Family and friends can find themselves wondering if a loved one needs professional help battling an addiction. Recognizing signs and knowing when to act can be essential to saving a loved one from further harm. The most important thing to remember is to approach your loved one with empathy and concern, not in an aggressive or accusatory way. Aggressive confrontation with an addict raises their defenses, and they may hesitate to turn to you if they realize they need help. If you’ve determined your loved one is struggling and they are ready for help, please call Lotus Recovery Centers today at 833.922.1615 for information about alcohol treatment through our alcohol detox centers.
Does Your Loved One Need Alcohol Detox?
The first step in helping your loved ones is recognizing they need help. Below are common symptoms to look for if you suspect an alcohol dependency.
High Tolerance
The need to drink more alcohol to achieve the same desired effect is an indication of addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Sometimes alcoholics want to quit, but because of the shame associated with the disease, they may attempt it on their own. When someone with a physiological dependence stops drinking, they experience side effects from withdrawal that are dangerous, even fatal. Side effects from withdrawal include:
- mood swings
- insomnia
- trembling and shaking
- digestive issues
- sweating
- hallucinations
- seizures and death
Weight Fluctuations
Prioritizing alcohol over food can cause weight loss. However, when added to regular eating patterns, alcohol provides empty calories leading to unhealthy weight gain. Dietary choices made under the influence are typically much worse because alcohol causes poor judgment loss of inhibition.
Skin Problems
Alcohol abuse is taxing on the liver and can cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. When the liver fails at keeping up with the demand placed on it, the body becomes dehydrated. Long-term dehydration causes dry skin and premature wrinkles.
Heavy Odors
Certain smells may be a sign of alcoholism. In addition to the smell of liquor, a dry mouth can breed bacteria. The toll of addiction can make people neglect hygiene. Liver and kidney issues from alcohol abuse can cause an ammonia smell on the breath,
Disregarding Responsibilities
Finding and consuming alcohol becomes the top priority for the alcoholic. Daily chores and responsibilities go neglected, and being present for a job holds less importance than staying drunk. Even when someone has intentions to follow through on commitments, an alcoholic can’t function well, cognitively or physically.
Neglecting Relationships
As alcoholism worsens, people often neglect family and friends out of fear or shame. Individuals preoccupied with being drunk are more likely to spend their time exclusively with people abusing substances.
Risk-taking
Drinking too much alcohol is already risky, but feelings of shame and hopelessness can cause an addict to become self-destructive in other ways. Drunk driving, initiating fights, and dangerous sexual situations are all signs of unhealthy risk-taking.
Being Deceptive
People with alcohol dependence may omit the truth or even outright lie to protect their substance abuse from being discovered.
Sudden Financial Problems
Money problems alone are not indicative of alcoholism. However, when someone financially stable begins asking for money favors or selling personal property, it could be a sign of addiction.
What is The Benefit of an Alcohol Detox Center?
Anyone can detox at home. However, it is highly discouraged because of the risk that unsupervised detox poses. Withdrawals are unpredictable, and symptoms can be severe. Having medical supervision available 24/7 can be crucial in the first days of recovery. If an addict gains sobriety on their own for a short period, tolerance will lower quickly. When they relapse and drink more than they can tolerate, accidental overdose from alcohol poisoning is possible.
Treatment at an alcohol detox center avoids the unnecessary risk, pain, and stress put on the family. Medication, behavioral therapy, and clinical supervision come together to make recovery successful.
Discover the Alcohol Detox Necessary at Lotus Recovery Centers
Recovery from alcohol addiction is always an attainable goal. Anyone who can admit they need help and is willing to try has a chance of overcoming addiction. Our alcohol detox locations in Delaware and West Virginia are here to give your loved ones the compassionate care they need. Learn more about alcohol detox, contact Lotus Recovery Centers today at 833.922.1615.
