Alcohol Rehabs in Westfield, MA
While many people think that alcohol abuse is no big deal or is somehow something that everybody does, this is not necessarily the case. Alcohol abuse is a slippery slope that can lead to alcohol addiction and serious long-term health problems. As such, if you are struggling with an alcohol abuse problem or an alcohol addiction, it is important for you to know about the various options in alcohol rehabs in Westfield and how those options can help you in your alcohol abuse recovery. By better understanding what alcohol rehab centers can offer you in your alcohol abuse recovery process, you can be sure that you choose from the best alcohol rehabs in Westfield and get the care and assistance you need to overcome your struggles with alcohol once and for all.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse is a set of behaviors that basically boil down to the improper use or consumption of alcohol. However, because alcohol is not a substance that is in any way considered healthy, many people have a hard time understanding the differences between "normal" alcohol use and actual alcohol abuse.
There are several behaviors that are considered to be alcohol abuse or signs of such abuse. One of the most recognizable signs of an alcohol abuse issue is the problem of blacking out when drinking. If a person consumes alcohol and blacks out, it means that they have elevated their blood alcohol levels to a point where the alcohol actively interferes with the brain's ability to convert its experiences in the present moment to short-term memories. This can lead to periods of minutes, hours, or even days that are completely blank for people. Sometimes bits and pieces of the memories come back while other times the person will not ever remember any of the information or evens of that time period.
However, a person does not always have to black out to be abusing alcohol. People that abuse alcohol also tends to over-drink in general, meaning they may binge drink or drink to excess frequently. Binge drinking is alcohol abuse that involves drinking three to four or more alcoholic beverages in a period of one to two hours. Those who cannot control their drug or alcohol use any more need to consider addiction treatment in Westfield in order to overcome their addiction.
A person that tends to drink alone or when they are not in social situations in which consuming alcohol is appropriate is also considered to be abusing alcohol. Alcohol abusers also often act irrationally when it comes to alcohol. They may claim that they need alcohol to function or might go to extreme lengths to get alcohol. These are all signs of an alcohol abuse problem, particularly one that is spiraling out of control.
Alcohol Abuse Signs and Symptoms
When it comes to the issues discussed in alcohol rehabs in Westfield as well as in the alcohol abuse recovery process, there are certain signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse that come up time and time again. Some of these alcohol abuse signs and symptoms that people in alcohol rehab centers most often have been dealing with include:
- Increased tolerance to alcohol
- Cravings for alcohol
- Financial problems
- Frequent absences from work or activities
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Secretive behavior
- Hiding alcohol around house or on person
- Hiding alcohol consumption
- Compulsive behavior around alcohol
- Blackouts
- Erratic and unpredictable behavior
- Memory problems
- Cognitive deficiencies
Dangers of Alcohol
A great many people that seek out help from alcohol and drug rehabs in Westfield for their alcohol abuse recovery do not fully realize all of the dangers of alcohol and how their mental and physical health may have been severely impacted by their alcohol abuse and addiction over the years. One of the most well-known dangers of alcohol is liver damage. Drinking alcohol is extremely hard on the liver because a person's liver is the organ that is tasked with getting all of the chemicals in alcohol out of the body. Over time, the liver becomes more and more damaged from the alcohol that it processes which can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, and full liver failure.
Alcohol abuse is also hard on the heart and cardiovascular system. Many people suffer from blood pressure and cholesterol problems, heart disease, heart attacks, and full heart failure. The risk of developing diabetes or worsening the condition is also a very real risk when a person abuses alcohol. Because alcohol affects vascular health, long-term alcohol abuse also greatly increases a person's chance of having a stroke.
When a person abuses alcohol, they are also putting themselves and others in immediate danger. A person that abuses alcohol may experience impaired judgment which could cause them to get into a fight, be involved in a sexual assault, or get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. All of these reckless behaviors can have catastrophic effects on the person abusing alcohol and/or other people involved in the incident.
Why Should I Enter an Alcohol Abuse Rehab?
Seeking out the help and care of alcohol rehab centers is the best decision you can make if you are ready to deal with your alcohol addiction and overcome it. It can be very difficult to overcome the physical dependence and mental and emotional reasons for alcohol abuse on your own without assistance and guidance. If you choose to get help from one of the alcohol rehabs in Westfield, you will give yourself the best chance at a full recovery from your alcohol abuse issues and addiction. Call Westfield Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers now for help. (877) 804-1531.