One of the most challenging aspects of recovery is figuring out and admitting to yourself that you have a problem. Maybe your drinking started casually in social settings, or perhaps alcohol has always been present in your life in some way, shape, or form. In modern society, drinking is an everyday circumstance, and drinking frequently isn’t necessarily synonymous with having a drinking problem. However, certain behaviors can be indicators that your drinking is becoming problematic. If you find yourself asking, “Do I need alcohol treatment?” it may be time to examine your drinking habits. To learn more about this question, contact Crossroads Maine today.
Common Signs of Problem Drinking
Many people seem to think that you can recognize alcoholism by physiological dependence on alcohol, and a need to keep drinking in order to avoid withdrawal. While that is undoubtedly a sign of a significant drinking problem, there are several other signs that your drinking is becoming problematic before reaching extreme stages of alcoholism. Some symptoms of problem drinking include:
- Frequent binge drinking (more than one drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men)
- Setting limits for yourself and consistently going past them
- Blacking out or not remembering things that you did under the influence of alcohol
- Friction in relationships due to your drinking
- Financial issues caused by the amount of money you’re spending on alcohol
- Cravings for alcohol when you aren’t drinking
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, irritability, anxiety, depression, or nausea
- Having a desire to stop, but not being able to
While not all of those behaviors may apply to you, if you’ve found yourself wondering if your drinking is becoming a problem, it’s always a good idea to slow down or stop. If doing so is difficult for you, it may be time to seek alcohol treatment.
Is It Possible to Stop Drinking On My Own?
While it’s certainly possible to exercise self-control and simply stop drinking, the fact of the matter is that alcohol is an addictive substance. Those that use or abuse alcohol with a regular frequency tend to have a difficult time achieving long-term sobriety without support.
Substance use disorders are also often driven by co-occurring mental health issues that, if unaddressed or untreated, can lead to subsequent relapse and episodes of continued drinking or other substance use. It can be challenging to understand what’s driving your own behaviors at times, and working with a counselor in an alcohol treatment program can help uncover and solve underlying issues.
The path to long-term recovery is a long one, and though it’s possible to walk it on your own, success rates are generally higher for those that seek help. While it’s perfectly normal to want to do it on your own, there’s no shame in seeking support to quit drinking. Getting the assistance that you need through an alcohol treatment program is an act of self-love that you won’t regret.
Contact Crossroads Maine
At Crossroads Maine, we focus on treating women for addiction, mental illness, and other challenging conditions. The way such issues affect women differs significantly from the way that they affect men. We understand this fact and are able to focus on your unique needs. Moreover, we’ve ensured that the women who designed this treatment explicitly created it for women. This fact ensures that you get the best possible care. Our addiction treatment center offers a wide range of holistic and evidence-based programs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Group therapy
Whether you’re pregnant, a mother of small children, or simply looking for a women’s treatment center, we have options for you. To learn more about the answers to the question, “Do I need alcohol treatment?” contact the experts at Crossroads Maine today.
