Alcohol consumption does not automatically lead to addiction. However, alcohol addiction forms when consistent use of alcohol occurs, especially when a person feels the urge to drink. Recognizing the early signs of alcohol use disorder can help you get help faster, minimizing the potential consequences of continued use. At Grace Counseling, we offer comprehensive care to help you reclaim your future.
How Does Alcohol Addiction Form?
Most often, alcohol addiction occurs after a person is using and abusing alcohol for some time. It can occur if someone drinks a glass or two a day or engages in binge drinking on a routine basis. When this happens, a person compulsively seeks out and drinks alcohol. They may have a hard time controlling how much they drink. They also recognize that this type and amount of consumption is dangerous and comes with consequences, but they don’t have the ability to stop.
Alcohol addiction worsens over time to dependence. When this occurs, a person feels strong cravings for the drug. The brain’s chemistry is altered, leading to alcohol-seeking behavior. At this point, a person feels cravings and intense withdrawal symptoms when they cannot access alcohol.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction Can Be Seen Early
You may notice signs of alcohol addiction early on in the process. Some signs include:
- Drinking more all of the time, indicating a growing tolerance for alcohol
- Having a hard time controlling how much is consumed in a sitting
- Binge drinking more frequently
- Memory loss or blackouts
- Trouble maintaining responsibilities (though some people can have alcoholism and still go to work and school)
- Increasingly moodiness
You may not notice what’s really happening initially. You may notice you’re drinking more than you were, but believe you can stop at any time. You may also experience instances where you tell yourself you’re going to stop drinking but never seem to do so. That’s an indication of addiction-forming.
Can Early Therapy Help Minimize Alcohol Addiction?
You don’t have to wait for alcohol addiction or dependence to form to get help. If you recognize that you’re abusing alcohol at an increasing rate, reach out for help right away. You may find that alcohol addiction therapy can help you avoid addiction’s negative physical and mental health risks.
Keep in mind that treatment is available at every stage of alcoholism. For those unsure, if they have a problem but drink consistently or think about drinking often, reaching out for help is worthwhile. It can help you stop the progression of this disease. That’s important because the longer it continues, the more damage it can create. It is not always possible to reverse that damage.
How Alcohol Addiction Treatment Happens at Grace Counseling
Once you recognize the benefits of alcoholism treatment, reach out to our team. We’ll talk to you about each one of our programs and therapy options, including:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Mental health counseling
- Physical wellness services
- Additional addiction treatment programs
You’ll explore EMDR therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy as a few of the tools to help you overcome your addiction. During your individual therapy sessions, you have the time to work closely with your therapist to work through mental health disorders or past trauma, too. This is a time for you to find your best way forward. Our resources are available to you now.
Don’t Wait to Reach Out for Help – Call Grace Counseling Now
Alcohol addiction worsens over time. The sooner you reach out for help, the more opportunity you have to beat it for good. Our team at Grace Counseling can help you do this. Learn more about our treatment for alcohol addiction in Fort Worth when you call 844.564.0712 or connect with us online.
