Just about every American is aware of the opioid epidemic that has been gripping the nation for over two decades. What people have less awareness of is the thing that kills more Americans every year than car accidents, gun violence, and drug overdoses combined: alcohol. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 30 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2022.1 Without question, untreated alcoholism is a threat for many people.
If someone you love is battling AUD, you know how devastating it can be and how far-reaching its effects are. Living with or otherwise watching a loved one struggle to control their drinking is painful and confusing. It evokes a range of emotions, from anger and frustration to worry and helplessness. The best way to help a loved one with AUD is to encourage them to seek help from an alcohol abuse treatment program.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand how damaging AUD can be for individuals and their families. In addition to exceptional AUD treatment, we offer comprehensive family therapy to promote healing for all. Call 833.551.2304 for more information on helping find AUD treatment for your loved one.
What Are the Impacts of Untreated Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol is everywhere in American culture. We celebrate and mourn with alcohol. Drinking is glorified in television, movies, and on social media. These depictions of drinking rarely show the negative consequences of binge drinking or excessive alcohol use. In reality, alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable death.
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, progressive disease that occurs on a spectrum and is diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of diagnostic criteria a person meets. The impacts of untreated alcohol addiction are numerous and varied and can encompass physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being.
Following are some of the potential impacts of untreated alcohol addiction:
- Physical health issues – Weakened immunity, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues, liver disease, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer are all linked to chronic AUD.
- Mental health issues – AUD is often linked to anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues. Long-term heavy drinking can exacerbate mental health symptoms and increase the risk of suicide.
- Relationship problems – AUD contributes to conflicts, communication breakdowns, isolation, broken promises, and other factors that strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Legal issues – Criminal offenses such as DUI, domestic violence, public intoxication, and more can have a range of legal consequences ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Untreated AUD profoundly impacts a person’s quality of life and overall well-being and can ultimately be a fatal disease.
Signs Your Loved One Needs Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Unless a loved one is clearly displaying signs of severe alcohol use disorder, it might be challenging to know whether or not they need alcohol abuse treatment. Many people with mild to moderate AUD are very adept at hiding their symptoms. Additionally, individuals with high-functioning AUD are frequently in denial about how much they are honestly drinking and what the effects are.
While everyone is different, some common signs can indicate the need for treatment, including:
- An inability to limit alcohol consumption
- Continually talking about or promising to cut back on drinking
- Spending most of their time acquiring, drinking, and recovering from alcohol
- Minimizing or lying about the amount they are drinking
- Drinking alone or in secrecy to avoid confrontations about drinking
- Failing to meet responsibilities because of alcohol use
- Continuing to drink even though it is causing problems
- Using alcohol in situations where it is unsafe, such as driving
- Having mood swings or other withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Knowing how or when to confront a loved one about getting professional alcohol abuse treatment is not easy. Luckily, abundant resources are available to help guide you in the process.
Call Gulf Breeze Recovery for Information on How to Help a Loved One Get Treatment
Gulf Breeze Recovery is recognized as a leader in effective addiction treatment. We recognize alcohol use disorder as a family disease and offer comprehensive treatment that includes family therapy. Untreated AUD can have significant consequences, including serious physical and mental health problems. Help is available for your loved one and family. Call 833.551.2304 or use our online contact form for more information on our alcohol abuse treatment programs.
Source:
1. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
