Alcohol is so prevalent in our society, it seems as though it’s not really a big deal. It’s pretty common to hear coworkers say they’re going to grab a beer with friends after work, or to have a glass of wine or two while on a date. However, it’s important to remember that alcohol can be just as addictive as illegal drugs.
Dependence on alcohol is, unfortunately, an issue that is a national public health concern. Both poor and rich people suffer from alcohol addiction, and the issue is one that spans across races, religious practices and social groups. When a person is addicted to alcohol, the addict is not the only one who suffers. An addict’s family and friends are often affected, since alcohol can affect the way a person thinks and feels. People who are addicted to alcohol may have severe mood swings, bouts of anger, periods of lethargy and crying spells. These factors can affect the way the addict performs at work and behaves at home, which could significantly damage professional and personal relationships.
However, one of the most dangerous things about alcohol addiction is that many people consume several alcoholic drinks a day, and are still able to carry on with business as usual. Some individuals are able to drink heavily while taking care of children or handling an intense professional load. Some people even think that they are more focused or congenial when they drink. This is one of the reasons that alcohol addiction can be hard to detect at times, and some people wait much longer than they should to get the help they need for their addiction.
When a person is drinking more than the occasional cocktail or glass of wine with dinner, or starts to find excuses to go out with friends just for the purpose of having a drink, this could be a sign of the early stages of alcohol addiction. If you find that a friend or loved one has bottles of alcohol in hidden places around their home or car, this often indicates that he/she drinks heavily when alone, and may be consuming alcohol as a way to hide emotional pain or depression. When it becomes clear that your loved one’s behavior has changed drastically, even if you’ve only noticed this significant change once, it is likely best to contact a rehabilitation center.
Alcohol rehab in Mississauga can be a healthy and effective solution to help you or your family member overcome alcohol addiction. A qualified therapist can work with you and your relatives to determine the reasons behind an addiction. Once the motives for excessively consuming alcohol are uncovered, rehabilitation specialists can come up with a customized treatment plan so that sobriety can become a lifestyle.
In addition to alcohol addiction treatment, alcohol rehab in Mississauga can also include treatment for addiction to prescription drugs. These addictions often occur simultaneously. Addiction specialists can also determine if the addictions are a result of mental illness, or if psychological issues has prompted the addict to rely on alcohol or other harmful substances.