The signs of alcohol use disorder can be clear in some cases, but there are also other instances when things aren’t as obvious and the signs are much more subtle. Determining whether or not a person is suffering from alcohol use disorder can be complicated because signs of alcoholism come in different forms and feature various stages. An individual who consistently drinks and is often intoxicated may appear to be suffering from alcoholism, but is that really the case? Here’s what to look out for when it comes to alcohol use disorder. 

The Early Warning Signs

Alcoholism isn’t something that occurs overnight. It’s a lengthier process that has warning signs to start and progress over time if left unchecked. Below are the initial signs of alcoholism: 

• Frequent drinking or drinking in large amounts when doing so
• Prioritizes drinking over obligations like work
• Drinking in risky situations
• Different personalities when intoxicated

Those who consistently exhibit these early signs are expected to further progress into alcoholism. They likely have an issue with drinking and should consider attending an alcohol addiction treatment program. 

Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Those who suffer from alcoholism will also begin to display certain behavioral cues. Alcohol becomes a bigger priority and much of your life starts to revolve around it. Many of your thoughts will be about alcohol and your desire for it will heighten. This leads to a vicious cycle of craving and consuming alcohol, and wanting for more. This desire for more comes from increased tolerance to alcohol. Those who are increasingly tolerant of alcohol need more of it to achieve the same effect. 

Alcoholism and its Physical Signs

Alcohol use disorder doesn’t just affect a person’s behavior, it will also change them physically. Because a person suffering from alcoholism is drinking more frequently than they are eating, they will lose weight. Broken blood vessels in the nose and cheek areas are another common occurrence in people with alcoholism. A person may also start to have shakiness in their hands or in other places. One of the clearest physical effects that alcoholism can have is withdrawal symptoms. The severity of withdrawal symptoms will be dependent on how much a person drinks. While mild cases of withdrawal are serious and should be treated with the utmost caution, severe withdrawal is especially dangerous due to symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and high blood pressure putting the health of the individual at risk. 

Signs for Functioning Alcoholics

It can be difficult for functioning alcoholics to acknowledge that they have a problem because their behavior isn’t as obvious as those with more severe cases of alcohol use disorder. Functioning alcoholics don’t drink as much and can control their behavior when they’re out at social functions and having interactions. They also are still able to go about their life fulfilling their obligations, such as work. While it may appear at the surface that functioning alcoholics are just fine, this isn’t the case. There’s still a reliance on alcohol from this group of people. For functioning alcoholics, alcohol is more than just something to be enjoyed. Whether it’s for relaxation or a boost of confidence, functioning alcoholics are reliant upon alcohol to fulfill some sort of need. 

Alcohol is one of the most frequently abused substances in the country. Its wide societal acceptance makes it a difficult challenge for those who suffer from alcohol dependence to admit they have a problem and overcome their addiction. Those recovering from alcohol use disorder will need proper guidance and support to take on such a challenge. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we operate six drug and alcohol treatment centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, where our certified staff tirelessly work to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for those beginning their journey toward recovery from substance abuse. Get in touch with us by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started today. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Addiction can intensify feelings of anger and exasperation and cause an outflow of emotion from those who suffer from the disease. These feelings can occur frequently, which negatively impact the relationships of those around the person suffering from addiction. The toxicity and negativity that spawn from the angry behavior caused by addiction, contribute to the deterioration of close relationships. Those in recovery from substance abuse addictions can employ anger management techniques to combat this and channel their emotions more constructively. Below are seven anger management techniques that can be used by those in recovery.

Discover What’s Bothering You

If you begin to display heightened angry behavior over trivial things, the cause may be another underlying issue. Think about what could be the true cause for these feelings that you are having; it could be about concerns over job security or issues with an important relationship. No matter what it is, discovering what’s bothering you is an important step toward addressing it.

Find Out Your Triggers

Closely examine how you go about your day. Ask yourself if there are any events or situations that always seem to trigger your anger. Triggers can vary from interactions with certain individuals to everyday occurrences. Learning what triggers your anger allows you to self-reflect and examine why these situations are having this kind of effect on you. You can then work on adjusting your approach to these interactions and situations so your anger isn’t projected. 

Recognize Your Anger Warning Signs

As you get angry, your body will start to exhibit various physical cues. Recognizing these signals can help you realize when you’re about to reach the breaking point. If this recognition comes early enough, you may be able to calm down and relieve yourself of this anger. Below are some of the warning signs that signal that you are currently feeling anger:

• Clenched fist or jaw
• Knot in your stomach
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Clammy or flushed skin
• Tension in your neck and shoulders
• Faint signs of a headache

Adjust Your Thinking and Mindset

One way to manage your anger is by adjusting your mindset and the thoughts that you are having. Anger tends to spur extreme negativity and the use of hyperbolic ugly language. Your thoughts are more irrational and your outlook is more pessimistic. Shifting yourself away from this type of negative mindset and having more positive thoughts can calm you. 

Try Relaxation Techniques 

Relaxation techniques will help you focus and deescalate the feelings that you are having. It has proven to be highly effective in managing anger and bringing a person back from the tipping point. Start by taking deep breaths while visualizing a calm image and thinking of peaceful words. Another relaxation method that you can employ is incorporating slow yoga poses. Concentrate on the motions that you are making, as it will help relieve some of the tension in your body. 

Address the Issue

Ignoring the issue that is causing you to be upset does nothing but perpetuate the cycle of anger. Sit down and ask yourself why this certain situation is causing you to react in this manner. Once you’ve come to terms with the root cause of your anger, formulate a plan to address this issue. Do your best to follow through with your plan even if the results don’t go your way. What’s important is that you pursued an alternative way to handle your problem that doesn’t involve lashing out or responding in anger. Instead, you were more analytical and level-headed, which is much more healthy.  

Respectful Communication

When you’re angry, it can be tough to listen to another perspective. Angry individuals will tend to speak out with emotion and express what immediately comes to mind, even if it doesn’t make the most sense. There is rarely any chance for the other person to have their voice heard because the angry person isn’t listening. Individuals feeling angry should instead watch their words and choose to listen, even if they don’t entirely agree. It’s also important to be considerate with your words. Thoughtful word choice can deescalate a situation and lower the tension. 

The process of recovery is never easy, especially when navigating emotional barriers. Those seeking addiction treatment should never have to do it alone. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we operate six drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, where our certified team provides personalized support and guidance for those on their journey toward recovery. Get in touch with us by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started today. Our team of professionals will provide you with a no-cost assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

The uncertainty and unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it an understandably anxious and difficult time for those that are in recovery from substance abuse disorder. While there is no universal solution, the practice of mindfulness meditation has shown to trigger a positive response from some of those in recovery. Mindfulness entails actively focusing on the current moment and calming your mind and body to help slow down your thoughts. With so much going on, the calmness that it brings makes it an ideal practice for those in recovery. Below are five ways to practice mindfulness as part of your recovery.

Think About Your Feelings

Life can move at a blistering pace and it can be difficult to process it all. With so much happening, it can be easy to forget to pay attention to your feelings and thoughts. Practice mindfulness by taking in what’s occurring around you and giving attention to your feelings. Think about how you’re processing each moment. When things feel overwhelming and chaotic, this can help add some semblance of control. 

Practice Acceptance

Recovery can be an emotional process filled with its highs and lows. It’s important to never let your emotions overflow and get the best of you. Instead, it’s best to approach things with a neutral and objective mindset and your emotions at an even-keeled level. Mindful acceptance teaches you to accept that there will be lows, but never to be swept up in emotion because of it. 

Avoid Judging Yourself

Mindfulness allows you to express your feelings without judgment. It’s understandable to have urges to use once more or to feel guilt over past behavior. When these feelings arise, avoid negatively judging yourself. It’s important that you give yourself the respect and understanding that you would to a loved one or someone close to you. 

Take a Moment to Breathe

Although you can’t always control what happens around you, you do have control over how you react to it. When negative thoughts begin to arise, take a step back and give yourself a chance to simply breathe. Situate yourself somewhere, close your eyes and take deep breaths. For an entire minute, completely focus on your breathing and nothing else. This can have a calming effect that can reduce certain urges and emotions.

Walking Meditation

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a stationary practice. You can practice mindfulness by taking a short walk. Whether it’s in the middle of the day, or one of the first things you do in the morning, going on a walk can be a way for you to quietly meditate. When you’re on your walk, don’t be too brisk with your pace. Instead, slow your walk and think about each step you take. Be cognizant of all of your movements and everything that you’re feeling during the moment.

Going through recovery in a difficult time like this can be a challenging experience. This makes receiving proper guidance and support more necessary than ever before. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we operate six facilities throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, where our certified team strives to provide an environment where those on their journey toward recovery can receive such support. Get in touch with us by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started today. Our team of professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Drug addiction can consume and impact all aspects of a person’s life, including their closest relationships with their family, friends, and those around them. The effect can be swift and significant and serves as a massive change for the person affected by the addiction. This change represents why it is so difficult to overcome addiction; it is the result of the deterioration of the relationships that the individual has with those who love them. Here’s exactly how drug addiction can negatively affect these relationships.

Dishonesty and Deception

When a person is addicted to drugs and becomes aware of the severity of their issue, they will often attempt to cover up their activities and start being more secretive. This comes from both guilt and shame for their actions. Attempts to prevent their friends and family from learning of their activities will start with small lies and usually evolve into much larger ones. From lying about where they’ve been to being dishonest about money usage, things can quickly spiral out of control as the person with the addiction will try to hide their drug use from those around them. This can cause trust to be lost and relationships to falter.   

Loss of Trust

With the amount of dishonesty and deception coming from a loved one with an addiction, it can be easy to lose trust in their actions and words. The loss of trust can be a turning point in a relationship that causes an irreparable change for the worst. Trust is an important part of a relationship and once that has been lost, it can be difficult to gain back. Because an individual with an addiction is often preoccupied and focused on their drug use, it can also be difficult for them to take the necessary steps to win back the trust they’ve lost.  

Enabling Relationships

When a loved one suffers from an addiction, there is a tendency from some of their family and friends to attempt to help them by enabling and accepting their poor behavior. Things like excusing their drug use, giving them money without knowing how it’s being spent, or not holding them accountable are typical examples of enabling. However, enabling their addictive behavior will only encourage them to continue using drugs. This type of unbalanced relationship where one party is taking advantage of another is also not a healthy one and will put a strain on those involved. 

Codependent Relationships

Codependent relationships where one party serves as the caretaker of an addicted individual can often be dysfunctional and toxic. This type of relationship does not serve to benefit either partner. This is because there is an imbalance where one person forgoes their own needs and tries to take care of another, but is not providing help that is conducive for improvement and betterment. This, along with enabling behavior, can allow the addicted partner to fall deeper into their addiction. 

Anger and Violence

In some cases, the significant hold that addiction can have on a person can boil over and manifest in them lashing out in violent ways. Certain substances can trigger aggressive behavior that will escalate less intensive arguments into something more serious and perhaps even physical. Anger is not exclusive to just the individual with the addiction. Those around them can also be angry at their loved one for their volatile actions. Ultimately, all of this anger, resentment, and violent behavior will drive away even those closest to a person. 

Drug and substance abuse can put a strain on your closest relationships. The first step toward mending these relationships is acknowledging that there is a problem and expressing a willingness to start your journey toward recovery. Such a journey won’t be easy and will require proper addiction treatment and support. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we provide useful resources and evidence-based drug addiction treatment programs that have been personalized to match the rehab treatment needs of our patients in Laguna Hills and throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. For more information about our programs, please call us at (866) 594-8844 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment for a no-cost assessment.

From beginning to end, alcoholism recovery is a complex and difficult process that tests the determination of those who go through it. Although each person’s experience with alcoholism recovery is unique and different from one another, there are some shared characteristics throughout the process. Those recovering will generally experience the five stages of alcoholism recovery in the same order. If you are a resident of Laguna Hills or anywhere else in Orange County and interested in learning more, here’s more information about what each stage entails. 

Recognition and Acknowledgment

The first step to recovery is showing awareness and recognizing that there is a problem. This recognition is often spurred by different issues like relationship difficulties and trouble at work. Although there is this awareness and acknowledgment that things have gotten out of hand, a person at this stage is usually not prepared to stop their drinking or take responsibility for it. If you ever interact with someone in this stage who is willing to discuss their issues, it’s best to take a sympathetic conversational approach with this person.

Contemplation

In the contemplation stage, a person suffering from alcoholism is often looking into different options for treatment but is undecided about whether or not to pursue professional help. A clear sign that someone has progressed to this stage is if they have begun attempting to learn about alcohol abuse and its symptoms or have discussed their consideration about no longer consuming alcohol to others. This is an encouraging point because the addicted individual is starting to become more open to a solution for their issue. 

Preparation

A person enters the preparation stage when they have committed to adjusting their ways and are looking into different solutions. While they still are consuming alcohol, there has been a meaningful shift in terms of their mindset that is encouraging and hints toward the possibility of change. This is an extremely critical step in which many people fail to make it to this point. When an individual is preparing to take action towards recovery such as setting goals and researching different treatment program options, it indicates that they are ready to take the next step. 

Taking Action

Detox is one of the first steps for treating alcoholism. Because of various factors like withdrawal and the severity of its symptoms, it’s especially recommended that an individual goes through a detoxification process in a treatment facility and with professional help. Once someone has completed detox, they can start to slowly progress towards a healthier lifestyle. Ultimately, this is a difficult stage that poses many challenges for those who go through it. Relapse is something that often occurs during this period, particularly at the beginning of the process. A treatment facility and all of its resources can be especially helpful during this time.

Maintenance and Relapse Prevention

Once an individual has achieved sobriety, they enter the maintenance stage where the goal is to continue exhibiting all of the positive techniques and behavior that they have learned throughout the recovery. At this point, it’s all about being careful not to fall back into bad habits and learning to live a fulfilling life that is without alcohol. The threat of relapse will always be there which is why a person can never get too comfortable or dismissive about the possibility.

Recovering from alcohol is no easy task especially without proper guidance and a strong support system. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we operate six facilities throughout Los Angeles and Orange County area including one in Laguna Hills, where our experienced staff work to provide a safe and open environment for those beginning their journey towards recovery. Get in touch with us by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started today. Our team of professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues