How to Know It’s Time for Alcohol Rehab - Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Deciding to get help for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most important steps to recovery a person can take. Still, people rarely notice when it is time for alcohol rehab. If you are unsure whether you or someone you care about needs professional alcohol addiction treatment, this guide can help you recognize some of the signs.
Signs You Might Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment
You Can’t Stop Drinking Even When You Want To
It might start with good intentions. “Just one glass of wine tonight.” But one turns into several, and you wake up the next day filled with regret. This cycle of promising yourself you will cut back but repeatedly losing control is a hallmark of alcohol addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported in 2022 that nearly 30 million U.S. adults had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Your Health Is Declining
The CDC reports over 178,000 alcohol-related deaths annually, from liver, heart, and kidney disease to accidents and cancer. Alcohol also worsens anxiety and depression, and other mental health conditions. If your body or mind is showing signs of stress from drinking, it’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Medical detox and therapy can help you recover safely and completely.
Your Relationships Are Strained or Broken
Maybe you have yelled at someone you love after a few drinks or missed a birthday because you were hungover. Alcohol addiction affects everyone close to you. Alcohol rehab will not just help you quit alcohol, but if you want to, Pride Detox offers family therapy and community support to help you repair bonds that you cherish.
Your Work or School Life Is Suffering
Frequent tardiness, missed deadlines, or decreased performance could all point to a deeper problem. Millions of people struggle to maintain employment or schooling due to alcohol use. A good treatment program like Pride Detox’s alcohol rehab will not only address addiction but also support the rebuilding of your focus, stability, and self-confidence.
You are Hiding Your Drinking
If you are hiding bottles, lying about how much you drink, or only drinking in private, it is a warning sign that it’s time for alcohol rehab. Secrecy often means you know things have gotten out of hand. Individual therapy, peer support, and trauma-informed care can help you process, heal, and start over.
How To Know If a Loved One Needs Alcohol Rehab
Even if the person with AUD does not realize they may have the condition, loved ones can notice it and be heartbroken. Whether it is a partner, friend, sibling, or parent, the emotional toll of loving someone who drinks excessively is heavy. Alcoholism often makes people burn bridges with those who try to help.
You might only now be realizing your loved one needs help, after months or years of subtle changes. Or maybe you have known but hoped it would resolve on its own. Sometimes it takes a crisis, like a DUI, a violent outburst, alcoholic dementia, or financial collapse, to confront the reality of their drinking habits. If you are reading this, it is likely because you still care deeply and want to help before things get dire.
Prompt intervention can save relationships and even lives. Your loved one does not need to be in the depths of addiction before alcohol rehab becomes an option. If they are showing any of these signs, they may need help from Pride Detox:
- Risky or impulsive behavior
- Angry outbursts or mood swings
- Trouble at work, school, or home
- Verbal or physical aggression
- Using alcohol to cope with emotions
- Daytime drinking or binge drinking
- Defensiveness when confronted
- Social withdrawal or loss of interest in loved ones
- Neglecting hygiene or appearance
- Inability to cut down despite wanting to
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect
Get Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Pride Detox is an LGBTQ-affirming alcohol rehabilitation center located in Long Beach, California. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed alcohol rehab for LGBTQ people seeking care that truly sees them. We offer residential treatment and aftercare planning for alcohol addiction that supports long-term recovery. Whether you began drinking last month or twenty years ago, as long as you think you need help, we are ever ready to assist. Reach us today at 866-465-6889, and we can achieve your treatment goals through compassionate, holistic alcohol rehabilitation.
Not everyone who drinks alcohol gets addicted. Alcohol use becomes a disorder when a person can no longer control their drinking. They cannot stop even when it causes serious harm to their health, relationships, or responsibilities. While casual drinking or occasional misuse may not lead to lasting consequences, alcohol addiction is marked by cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and a persistent inability to stop using the substance.
It is common for people with alcohol addiction to deny that they need help, especially if they haven’t faced major consequences yet. But if their drinking is affecting their health, relationships, or responsibilities, it is okay to express your concerns with care and honesty. You should not wait for them to hit “rock bottom” to take action. Speaking with Pride Detox at 866-465-6889 can help you plan a compassionate intervention or find support for yourself while they are not ready. Sometimes, your concern is the first step toward their recovery.
Yes, even if you are doing well at work or school, you might still need alcohol rehab. High-functioning alcoholism is common, and people can appear successful on the outside while quietly struggling with alcohol dependence. If you are drinking heavily, hiding your use, or feeling unable to stop despite consequences in your health or relationships, that is a red flag. Functioning does not mean everything is fine. Speak to someone at Pride Detox via 866-465-6889 to get an expert assessment on whether you need alcohol rehab.
Call us today for LGBTQ+ affirming substance use detox?
Our team of compassionate professionals understands the unique challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in seeking treatment, and we are here to provide the support and care you need to begin your journey towards recovery.