the smart one. Only they can diagnose in the course of a conversation at what stage of addiction the person is and what measures are necessary for treatment.
Rehabilitation of alcohol addicts
A person who has undergone long-term treatment for alcoholism learns to live fully. And after the completion of the active stage of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a rehabilitation course.
Quite often it happens that, faced with old acquaintances or the environment, a patient who leaves the clinic breaks down and starts using prohibited substances again. Therefore, the patient needs to be ready to enter the familiar environment, while having new skills in building relationships with family, colleagues, and people around him.
Rehabilitation includes classes with a psychologist, and a social worker, expanding labor competencies, a variety of leisure activities, and physical education. New psychological attitudes and understanding of how to build communication with people should take place during rehabilitation.
Stages of alcohol rehab
Basic stage
At this stage of rehabilitation, alcohol dependence is viewed as a disease not only physiological but also psychological, and even social. As a rule, a person has little sense of his personal value: spiritual therapy will allow him to fill this gap. At the basic stage, the patient, together with specialists, examines and analyzes his life in detail from the point of view of psychological and social reasons that prompted him to drink. Psychologists help a patient understand the nature of their motivations and feelings, understand childhood traumas and neuroses, teach psychological self-regulation, and track their emotions. Also, an important element of basic rehabilitation is planning life, starting with micro-periods. Over time, this hones discipline, gives support in the present, and a clear understanding of the fullness of life.
Socialization
At this stage, a person regains his positive social contacts and prepares to exit the artificial state of isolation, which was proposed by the clinic, to his usual society and family. At this stage, the patient needs to be taught to control his emotional background, to listen to his own feelings. Also, he consolidates the skill of competent behavior in conflict situations.
Each stage of rehabilitation is essential on the path to restoring a prosperous life. Thus, having freed himself from alcohol addiction, the patient will have the opportunity to live his life soberly and brightly.
