Alcohol Dependency

An alcohol dependency can be extremely tough to live with. We aren’t just talking about the health issues which come with alcoholism, or the loneliness, which is experienced through denial, but also the challenges linked to dual diagnosis risks, stigmatisation and to the turmoil of the addiction cycle.

While binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption have unfortunately been normalised across the UK culture across genders and age groups.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you could be addicted to alcohol, and in turn have an alcohol dependency, it is important to recognise potential signs to look out for, along with the consequences of enablement.

Long-term alcohol abuse is extremely dangerous, which many individuals overlook, down to the fact that alcohol can legally be purchased over 18 years of age.

No matter the causations of an alcohol dependency or the reasons for turning to alcohol, it is important to have awareness of the signs and symptoms, possible withdrawal symptoms, and the opportunities of alcohol dependency treatment here at Cassiobury Court.

The signs and symptoms of alcohol dependency

While signs and symptoms differ from person to person, there are some hallmarks you should be aware of. This will aid you in your decision to seek professional help, as for most individuals, the realism of an addiction diagnosis can showcase the severity of an alcohol dependency.

The classic and rather obvious sign of alcohol addiction is an increase in your intake of alcohol, even in the instance of unwelcoming consequences, such as medical ailments, family breakdowns and career troubles.

If you’re still consuming alcohol through these instances, and cannot stop, this is a clear indication of alcohol dependency symptoms.

Other common clear signs of alcohol dependency include:

• Poor diet and general malnourishment
• Slurred speech
• Impaired immune system
• Mental health issues
• Insomnia/sleep problems
• Hallucinations upon withdrawal
• Neglecting family obligations
• Swapping your sober friends for new friends who excessively drink
• Excessive lying to loved ones
• Risky, illegal,  or socially unacceptable actions while under the influence

Further signs and symptoms of an alcohol dependency surround the recognition of low self-esteem, disinterest in usual life and responsibilities, and the desire to distance oneself, to hide alcohol consumption.

Of course, not every singular sign will indicate severe alcohol dependency. Yet, combined with excessive alcohol abuse, a number of social, behavioural and health changes can highlight an alcohol dependency.

Alcohol dependence withdrawal symptoms

While signs and symptoms can be recognised throughout consumption, the problem often intensifies when alcohol consumption is paused.

Withdrawal symptoms in fact showcase the severity of a dependency, as those which are unbearable highlight the mass build-up of alcohol which usually controls functionality, responses, and actions.

Withdrawal symptoms can be experienced on physical and psychological levels, with a focus around hallucinations, anxiety, depression, shakes and in worst cases, delirium tremens.

The severity of withdrawal symptoms can highlight the shock that both the body and brain experience through paused consumption, showcasing how chronic dependency is usually enabled.

The path to alcohol addiction is often an incremental one, akin to gradual weight gain, which is why loved ones may not recognise changes in your drinking patterns until you’ve reached a dangerous place.

Therfore it is important that you can consider your own experience with alcohol, as for others to recognise change, it may take a chronic life-changing addiction which we hope you can avoid.

The dangers of an alcohol dependency

As we’ve highlighted higher up, for some, alcohol consumption can be controlled, which can correctly be perceived as safe in relation to guidelines.

However, for those who cannot control their cravings and impulses, usually carrying an alcohol dependency diagnosis, consumption can be extremely hazardous.

Living with an addiction can develop into many issues, from financial and legal worries to career problems, and to relationship disputes.

However, the emphasis is placed on the health dangers of an alcohol dependency, as for some, they cannot be reversed.

Mental health issues are highly correlated with alcoholism, organ failure and ailments are very common through excessive alcohol abuse, and even the risks of abusing illegal and illicit drugs, carrying the damages of overdose are common.

Down to the hazardous status of alcoholism, it is important to know where you stand with the severity of your alcohol dependency. In the case of an addiction, this will be the time to consider treatment.

Alcohol dependency treatment

At face value, your consumption of alcohol may feel like the norm. You may compare yourself to others, along with their drinking tolerances.

However, it is important to remember that addiction is a personal matter and that responses to excessive drinking can differ between individuals.

Therefore, if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, or to any degree have experienced negative change, in relation to your drinking habits, it’s time to consider professional support.

At Cassiobury Court, we offer guidance, we offer direction, we offer honesty, we offer confidentiality, and we offer the platform to facilitate alcohol dependency treatment.

Through a personalised programme, we can help you move through a range of treatment methods to overcome both physical and psychological streams of alcoholism.

Living with and acknowledging an alcohol dependency can be extremely tough, which shouldn’t be dealt with alone.

Through our professional and specialised offering, we can help you see the realism of your alcohol consumption.

Contact our team today for a confidential chat about your worries, your experiences, and your potential symptoms of alcohol dependency.