Break Away From Alcohol Abuse

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Break Away From Alcohol Abuse

In many social circles, consuming alcohol is acceptable behavior. For some people, having an alcoholic beverage from time to time is not a problem. They drink a beer or a cocktail and call it “quits.” For others, putting down the bottle for the night is a much bigger challenge. These people have a problem with alcohol abuse which may only worsen. One of the easiest substances for people to have an unhealthy relationship with is alcohol. This unhealthy relationship can be attributed to many things, including the broad availability of this mind-altering drug.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Statistics Tell a Sad Truth

According to statistics provided by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 3.3 million people’s deaths were attributed to alcohol globally in 2012. In the United States, alcohol-related deaths are the third leading preventable cause of death. Newer trends, such as binge drinking by adolescents threatens to make these statistics rise even higher in the coming years.

Drinking Habits That Are Problematic

According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who drink more than eight drinks a week and men who consume more than 15 alcoholic beverages a week are taking serious risks with their health.

Even if you do not drink daily, binge drinking is problematic. For men, consuming 5 or more alcoholic beverages in 2 hours or less is considered binge drinking which is alcohol abuse. Women who drink 4 or more alcoholic beverages in the same frame is classified as binge drinking behavior.

Get on the Path to Sobriety From Alcohol Abuse

If you are having trouble controlling urges to drink alcohol, the sooner you seek alcohol abuse treatment, the better. In many cases, problem drinking only gets worse when it is left untreated. Alcohol abuse treatment is designed to help people who are dependent on alcohol detoxify in a safe environment. It is never recommended that individuals who have been using alcohol frequently for an extended period trying to quit “cold turkey” without the supervision of a physician.

Alcohol dependence is a complex addiction to treat. Dangerous withdrawal symptoms include seizures, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, and fever, so having an attending physician or medical team standing by is imperative to assure your well-being during this critical time in your life.

Learn Coping Skills to Support Your Sobriety

Getting sober is the first step to approaching your life differently. While you are in alcohol abuse treatment, you will learn coping skills to help you deal with pressures and triggers that could cause you to relapse into destructive, old habits. You may have to make the tough decision to sever friendships or relationships with people who pressure you to drink or stresses you out to the point that you want to pick up the bottle again.

There is no doubt that getting sober could be one of the hardest things in your life you ever have to do, but you will find that the rewards of living a healthy life with clear vision are much more fulfilling than anything that a bottle brings.

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