How Does Alcohol Dependency Lead to Addiction?

Alcohol dependency can become a problem well before someone recognizes it. Because alcohol is such an accepted part of many occasions, drinking too much is often seen as harmless. Many people unwind after a long day at work with a glass or two of wine. But what happens when that simple routine becomes an ingrained habit? As you build a tolerance to alcohol, you will drink more to feel the same effects. Dependence can turn into addiction without you even realizing it.

From Alcohol Dependency to Addiction

Alcohol is a drug, albeit a legal one that many people use in moderation. Other people abuse it, either by binge drinking on occasion, driving under the influence, or falling into alcohol addiction.

As you continue to abuse alcohol, you drink more to experience the now necessary relaxed state whether it’s at a party or after work. One of the most significant signs that indicate dependence is an inability to relax or feel enjoyment without having a drink in your hand.

Alcohol is also used after a tough day at work or a fight at home to self-medicate. There’s a misconception that alcohol helps depression and other mental health disorders since it lowers inhibitions. However, consuming alcohol compacts mental health issues. Over time depression and anxiety symptoms worsen as alcohol dependency turns into an addiction. Without seeking proper treatment methods and self-medicating, a co-occurring disorder happens.

People who drink regularly–such as indulging in that nightly glass of wine or weekend binges–and who can’t go without, are dependent. When alcohol dependency changes from being more psychological to physical dependence, addiction has developed.

Are You Dependent on Alcohol?

It can be tough to face the fact that you may have an alcohol dependence. Ask yourself if any of the following apply to you:

• Do you find it hard to stop drinking once you start?
• Have you tried to quit drinking in the past but were unable to stop long-term?
• Do you plan your days or social events around drinking?
• Have you avoided events in the past that don’t involve alcohol?
• Do you continue to drink, despite suffering negative consequences?

Whether you answered “yes” to one or all of these questions, you don’t have to keep struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction.

Alcohol dependency and addiction help are available. It doesn’t matter if your alcohol dependency has only been going on for a few months or a few decades. Sobriety is possible once you admit to the problem and recognize your need for treatment.

Beaches Recovery Is Waiting for You

Why not begin your recovery in a peaceful, coastal setting with individualized care that addresses your unique needs?

At Beaches Recovery, we provide a complete continuum of care from drug and alcohol detox through rehab programs and aftercare. Our compassionate addiction treatment staff understands how much damage addiction can do–not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well. That’s why we work to treat the entire person.

Our treatment programs include:

• Residential drug rehab
• Outpatient care
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Sober living

We understand that each person and their substance abuse journey is different. This is why we provide specialized alcohol programs that include:

• Executive alcohol addiction rehab– to ensure discretion
• Alcohol rehab for young adults– to address hardships young adults face
• Men’s and women’s alcohol rehab- to provide a safe space to open up
• Drug and alcohol addiction treatment– when alcohol dependency cooccurs with substance abuse

You can break free of drug and alcohol addiction. Find your way to sobriety by reaching out to us today. Contact Beaches Recovery by calling 866.605.0532. A new, healthy life—free of addiction—can be yours.