Alcoholism is not as straightforward as you might think

Many individuals experiencing struggling with addiction may deny the reality of their substance abuse, often refusing to accept the damage they may have caused to themselves and to their family members. Breaking through this denial is a powerful tool and is the first step to begin a journey free from addiction.

The Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is not as straightforward as you might think, the extent of dependence sits on a spectrum. You don’t have to drink excessively all the time to be addicted, you could be 16 or 66 and may or may not hold down a stable job. You may drink in isolation or become a social butterfly, you may have a family history of alcoholism.

You might be a heavy drinker or class yourself as a binge drinker, but if you feel the compulsion to drink alcohol is too strong and find it difficult to modify or stop your drinking patterns, you most likely have an alcohol addiction.

However, the significance of the side effects that alcohol dependence presents is very clear. Alcoholism puts you at a higher risk of liver damage, cancer, heart disease and other debilitating conditions. It can also put pressure on your career, your relationships and your finances.

Behaviours of addiction:

• Self-disclosure
• Drinking in secret
• Drink driving
• Becoming irrational or saying hurtful things to others, and having no recollection of these events the day after
• Finding excuses to drink
• Unlawful activities
• Physical, emotional and verbal abuse
• Personal hygiene neglected
• Responsibilities neglected

How Steps Together can help you

Steps Together help with the first step to recovery and reduce the harm that alcohol or drug misuse brings to each individual, their families or their colleagues with our evidence based treatment programmes If you’d like to speak to a professional treatment advisor please call 0330 175 7031 today or leave us a message on our enquiry form here.