We know that regular, heavy drinking and frequent alcohol intoxication substantially increase the risk of psychological, social, and medical problems. Alcoholism is characterized by uncontrolled physical dependence on alcohol regardless of severe consequences. As with many other mental health issuers, alcoholism is easier to treat when detected early, but many people with substance abuse disorder go to great lengths to hide their condition and avoid alcohol addiction treatment. These are a few of the early signs of alcoholism:
- Drinking when you shouldn’t
- Driving while intoxicated
- Avoiding events that don’t involve drinking
- Avoiding people who don’t drink
- Hiding alcohol
- Injuries involving alcohol
- Sexual dysfunction
- Using alcohol to avoid dealing with mental health issues
Dual Diagnosis Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Without access to dual diagnosis treatment, an alcoholic will drink in order to cope with suffering caused by mental health conditions. A dual diagnosis outpatient treatment center treats both mental health issues and alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism often develops in response to untreated mental health conditions such as:
- PTSD
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood disorders
Short-Term Effects of Alcoholism
The short-term effects of alcoholism can include:
- Inability to address other mental health concerns
- Alcohol poisoning
- Injuries
- Violence
- Acquiring an STD
- DUIs
- Relationship problems
Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism
On the other hand, the long-term effects of alcoholism can include:
- Organ failure in young adults
- Loss of sexual function
- Heart disease
- Cognitive impairments
- Weakened immune system
- Isolation
- Social problems
If you find yourself focusing on other people’s unhealthy habits instead of attempting to fix your own, your problems aren’t going to get better. When you haven’t learned to deal with your own unacceptable urges (like drinking excessively), it’s easier to focus on someone else’s mental health and substance abuse. If alcohol causes serious problems in your life but you continue drinking, you are likely to experience consequences. If you have a drinking problem that affects your other mental health conditions, contact a rehab center today. Other signs that you may be dealing with a problem include:
- Daily consumption of alcohol
- Binges
- Blackouts
- Drug use when drinking
- Loss of control
- Impaired social and occupational functioning
- Alcohol-related violence
- Absence from work or school
- Legal difficulties
- Arguments with family and friends
Find Alcoholism Treatment Today
Uncontrolled use of alcohol is responsible for nearly 100,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Binge drinking, which involves consuming four or more drinks per occasion for a woman or five or more drinks per occasion for a man, is responsible for over half of these deaths. Binge drinking is associated with many health and psychological problems. If you are considering mental health and alcohol addiction treatment, contact a rehab center today. There, you can begin a therapy program that addresses your individual needs. This can include evidence-based therapies as well as holistic treatment, including:
- Equine therapy
- Yoga
- Art Therapy
If you or a loved one needs alcoholism treatment near you along with other mental health conditions, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Alcoholics are often aware of the consequences of their drinking; we won’t insult you by telling you what you already know. A rehab center offers the tools and a community proven to help people heal. Attending treatment for alcoholism and mental health conditions may seem inconvenient, but the alternative is life-threatening. We understand how difficult it can be to seek treatment, but many people’s lives depend on it.
Outpatient Alcoholism and Depression Treatment
If rational, well-meaning people are concerned about your mental health and tell you that you drink too much, seeking treatment may save your life. Many people start drinking in order to stave off depression, but the later stages of alcoholism are lonely and desolate. If you or a loved one in Arizona shows symptoms of alcoholism, it is vital to seek alcohol addiction treatment as soon as possible. Reach out to an Arizona rehab center today.