Alcohol consumption has increased to an alarming level across the globe, and so has the percentage of population that ultimately succumbs to alcoholism. Knowing the limits and recognising the warning signs that necessitate rehab are essential to act on, before it is too late.
What Is ‘Permissible’ Limit
While it is best to refrain from drinking, it may be too much to hope for in many. Hence, here is what health advocates say on the limits of alcohol consumption – women should have less than two drinks a day, and men less than four drinks a day. However, if you cannot go without your ‘portion’ of drink a day, you may be moving towards becoming an addict. Considering the ill effects of alcoholism, it is best to know the warning signs so that you will know to ‘say when’.
6 Warning Signs You Should Look For Before Considering Rehab
The death rate owing to alcohol consumption is high Alcohol may take control of your senses, your finances, and your health. Be warned when the symptoms begin to show up so that you can work at getting back all that you have lost.
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Loss Of Control
If you find it difficult to restrict yourself to your drinking limits, it is a clear warning sign. Regular consumption of alcohol leads to loss of self control. If you make a promise regarding limiting your alcohol consumption, but break it every time, this is an obvious sign that highlights the need to seek rehab.
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Increased Tolerance
Prolonged drinking of the same amount of alcohol may reduce its effects thereby making you want more. If you need more alcohol to experience the same high you used to experience by drinking lesser number of glasses, it shows that your tolerance for alcohol has increased. Assuming you were content with two drinks a day, but you now need four drinks to experience the same level of satisfaction means that your tolerance is high and you are becoming addicted, which again signals the need for rehab.
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Physical Changes
Regular consumption of alcohol makes obvious changes in your body. Here are some of the symptoms which are signs of over consumption of alcohol.
- Bloodshot eyes
- Slurred speech
- Change in appetite
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Body odour
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Withdrawal Symptoms
Giving up alcohol can be tough, not just because of the craving involved but because of the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Tremors
- Disturbed sleep
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Hallucination
- Seizure
Alcohol withdrawal can be the worst amongst all other drug withdrawals, and it is highly recommended that you seek the professional expertise of a rehab once you have decided to quit. If you have already begun to experience withdrawal symptoms, it is all the more important to register with a rehab. Since alcohol withdrawal can have a severe impact on you physically and mentally, you may find the ayahuasca retreat center a perfect destination to shift your focus while withdrawing from alcohol. Ayahuasca is a powerful tea sourced from the jungles of Brazil, Peru and other rain forests in South America. The tea has amazing health benefits and it heals conditions including addiction, depression, eating disorders and a lot more.
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Alcoholic Blackouts
Consuming excessive alcohol leads to blackouts, which refers to periods of memory loss. Alcohol can so badly affect your brain’s function by negatively impacting your brain’s ability to memorise events that transpire while you drink. Even emotionally charged events in which you were involved cannot be recalled by you later. The severity of blackouts depends on the level of alcohol consumption. The more you consume, the higher the magnitude for blackouts. If you have suffered blackouts, you need to attend rehab before it makes your memory even worse.
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Lack of Interest In Responsibilities
Alcoholism can change your attitude drastically causing you to no longer care how you perform at work, as well as affecting your social life is. You may lose interest in spending time with your family, whilst your job may also not motivate you to climb up the ladder. Your dreams when you started working, and when you entered into marriage, are rudely shattered and you begin to see how concerned your family and friends are about your future. This is a sound warning to seek a rehab. All is not lost if you are keen to accept help to escape alcohol addiction.
Sources:
http://www.gastro.net.au/diets/alcohol.html
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa63/aa63.htm
http://guidedoc.com/7-signs-of-alcoholism-do-you-need-rehab
