Major Signs of Alcoholism and AUD Treatment Options in Houston, Texas  

Alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder

The onset of alcoholism is not instantaneous. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that worsens with time. What begins as occasional drinking develops into a serious addiction. Most persons with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD) didn’t become dependent on the substance overnight; rather, it took quite some time.

Major Signs of Alcoholism 

• Being unable to control one’s drinking

An alcoholic often loses control of their drinking. These are individuals who say, “I’m just going to have one drink,” and end up drinking excessively and becoming drunk. This is a major sign of alcoholism. 

• Physical changes

Heavy drinkers often exhibit physical symptoms of alcoholism. They might, for instance, start gaining or losing weight or have persistent bloating. Regular alcohol use at night may also contribute to a drowsy appearance the following day since it interferes with the body’s ability to rest and rejuvenate. 

• Lying about one’s drinking habits

When someone has an alcohol use disorder, they may try to conceal their drinking habits from their loved ones. A person may limit their alcohol intake when out with friends at a pub but then drink more heavily when alone at home. Someone with an alcohol use disorder may also try to hide their drinking habits in social situations.

• Hesitant to stop drinking despite the harmful effects

Repeated drinking, even after experiencing the negative effects, is another sign of alcoholism. Alcohol addicts frequently feel helpless in the face of the damage their habit has created in their lives and in the face of the fact that they have tried and failed to abstain from alcohol. Alcohol addiction might be present if a loved one continues to drink heavily despite negative outcomes.

• Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit alcohol

Most individuals have suffered from the classic hangover brought on by too many alcoholic drinks the night before at least once in their lives. However, frequent hangovers are a sign of alcoholism, which are the body’s method of detoxing from the drug. Some of the most common signs of alcohol withdrawal are: 

• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate 
• Vomiting
• Headache 
• Anxiety
• Irritability 

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms might appear as early as eight hours following the last drink. 

Seek Quality Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Your Loved One in Houston

You may be asking yourself what resources are available to assist you if you or somebody you care about is exhibiting the signs of alcoholism. Despite the intensity of their alcoholism, most individuals do well in alcohol addiction treatment. 

Many people’s journeys to sobriety begin with alcohol detox. Detox aims to rid the body of alcoholic substances in a controlled environment while reducing the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification from alcohol can assist in the cessation of alcohol abuse, the relief of acute withdrawal symptoms, and the treatment of any comorbid medical or mental health issues. 

Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston, Texas, offers quality alcohol addiction treatment in the most comfortable setting. We offer a wide range of treatment plans from medically supervised alcohol detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, PHPs, IOPs, to other forms of holistic approaches like music and art therapy. Contact Mallard Lake and begin the journey to sobriety.