A recent report from the CDC revealed a shocking statistic: abuse of alcohol consumption led to the tragic loss of 178,000 lives between 2020 and 2021. That’s an average of nearly 500 deaths every single day.
These sobering numbers underscore the urgent need to address alcohol addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s essential to seek professional help. There’s no shame in admitting you need support, and countless individuals who used to abuse alcohol have successfully overcome their addiction and rebuilt their habits.
You’ve likely heard stories of how alcohol ruins lives. It’s a common problem, and the sooner you recognize the signs and take action, the better.
Watch the following video to learn about the signs that alcohol is ruining your life:
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a serious disease that can take control of your life. It’s marked by a persistent desire to drink alcohol, even when you know it’s causing harm.
This can lead to a range of negative consequences associated with alcohol abuse, wreaking havoc in your relationships, your job, and your overall health.
With over 29.5 million people affected by alcoholism worldwide, it’s clear that this is a widespread issue. If you’re concerned that alcohol might be taking a toll on your life, it’s important to recognize the signs and seek help.
10 Signs Alcohol is Ruining Your Life and You Need Treatment
1. You are Neglecting Your Responsibilities
If you find yourself spending more time at the bar than you do fulfilling your daily obligations, it’s time to consider medication-assisted treatment.
Severe alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life, from your job to your relationships.
- For instance, if you’re frequently late for work or missing important deadlines due to excessive drinking, it could jeopardize your employment.
- Similarly, if your studies are suffering because of alcohol abuse, it’s crucial to take action.
2. Damaged Relationships With Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Alcoholics often express frustration, saying things like, “Alcohol is ruining my life, but I can’t stop.” If left unchecked, this destructive cycle can lead to strained relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.
When alcohol becomes the primary focus, quality time with loved ones is often sacrificed. This can lead to feelings of isolation, resentment, and damaged bonds.
3. Financial Problems
Problematic drinking can lead to severe financial problems. Beyond the direct cost of alcohol, there are often hidden expenses that you can find difficult to resolve, such as:
- legal fees from alcohol-related arrests,
- medical bills from accidents,
- and lost income due to job loss.
Many people who drink a lot find themselves in a state of financial ruin. If you want to avoid this fate, it’s essential to seek help, plan for a detox, and embrace a sober lifestyle.
4. Persistent Health Issues
If you’re frequently visiting the hospital due to alcohol-related health issues, it’s clear that binge drinking is taking a toll on your body.
Common health problems associated with alcoholism include:
- Hepatitis
- Liver damage (cirrhosis)
- Fatty liver
Left untreated, these conditions can lead to further complications.
Additionally, heavy drinking can contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
5. Alcohol-Related Legal Problems
Alcohol-related legal issues can range from minor infractions to serious criminal charges.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a common offense that can result in severe consequences, including:
- hefty fines,
- license suspension,
- and even jail time.
Not only do DUIs put you at risk, but they also destroy the lives of others.
Many people who have faced DUI charges have shared stories about how alcohol negatively impacted their lives and stirred serious health problems.
6. Behavioral Changes and Social Isolation
Many people realize they have a drinking problem when they notice they may act differently when drinking, shifting in their priorities and behaviors. You might find yourself neglecting friends and family, or losing interest in hobbies and activities that once brought you joy.
Alcohol can lead to isolation, making you feel more comfortable drinking alone than socializing with others. To break free from this cycle, it’s important to reconnect with your passions and rediscover what truly makes you happy.
7. Increased Dependency on Alcohol
If alcohol makes you feel more lively, it is possible to have an alcohol dependency. Some people would end up wanting to take more alcohol before they can feel the buzz, or they must take alcohol to remain functional.
Dependency on alcohol means you need to keep taking alcohol for the body and mind to function normally. That is why some people might start to shake, experience nausea, or become irritable when they do not take alcohol.
8. Emotional Instability
Excessive alcohol consumption can definitely lead to emotional instability and can contribute to mental health disorders. Some people end up having mood swings, increased irritability, depression, and anxiety. Such emotional turmoil will affect various areas of your life, from your job performance to your personal relationships with people around you.
9. Decreased Performance and Productivity
Alcoholics tend to have decreased performance in different aspects of their lives, especially cognitive functions. You find such people having problems keeping up with their daily activities, such as work, school, and personal projects.
Hangovers and poor sleep because of alcohol consumption lead to chronic fatigue. It becomes difficult for someone to stay alert and have a productive day.
10. Being in Denial About Your Alcoholism
The moment you accept that you have a problem, that is when you get help. Denial is quite common among those who are yet to realize alcohol is ruining their lives. This refusal to acknowledge the problem makes you downplay how much you drink, and you may end up drinking even more.
Some people also make up excuses to justify their drinking problem. An example is when someone claims that he deserves a beer after a stressful day and takes several bottles of beer in one sitting.
How to Stop Being an Alcoholic and Quit Addiction
To transform from a drinker to a non-drinker, start by acknowledging the problem.
Self-awareness is vital to quitting alcohol addiction. Recognize how your drinking habits are affecting your life and seek the right steps to quit it altogether.
Keep a journal of how alcohol affects you so that you can start the recovery process. Seek professional help such as therapists, counselors, or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous to get the right help. Involve your family and friends in the recovery process. You will be surprised by how ready they are to get you to sobriety.
Professional Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
By the time you seek alcoholism treatment, you have seen how bad things are in your life because of alcohol. Treatment can take different forms, but all will help you deal with alcohol dependency. Here are some of the options for your alcoholism treatment:
- Detoxification which is medically supervised withdrawal from using alcohol
- Behavioral therapy that identifies and changes your negative thoughts associated with alcohol consumption
- Several medications are also available for the treatment of alcoholism
- Join a support group to get peer support in your journey to quit alcoho
- Hang out with your non-drinking friends or find a new hobby to beat your desire to drink
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers provide you with an environment to focus solely on recovering from alcoholism.
- Outpatient programs are also useful to treat alcohol abuse without interrupting your routine.
Alcohol Use Disorder will always harm your life. Because of this, there are a few steps you can take to get help with your situation.
Start by acknowledging you have an alcoholism problem, consult a healthcare provider, and research the treatment facilities nearby. We at Still Water Wellness Group are committed to helping people overcome their alcohol addiction and reintegrate into society. Explore our personalized substance abuse treatment programs and take your first step towards a rewarding life.
Further, reach out to support groups and attend therapy sessions to commit to the process of dealing with excessive alcohol consumption.
5 Stories From Real People Dealing with Alcohol Abuse
People who drink alcohol frequently often develop dependence on the substance, and the sad part is, they face withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Here are two relevant stories we found online:
“At 34, male, I am starting to lose hope, struggle with alcohol, work, childhood trauma, negative self-talk, it is like it is too late for me to be better and happier.” (Source)
“I’m 53 and quit last June after thirty years of consistent drinking with just a few breaks for sickness and surgeries. I knew in my 30s that I was using alcohol to manage crippling anxiety (the irony) and accepted that as fact…like it was my “medicine”, as ridiculous as that sounds…then as I aged I started to feel better in my skin and got the right meds but my drinking didn’t abate.” (Source)
Below are 3 more testimonials from our previous clients:
“I was simply tired of ruining my life with alcohol and decided to take charge of my life. After struggling with my addiction to alcohol use for eight years, I am now clean, thanks to their program. This is one place where I felt that the staff invested their time and resources in me, and now I am better.” – Chris
“My friends told me, “alcohol is running your life,” but I would not listen. It took me being involved in a DUI that almost left me dead to realize the seriousness of the problem. I ended up serving some time in jail, and now this program has helped me take control of my life.” – Kevin
“It was hurtful not to talk to my family because I simply could not stop drinking or stay sober enough to have a conversation with them. After going through the program, I am now sober for 3 years, and I take every opportunity to spend time with my family.” – Marlene
Decided to Get Treatment to Beat Your Alcohol Addiction? Learn About Still Water Wellness Group Rehab Program
Alcohol can cause problems that can hurt your present situation and lead to long-term devastating effects.
However, there’s hope!
You can seek professional treatment to detox and find different types of treatment to step out of the danger zone.
At Still Water Wellness Group, we offer various programs to help you break free from your substance abuse and mental health problems. We bring you the perfect balance between freedom and structure so that you can achieve recovery goals better. Visit us today to get you on the right track to recover from alcoholism.