When Alcohol Becomes a Problem and Treatment is Needed

“Let’s go to Happy Hour. Have a few drinks.”

“Maybe I’ll have just one drink. What’s the harm in that?”

“I don’t want my family to see me drink.”

If alcohol takes control of you to the point where it negatively impacts different areas of your life, causes you to make decisions that are not in your best interests, and/or causes problems within your relationships with family and friends, you may need professional help from a treatment program. And there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

Recovery First Treatment Center in South Florida provides medical detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and aftercare planning. We work with those with alcohol use disorders to help them live a healthy and productive life in recovery. And as an American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) facility, individuals receive exceptional service from a licensed and accredited treatment program that can be trusted.

Even though Recovery First is located in the Sunshine State, Florida is no stranger to the dangers of alcohol abuse. Excessive alcohol use in the state cost $1.53 per drink, which translates to $13.3 billion. In 2011, 19.1% of high school students and 17.1% of adults in Florida reported binge drinking. And where does this leave the state? The excess in drinking costs them 6,643 lives each year. In 2017, 74% of adult individuals (in the general U.S. population) struggling with a substance use disorder struggled with an alcohol use disorder. Although many Americans battle with this disorder, many get the help they need to live sober.

An alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is when an individual cannot control or isn’t able to put an end  to their use of alcohol, regardless of the negative results due to their use of the substance. An AUD can also be referred to as an alcohol addiction or alcoholism.

The 11 criteria for determining an AUD is as follows, keeping in mind that the individual must have at least two of the  symptoms within a one-year period:

• Wanting to cut down on alcohol consumption, but can’t.
• Craving alcohol.
• Not capable of following through on obligations (school, work) due to alcohol consumption.
• Consuming alcohol in larger amounts and for lengthier periods of time than initially intended.
• Continued alcohol use, regardless of onset of physical or psychological problems.
• Withdrawal symptoms arise when there is an attempt to stop drinking.
• Utilizing more time attempting to obtain, use, or recover from alcohol consumption.
• Continued use of alcohol, regardless that it leads to interpersonal and social problems.
• Continued use of alcohol, regardless that it may create a dangerous situation (driving while drunk).
• Choosing not to participate in activities/events that individual used to enjoy due to alcohol use.
• Tolerance build up for alcohol.

Please keep in mind, that the above criteria is just for informational purposes only. If you believe you may be battling an AUD, please reach out to one of AAC’s admissions navigators to get the help that you need. And if it’s an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.

If you’re battling an addiction to alcohol, Recovery First Treatment Center is a great place to begin your walk with recovery.