Alcohol Abuse & Dependence

Alcohol abuse and dependence is a serious problem that can ruin the lives of the one addicted to alcohol and those around them. Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances and its use can destroy mental and physical health, terminate careers, and damage personal relationships. Of all the addictive substances, alcohol has the highest use and does the most harm to others. Alcohol abuse and dependence is a major social, economic, and public health problem. It can affect every part of your life in ways that are extremely destructive.

There are people who drink socially without it developing into a damaging problem. But for about fourteen million Americans, that is not the case. If you engage in social drinking on a regular basis and exhibit any of the following tendencies, you may be in danger of abusing alcohol and becoming dependent upon it. The signs would be: using alcohol to get through a painful or difficult situation or feeling, hiding your drinking from others, finding it difficult to stop drinking once you have started, blacking out or not remembering much after drinking, drinking with the intention of getting drunk or to the point of sickness or vomiting, and feeling guilt or shame after drinking.

Perhaps you have heard the term, “high functioning alcoholic”. It can be applied to the person that drinks heavily and constantly on a regular basis, yet most people close to them are not aware that there is a problem. Alcoholics, who are considered high functioning try to carry on normal daily activities, perform tolerably at their jobs, are free from legal and financial troubles, and maintain interpersonal relationships. This group of alcoholics often takes greater risks by drinking on the job, drinking around their children, or driving under the influence of alcohol. The people closest to them are often the most harmed by their behavior.

You are considered as having an alcohol disorder if your drinking causes distress or harm. As an alcohol abuser you face potentially fatal health consequences. Changes in the brain occur that affect your moods, behavior, coordination and ability to communicate. Your drinking can also cause damage to your heart in its rhythm, muscle tone and blood pressure. Severe and irreversible damage to the liver can persist. The pancreas can become inflamed and even your risk of developing certain types of cancer increases. Your overall health is compromised as too much drinking can weaken your immune system and making it more difficult to fight off disease.

There is no quick solution for your alcohol addiction. Melrose Recovery Center offers you a community of people who have overcome similar challenges to your own. We have professional group facilitators, most of whom have been where you are now. Their understanding of your problems comes from their personal experience. They now live rewarding lives, proving that a clean and sober life can be achieved.

Many of our staff have successfully transitioned from addiction to recovery and they have experienced many of the same challenges you are facing. Because of this you can be confident in discussing your problems, issues and concerns with them. We offer you a safe, supportive environment which gives you the opportunity to learn about the disease of addiction, learn about yourself, understand underlying causes which may be driving your unwanted behaviors, and give you the tools you need for a permanent recovery. Call us today for help, (855) 512-5033.