What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a psychiatric disorder in which you have difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol you drink. You might want to drink less or avoid alcohol altogether but can’t without help from a professional. Alcoholism can cause problems for your health, job, or relationships with other people. Treatment at Sal Psychiatry Services can help you regain control of your life.
What are the symptoms of alcoholism?
If you or a loved one have alcoholism, you might experience the following signs or symptoms:
- Inability to control alcohol intake
- A desire to cut back on alcohol
- Feeling strong urges to drink
- Problems with work, school, or relationships
- A greater tolerance to alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink
- Slowed reaction times
- Poor or impulsive decision making
- Sedation or slurred speech
Withdrawal symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, a rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and hand tremors, as well as agitation, hallucinations, anxiety, and seizures.
Complications associated with alcoholism can include liver problems, heart damage, neurological complications, digestive problems, bone damage, cancer, or diabetes complications.
Other potential problems include eye damage, sexual dysfunction, birth defects during pregnancy, a weak immune system, coma, and even death. If you suspect you have an alcohol dependence, seeking treatment is imperative.
What are the risk factors for alcoholism?
Alcoholism can happen to anyone, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include a family history of alcoholism, drinking alcohol at an early age, binge drinking, depression or other mental health disorders, peer pressure, and a history of trauma.
How does my doctor diagnose alcoholism?
To diagnose alcoholism and develop a treatment plan, your psychiatrist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They ask questions about your drinking habits, complete a physical examination and psychiatric evaluation, and might recommend you undergo lab or imaging tests to detect or rule out underlying health problems.
What are my treatment options?
If you suffer from alcoholism and want to restore your health, your Sal Psychiatry Services specialist might recommend:
Detoxification programs
Participating in a medically managed detoxification program can help. You might stay in a treatment center for several days or a week and take medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling
Counseling with a psychiatrist helps you learn behavioral change strategies that make avoiding alcohol easier. Your provider might recommend group therapy, family counseling, or individual counseling sessions.
Medications
Taking oral medicines or receiving injections may reduce your urge to drink alcohol during recovery.
Medical treatments
If you have a chronic disease or alcohol-related health problem, your Sal Psychiatry Services provider can offer treatment or refer you to a highly trained specialist.
Don’t live with alcoholism when help is within reach. Request an appointment with Sal Psychiatry Services over the phone or book online to get started today.
