Recognizing the signs you need an alcohol detox is essential if you are regularly drinking and beginning to feel increasing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While alcohol is legal, it has a high rate of abuse and addiction. In the United States, there are over 29 million cases of alcohol use disorder in men and women over the age of twelve. Fortunately, this condition is treatable through a combination of therapies and medical treatment and can help people stop the abuse before causing irreparable harm.
Sophros Recovery is an outpatient addiction treatment center that offers comprehensive alcohol addiction rehab. Our programs take into account each client’s unique circumstance and the underlying reasons behind their substance abuse to develop a treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the disorder. If you would like more information about taking the first steps toward recovery, send us a message online or call 813.592.7053 today—we can help you find the resources you need to get started.
Do I Need an Alcohol Detox?
There are a lot of misconceptions about addiction. Many people believe it is a social disease that someone can easily overcome. Some assume that because it’s legal, it is safe. Alcohol contains chemicals that interact with cell receptors in the body and signal a massive release of dopamine, which gives individuals that euphoric feeling while intoxicated. Drinking alcohol will also affect inhibitions, coordination, memory retention, and decision-making.
Alcohol detox becomes necessary when you cannot resist the urge to drink. The cravings and physical withdrawal symptoms of alcohol abuse can be very hard to resist, especially when symptoms increase the longer you try to abstain. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nause and vomiting
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Intense cravings for more alcohol
The severity of these symptoms will depend on the amount of alcohol consumed and the frequency of abuse. Those who quickly consume excessive amounts of alcohol, otherwise known as binge drinking, can experience blackouts, memory loss, and high blood pressure. If alcohol abuse continues, it can lead to serious medical complications such as heart disease, organ failure, and permanent brain damage.
If you feel you need an alcohol detox, Sophros Recovery can help you find the resources you need. We offer a wide range of outpatient holistic and behavioral therapies along with medication-assisted treatment that complements the detox process.
Signs You Need Alcohol Detox
There are many signs that indicate a substance use disorder if you know what to look for. Individuals who are addicted to alcohol will go to great lengths to hide their drinking and will have a hard time asking for help. Sometimes, it takes the word of a friend to show them that they are hurting themselves and their loved ones through their drinking.
Here are some of the common signs an alcohol detox is needed:
- Behavioral signs – Addiction can change a person’s behaviors when they abuse alcohol. They will begin to pull away from close friends and family out of fear of being recognized as having an addiction. They will also begin to avoid familiar or favorite activities that made them happy before they started drinking. If you ask them about their drinking, they may become angry with you and insist they don’t have a problem.
- Physical signs – Physical signs may be easier to spot than behavioral ones. Common physical signs include a decline in personal hygiene, a lack of muscle control, weight loss, redness in the nose and cheeks, and unexplained bruises and injuries. Alcohol affects all major parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas, and can severely inhibit your immune system and cause several types of cancer.
- Signs around the home – If you believe a loved one is abusing alcohol, there are some signs that you can look for around the home. Look for unexplained empty bottles of alcohol in the trash or hidden in other locations. They may start carrying around mints or breath fresheners to hide the smell of alcohol on their breath. Plus, they may always have a flask on them so they can mix hard alcohol with coffee, water, or other beverages.
These are just a few of the common signs an alcohol detox is needed. If you recognize these signs in a friend or yourself, the best thing you can do is ask for help.
Reach Out to Sophros Recovery for Help
There are plenty of signs you need an alcohol detox center if you pay attention to your symptoms and the amount of alcohol you drink each day. At Sophros Recovery, we support Tampa residents who are struggling with an alcohol use disorder or other types of substance use disorders. Our outpatient programs are great for individuals who have completed alcohol detox and are transitioning back into their daily routines.
Call 813.592.7053 or complete our online form now to find the resources you need to take the right steps to recovery.
