SAN ANTONIO — The holidays are quickly approaching. This time of the year can be trouble for those with an alcohol abuse disorder.
Many people think that willpower is the miracle cure to get through a substance abuse disorder. But for most, it is much harder than that. Sara Kaylor, the Executive Medical Director from Gallus Medical Detox Center told us, "It's more than just, oh, you can do it just to stop drinking. It is more about how our brain respond to these chemicals we are putting into our system."
Some of the physical signs of alcoholism include lethargy, headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, a lack of personal hygiene, and when they stop drinking, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, jumpiness and mood swings. Kaylor added, "You see the change in the mood, the behavior, especially. I think those are kind of some it's especially the behaviors are a huge sign."
So what is considered binge drinking? When a man consumes 5 or more standard drinks within 2 hours, and a woman four or more. What is considered a standard drink? A 12 ounce glass of beer. A 5 ounce glass of wine. And 1.5 ounces of a single shot of liquor. So how do you approach someone if you think they have a problem? With empathy. Kaylor said, "You know, hey, I know there's something wrong. Are you okay? You need some help? And just having it more as a nonjudgmental conversation and just being open."
Some of the behavioral signs of alcoholism include secretive behavior around alcohol, drinking heavily alone, often binge drinking, withdrawing from responsibilities and loss of interest in hobbies or socializing. Kaylor told us, "I think one of the biggest things, especially, you know, have they had a history of such misuse or intrusive recovery. I always like to ask them, is your recovery in trouble?"
Kaylor also says if you think someone has a drinking problem and they deny it, to make sure they know you're always available to talk.
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