What Kind Of Doctor Should I See If I Have Alcoholism?

Do you have alcohol dependency issues? Maybe you’re drinking too often or too much. Most people don’t realize that alcoholism is one of the most prevalent problems in this country. While drug addiction gets a lot of attention, sometimes it overshadows alcohol dependency. After all, you can get it at any grocery store in the US, so it’s not illegal to possess. Alcohol abuse disorder is quite common; even one in ten children will suffer from its clutches. Some folks struggle during significant events like divorce or depression. However, others will have a lifelong battle.

Treatment is the Answer

Whether you drink too much or find that you’re turning to the bottle more frequently than you should, there’s help for you. Alcoholism is a medical condition if your drinking progresses to the point where it’s causing you distress or putting you in harm’s way. Your dependency can range from mild to severe and anywhere in between.

How do you know if you have an alcohol use disorder? Here are some common symptoms:

  • You’ve tried more than one time to stop drinking unsuccessfully.
  • You spend way more than your resources can afford on alcohol.
  • You’ve got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated.
  • You can’t function until you’ve had a drink.
  • Any night out always includes drinking.
  • You often drink way more than you should and end up hungover the next day.
  • There’s a strong urge for another drink.
  • You give up a night out with family and friends if you can’t drink.
  • Your drunkenness significantly impacts your work and home performance.
  • When you don’t have a drink, you’re anxious, sweating, and irritable.

Where Should You Turn for Help?

Now that you’ve identified a drinking problem, you need to know where to seek help. Your first point of reference should be your family doctor. Since they know you better than anyone, they can talk to you and point you in the right direction. Family physicians see the area and have resources to help get you on the path to sobriety.

Some people don’t want to go to a family physician because it’s too close to home. Maybe you’re trying to hide your addiction. In this case, you might want a stranger who knows nothing about you to give guidance. Here are some other resources for you to consider.

Alcohol Counselor or Psychiatrist

It’s undeniable how much mental health and dependency issues are linked. Perhaps you had a horrific childhood where you felt abandoned or abused. These can be at the core of your drinking problem. A mental health doctor or counselor is the next best place to turn. Since they deal with addictive behaviors daily, they can help you out. Additionally, counselors also have many resources and can help, and there are certainly people in your area to assist you.

Selecting a Treatment Program

If you want to get help for your mental and medical issues all in one place, you should consider alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. Here, you will find people who can help with all aspects of the problem and are well-versed in addiction. They’re not going to look at you any differently than anyone else as they deal with substance abuse daily.

Here, you have a few options, such as inpatient and outpatient treatment. Some people need intensive care that puts them out of harm’s way and allows them to focus on healing. In contrast, others need help that doesn’t require them to interrupt their life and job. It depends on the severity of your addiction and how much it’s impacting your life.

Since everyone is different, an excellent place to start is with an evaluation from a professional who can help guide you. We specialize in helping people just like you! Make sure to take that crucial first step, as it’s imperative to get you back to good health. You’re not going to tell us anything we haven’t heard before and we’re not going to judge you regarding your mistakes.

Our counselors are compassionate and understanding. No one wants to have a substance abuse disorder, but you’ll find that getting rid of the ties that bind isn’t always so easy. Call us today at 844-639-8371 to start your journey.

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