Alcohol Rehab Centers in Bloomington, IL

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is a disease that can affect anyone. While a variety of factors may predispose someone to develop an alcohol addiction, such as genetics, socioeconomics, race and gender, the disease does not have a single cause. An addiction to alcohol can change an individual’s neurochemistry and prevent them from being in control of their own actions.

Long term effects of alcohol addiction include:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Irregular heartbeat
• Acute kidney failure
• Memory problems
• Susceptibility to disease
• Inflammation of the liver
• Chronic kidney disease
• Inflammation of the pancreas

Alcohol addiction is defined by how drinking affects a person’s life rather than how much the person drinks or how frequently. If a person’s alcohol consumption causes issues with their finances, emotions, work life or family relationships, they may have an alcohol use disorder.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Are you concerned that you or a loved one may have an alcohol addiction? Below are signs of an addiction to alcohol:

• Feeling a strong or overwhelming urge to consume alcohol
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking
• Having a difficult time controlling how much alcohol you consume
• Being unable to finish assignments or tasks at work, school or home
• Wanting to drink less alcohol or stop drinking but not being able to
• Avoiding social activities, hobbies or work due to alcohol consumption
• Consuming alcohol while swimming, driving or in a similarly dangerous situation
• Continuing to drink alcohol despite its negative physical or social consequences
• Spending a lot of time drinking, looking for or recovering from using alcohol