Chronic Alcohol Use: Finding Freedom from Alcohol Dependence

If you struggle with chronic alcohol use, help is available at Texas Christian Counseling in Rockwall, Texas. You can experience freedom and hope.

One set of the sayings in the biblical book of Proverbs reads thus:

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?” – Proverbs 23:29-35, NIV

While wine may look good to begin with, your use of it may lead to damaging results such as woe, sorrow, strife, complaints, and needless bruises, to name a few.

The Bible has a nuanced understanding of how to address the question of alcohol. As with other areas of our lives, one of the things we’re required to do is exercise wisdom in how we handle things like alcohol.

One reason for this is that even if it’s good, it’s easy to fall under the influence or mastery of something, and for you to no longer be in control (1 Corinthians 6:12). Alcohol can be a cruel master, affecting your health and every area of your life.

What is chronic alcohol use?

There’s a difference between taking a little wine, for whatever purpose (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 5:23), and chronic alcohol use. Chronic alcohol use, which is also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), describes excessive and repeated consumption of alcohol despite experiencing negative consequences because of that consumption.

According to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), AUD is diagnosed based on several criteria, which include consuming alcohol in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended, having a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down on consumption, spending excessive time obtaining or using alcohol, increased tolerance, and recurrent use despite negative consequences.

These and other diagnostic criteria show that chronic alcohol use indicates that the individual is no longer in control of their consumption of alcohol. This condition may be mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of symptoms present. Some patterns associated with it include binge drinking, which is the consumption of 4 or more drinks in two hours, and daily or near-daily consumption of alcohol that exceeds recommended limits.

Signs of Chronic Alcohol Use

Some of the signs and symptoms of chronic alcohol use to look out for include developing greater tolerance and needing more alcohol to feel its effects, neglecting responsibilities and continuing use despite experiencing negative consequences of consuming alcohol, hiding or lying about consuming alcohol to loved ones, losing control and not being able to stop, and blacking out or having memory loss from drinking.

Effects of Chronic Alcohol Use

The chronic use of alcohol can have severe consequences on a person’s physical and mental health, their relationships, and their overall well-being. Some of the effects of chronic alcohol use include the following:

• Depression.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Increased risk of certain cancers such as colon, breast, and liver cancer.
• A weakened immune system.
• Issues related to the liver, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.
• Hormonal imbalances and respiratory issues.
• Cognitive impairment, such as confusion, impaired judgment and decision-making, and memory loss.
• Increased risk-taking behavior.
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Decreased work performance and productivity.
• Financial and other issues, like legal problems resulting from driving under the influence or public intoxication.
• Strained and damaged relationships with loved ones, who may be concerned with unhealthy behaviors or affected by impulsive and dangerous behaviors engaged in while under the influence. Some consequences may include divorce, increased conflict, and domestic violence.

Finding Freedom from Alcohol Dependence in Rockwall, Texas

Freedom from alcohol dependence is possible. Your life doesn’t have to be tethered to the consumption of alcohol. If you or someone you know struggles with chronic alcohol use, it’s important to seek help immediately.

The treatment options available to address chronic alcohol use include undergoing supervised medical detoxification and withdrawal. Some medications are available to help with the process of withdrawal and to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe these, and this intervention can be coupled with other efforts like using support groups or a sober network.

In addition to engaging in healthy coping mechanisms such as better sleep hygiene, getting regular exercise, eating well, and pursuing hobbies, one can also go for counseling in Rockwall, Texas to work through the issues surrounding alcohol use and the problems it may have caused in its wake.

Counseling at Texas Christian Counseling, Rockwall will make use of behavioral therapies, and your counselor will work with you to set realistic goals, practice self-care, and better understand the roots of the problem.

Chronic alcohol use doesn’t have to dominate your life. Reach out to our office today at Texas Christian Counseling, Rockwall to meet with a counselor in Rockwall, Texas with training to address chemical dependency issues and get started today to nurture healthy and life-giving habits.