Treatment for alcohol begins with awareness

April is recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a serious public health concern across the country and locally. In recent years alcohol use has topped the local health concerns for Teton County, even more than our peer resort communities. Throughout the month, campaigns and educational programs are available to spread awareness and support those who are struggling with alcohol.

What is problem drinking? Problem drinking refers to a pattern of alcohol use that leads to significant impairment in both physical and mental health, as well as social and occupational functioning. It is characterized by drinking more than considered to be safe or moderate, often to the point of intoxication, and experiencing negative consequences as a result.

Problem drinking can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. It can range from binge drinking to alcoholism and can become problematic in a variety of ways — neglecting responsibilities, engaging in risky behaviors or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit drinking.

Note that problem drinking is not the same as alcoholism or addiction, although it can lead to these conditions if left untreated. Identifying the signs of problem drinking early on is crucial in preventing long-term negative consequences and seeking timely help.

Common signs of problem drinking include:

• Drinking alone or hiding alcohol consumption.
• Feeling the need to drink to cope with stress or emotions.
• Drinking to excess frequently.
• Neglecting responsibilities at home or work due to drinking.
• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking.

Alcohol misuse can have serious consequences on your health, relationships and overall well-being. Problem drinking can lead to numerous physical and psychological effects. The physical effects of alcohol abuse can range from mild to severe, and can include liver damage, heart disease, high blood pressure and an increased risk of cancer. Regular drinking can also lead to weight gain and a weakened immune system, making it easier for the body to develop infections and diseases.

Problem drinking can also affect your mental health. Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it can affect the brain’s neurotransmitters and lead to changes in mood, behavior and thought processes. This can cause depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Problem drinking can have significant impact on personal and professional relationships. As alcohol consumption increases, it can lead to behaviors that can damage any kind of relationship. For example, problem drinking can cause a person to become aggressive or violent, leading to physical and emotional abuse toward loved ones and can lead to a loss of trust and respect in personal and professional relationships. When people are intoxicated they may behave in ways that are out of character, such as lying, cheating or being unreliable. This behavior can cause significant damage to close relationships, such as marriages, friendships and familial relationships, as well as professional relationships, such as with colleagues, employers, and clients.

Furthermore, problem drinking can also have financial implications that can cause stress and strain in personal and professional relationships. When a person is drinking excessively, he may spend more money on alcohol than he can afford, leading to debt and financial instability. This can lead to stress and arguments within personal relationships and can also lead to job loss or poor work performance.

Seeking help for problem drinking is important for living a healthy life. However, it can be hard to admit that you have a problem and even harder to take the first step toward getting help. There are resources available to those seeking help for problem drinking. In addition to seeking professional help, it is important to have a strong support system of family and friends who can offer emotional support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.

There are various treatment options available for problem drinking, and the most appropriate one will depend on the severity of the problem, the individual’s personal circumstances and their preferences. Here are some of the most common treatment options for problem drinking:

• Counseling: individual therapy, group therapy or family therapy, depending on the individual’s needs.
• Medications can be used to help with alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications are often used in combination with counseling and other treatments.
• Inpatient treatment is an intensive treatment option that involves staying at a facility for a set period of time. This can be a good option for those with severe alcohol problems or who have tried other treatments without success.
• Outpatient treatment involves attending counseling sessions and other treatments on an outpatient basis. This can be a good option for individuals with less severe alcohol problems or those who cannot take time off from work or other obligations.
• Groups: Support groups can be helpful for people struggling with problem drinking. These groups provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences with others who are going through similar struggles (AA or Smart Recovery).

Encouraging loved ones to seek help can be a difficult and emotional process, but it is necessary for their health and well-being. If you suspect that someone you care about has a problem with drinking, it’s important to approach them with compassion and without judgment. Start by expressing your concerns and sharing specific examples of how their drinking has affected you or others. Avoid attacking or blaming; focus on expressing your love and support. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments.

Seeking help is a personal decision, and no one can force someone else to change.

Problem drinking can have a significant impact on a person’s health, relationships and overall well-being. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you’re looking for information or resources on problem drinking, here are a few organizations you can turn to for help:

• Mental Health and Recovery Services JH (formerly JHCCC and Curran Seeley) 307-733-3908
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) AA.org/find-aa
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) NIAAA.nih.gov
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)