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4 Signs of a Heavy Drinking Problem

a person with signs of a heavy drinking problem has a headahce while holding a glass of water

Americans struggle to control their drinking. The substance is so common in daily life that it can be difficult to recognize signs of a heavy drinking problem. When you realize that someone might have a drinking problem, helping them find alcohol addiction treatment could help them turn their life around.

Northpoint Seattle has alcohol addiction treatment programs to help break the cycle of alcoholism. Our clinical teams that run our outpatient programs know how important it is to provide compassionate support while our patients learn to live without alcohol. If you or someone you love is struggling to stop drinking, call us at 888.483.6031 for more information on how to get started.

4 Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Spotting the signs of alcohol addiction can be difficult, but it is vital to finding help. Learn the signs of a heavy drinking problem and alcoholism, like:

1. Drinking More than Intended

One of the most difficult signs of a heavy drinking problem to recognize is how much someone drinks. When someone has an alcohol addiction, they will often drink more than they originally intended. They may start off drinking one beer but then end up drinking the whole six-pack. Or, they may go out for drinks with friends and end up staying out all night and drinking to excess.

2. Drinking and Driving

Another sign that someone may have a problem with alcohol is if they drink and drive. This is not only illegal, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. If you or someone you know has been drinking and driving, getting help immediately is important.

3. Drinking Despite Negative Consequences

Someone struggling with an alcohol addiction will continue to drink despite the negative consequences. They may lose their job, ruin their relationships, or end up in legal trouble, but they will still continue to drink. If you’re noticing this pattern in someone you know, it’s essential to reach out for help.

4. Experiencing Withdrawals

When someone stops drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include shaking, sweating, nausea, and anxiety. If you’re noticing these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help right away.

How to Help Someone with a Drinking Problem

When you think that you or someone you know may have a drinking problem, there are a few things you can do to help. First, try to talk to the person about your concerns. If they’re open to talking, let them know that you’re there for them and offer your support. You can also encourage them to seek professional help. There are many different types of alcohol addiction treatment, so find one that’s right for them. Finally, try to be understanding and patient. It can be a long and challenging road to recovery, but it is possible.

Outpatient programs can be an excellent choice for people struggling with alcoholism. Some outpatient options include:

  • Outpatient programs – Standard outpatient programs typically meet for three to five hours weekly. In these programs, patients participate in individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Intensive outpatient programs – Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are similar to standard outpatient programs but meet more often. IOPs typically meet for nine to 20 hours a week.
  • Partial hospitalization programs – Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are even more intensive than IOPs. PHPs typically meet for four to six hours daily, five to seven days a week.

Alcoholism Help at Northpoint Seattle

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, we can help. Our outpatient programs are designed to meet each patient’s unique needs. We offer personalized addiction treatment programs that are tailored to individual needs. Some of the therapies we use to treat addiction include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT is effective in treating addiction because it helps people recognize and change problematic behaviors, like excessive drinking. Therapists work closely with patients in our Seattle center to promote lasting change.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment – Dual diagnosis treatment is used to treat addiction and mental health disorders. Mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, can contribute to an addiction problem, so treating both conditions simultaneously is important.
  • Family therapy – Family therapy helps heal the relationships that have been strained by alcohol abuse. Our clinicians work with entire families to repair broken relationships while also helping individuals break the cycle of addiction.
  • Motivational interviewing – Motivational interviewing is a type of therapy that helps people find their own motivation to change. Our therapists use this technique to help patients explore the reasons why they should stop drinking and how they can reach their goals.

To learn more about our programs, call us at 888.483.6031 or contact us online.