Clear Signs of Alcohol Dependence

At what point does drinking alcohol become dangerous? That’s the age-old question people ask when they suspect someone, perhaps themselves, has a drinking problem. As a point of reference, a person has a drinking problem when their drinking becomes destructive. Below, we discuss the signs of alcohol dependence and the onset of alcoholism. We do this with the hope that awareness will lead to someone getting help before problems become too dangerous.

The Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence is not the same as alcoholism. In fact, dependence refers to the body’s need for alcohol. When that starts to create a bevy of other issues, it turns into alcoholism or what is medically referred to as alcohol use disorder.

At places like alcohol addiction treatment centers in Illinois, it’s productive to treat alcohol dependency in its infancy. To do this, we look for these signs:

• Spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about drinking
• The onset of problems at work or home
• Frequently drinking alone
• Consistently drinking more than originally intended
• An indication of withdrawal symptoms after periods of not drinking

As anyone can clearly see, the effects of alcohol dependence can be troubling.

Alcohol Dependence Treatment

No one has to wait until they have full-blown alcoholism before they seek help. Alcohol dependence treatment is the best way to eliminate problems before they become too severe. At Gateway facilities, we treat alcohol dependency as though the individual has an alcohol addiction.

If the patient needs time in our Withdrawal Management program to get past the effects of alcohol dependence, we will monitor him or her. Even during outpatient alcoholism treatment, the patient will get an opportunity to go through therapy, looking for causes. The ultimate goal of treatment is to prepare the patient to better cope with life’s issues and remain abstinent.

About Gateway

With facilities throughout the US, Gateway is a non-profit organization that strives to help addiction sufferers. Our primary focus is custom care for patients, built around recovery concepts like 12-Step Facilitation. We offer a wide range of treatment services for individuals of all ages. With a mindset on holistic and evidenced-based treatment, we provide the following addiction treatment programs:

• Residential and Outpatient Treatment options
• Certified Dual Diagnosis Enhanced Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs
• The use of CBT, DBT, and MAT modalities
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

If you or someone you care about is showing signs of alcohol dependence, early treatment can prevent addiction. You can get the help you need for your loved one or yourself at one of Gateway’s facilities. For more information, contact one of our representatives at the following number, 877.505.4673. Please don’t let alcohol become a disruptive force in your life. The time to get help is now.

Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation is a recognized leader in evidence-based addiction treatment proven to get results. Our experts in Addiction Medicine—including highly educated clinical and medical professionals and expert psychiatrists and nurses—deliver care that never stops. For over 50 years, Gateway Foundation has been helping individuals and their families recover from addictions and behavioral health issues and is the only provider that covers the entire state of Illinois with 16 facilities from the Wisconsin Border to the Kentucky Border. Gateway has specific programs focusing on substance use disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring issues. We’re licensed by the state of Illinois and accredited by the Joint Commission. We are in-network with all the major commercial insurance plans. Gateway Foundation: Addiction medicine, saving lives.