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How to Quit Drinking

Do you ever think to yourself that perhaps it’s time to quit drinking? Maybe you’ve managed to skate by unnoticed at work, and for the most part, been able to keep up with appearances. Maybe your family member has expressed concerns about your patterns, but you never wanted to believe them.  But how can you stop drinking because, in essence, it is much easier to overindulge and grow addicted to alcohol than it is to quit drinking, right? Quitting would mean owning up to that thing you said, or that thing you did. It would mean making apologies, trying new things, and changing your way of life. You may hear all of the difficulty and the challenge written in those words, and it is true, that will come, but also contained within those words, within a life of pursuing sobriety, is hope.

Alcohol Use and Alcohol Dependence

Understanding the dangers as well as the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and its impact on overall life and society at large can help you make healthier choices and eventually quit drinking. Alcohol dependence affects people from all walks of life and has profound negative effects, especially on the brain, as well as the heart, pancreas, liver, and immune system.    Despite its negative impact, alcohol continues to be one of the causes of preventable death, followed closely by tobacco, a poor diet, and living a sedentary lifestyle.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 15 million people struggle with an alcohol use disorder, and at least 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related deaths.    Do you suspect that you might be struggling with an alcohol use disorder?  Here are the warning signs to look out for:
  • Sub-par or worse performance at work or school
  • Engaging in risky behaviors: drunk driving, sexual promiscuity, and the resulting legal problems
  • Experiencing temporary blackouts or memory loss after drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite health issues like liver or heart disease including diabetes that is made worse by alcohol
  • Failed interventions from family members and friends who are worried about your drinking
  • Making excuses for drinking like to help deal with stress, to relax or feel normal
  • Choosing to drink instead of following through with responsibilities 
  • Distancing yourself from people which may result to drinking in secrecy
  If you exhibit any of the abovementioned warning signs that detect potential alcohol abuse, don’t stop alcohol use abruptly because depending on the severity you may put your life at risk. You may need to attend a detox facility or call in a professional to safely detox from the comfort of your own home.    Alcohol abuse can begin to impact a person’s life negatively and tends to spiral out of control quickly if left unaddressed. Of course, signing up for a treatment program is an excellent place to start, as they can assist you with all of the following, but until then, here are a few tips to help you quit drinking:
  1.     Before you can successfully kick alcohol to the curb, you must first take the time to discover why you no longer need it in your life anymore
  2.     Accept that you have a problem and realize you have control over what enters your body. By so doing, you empower yourself, not your addiction
  3.     Recognize and admit your weaknesses when it comes to alcohol and enact change. For example, you may want to avoid going to bars, or being around any alcoholic beverage, and cleaning out your home of all temptations. Remember, you’re only weak if you give weakness a foothold.
  4.     When you catch yourself in the throes of “a happy drinking memory,” stop for a moment and play that memory all the way through and remember how it felt when you woke up the next day.  Use that feeling to fuel your determination to quit drinking
  5.     Reaffirm the benefits you will notice in your life from quitting drinking
  6.     Seek help from family and counseling support groups for a judgment-free, supportive environment
  7.     Contact us today to get started on your treatment journey!
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What is Drinking in Moderation?

Have you ever sat back and taken a hard look at your relationship with alcohol? Better yet, have you done a deep dive into understanding your own motivations for drinking or even attempted to discover your limits regarding how many drinks are too many in your opinion?  It is well known that people use alcohol to cope, to fit in, to socialize; however, factors such as genetics, personality, or environment can also play a significant role when determining the type of drinker one is. For example; social drinking is associated with moderate alcohol use. However, there are people in this category who will drink out of peer pressure or fit in because drinking to them is mainly a social pastime.   There are some active drinkers whose sole purpose is to drink in order to feel drunk, while others may not necessarily drink heavily, but will do so as a way of ‘fitting in.’ People who use drinking as a coping mechanism are more likely to be men and women who tend to consume large amounts in response to emotional triggers and progress to more dangerous levels of drinking behaviors.

Drinking in Moderation

A decision to drink less and stay within moderate limits is meant to avoid any health, personal, family, social, job-related, financial or legal problems. Similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups, there is Moderation Management (MM) who seeks to understand and delineate the lifestyle of a moderate drinker as someone who considers an occasional drink to be a small, although enjoyable part of life, and has interests, hobbies and other ways to enjoy life that do not involve alcohol. They describe someone who has a healthy relationship with alcohol engaging in their own limit-setting in terms of time and rate, as well as involved with others who have similar views, always comfortable and never secretive about their use.    In terms of amount, what is considered moderate drinking is consuming up to one drink per day for healthy women and two drinks per day for men. Moderate drinking may also be defined as maintaining a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of below 0.55 and in most cases, limiting the speed at which you drink to ensure that your BAC remains at a safe level. One’s BAC can also be influenced by other factors other than the type of drink and the speed of consumption, for example:
  • Gender-wise, men’s tolerance is higher, therefore they can consume larger amounts of alcohol than women because of their physicality as well as the higher concentration of water in their bodies
  • Certain medical conditions and their over-the-counter treatments
In addition, those with a family history of alcoholism are at greater risk for developing alcohol dependence and should consider their family history before consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol. Especially for those who have a history of addiction themselves, there truly is no amount of “drinking in moderation” that is considered “safe”, especially when in active addiction, alcohol use was paired with other dangerous drugs.  True, there are lots of reasons why people should avoid drinking under all circumstances or consume alcohol moderately. Regardless of your reasons, it is important to keep a watch on your patterns when it comes to drinking behavior and the possibilities that present a risk for developing an addiction. 
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Choosing Sobriety Over Alcohol

It is so easy to tell yourself “I’ll be good”, or “I’ll only have one drink” just to later find yourself in a turn of events, where the room is spinning, and you can’t even muster up the strength to feel the regret you know will inevitably hit you first thing in the morning. Many of us have experimented with alcohol, some more than others.  We may have the hope that there is the possibility of managing to drink in moderation or limited amounts, but if you know that you are the type of person that doesn’t have an off switch, this lifestyle can become unrewarding and dissatisfying very quickly, to say the least. When it comes to individuals who use other primary drugs of choice, similar to those with a drinking problem, once the high is gone they reach out for the next thing to carry them on to the next high. This is how addiction is born, and why in most cases, especially for those who have engaged in addictive patterns in the past, the choice of abstinence and sobriety is the more practical route. In this case, you won’t have to worry about the temptations of falling into the trap of “accidentally” having more than the one drink you promised yourself and save yourself from the misery of the gut-wrenching hangover and all the consequences and missed opportunities that go along with it.

Self Esteem

When you choose sobriety, you choose a world of clarity and functionality. For starters, you begin by creating a goal: to refrain from partaking in alcohol or any other substances that alter your mind state. In doing this, you will feel better about yourself not only because of the physical changes you will notice, but you will also feel mentally better because you have proven to yourself that you have the willpower that it takes to stay abstinent. This is how self-esteem is born, when you prove to yourself that you can make changes that impact your life.

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain

Drugs and alcohol take such a physical and mental toll on us, especially once you have become addicted. Substance abuse can not only make a person look 10-20 years older than they actually are, but there are copious amounts of damage done to the inside of your body that cannot be seen. A lot of people use drugs and alcohol as a way to increase their dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters in your brain that comprise important aspects of your brain’s reward system, that make you happy. Over time, your body becomes dependent on these drugs for those “happy chemicals”, making it so that when you are not high or drunk, you inherently become depressed, yet rewarded when you seek out your substance of choice. However, when you choose sobriety, your brain’s chemicals remain healthy and balanced. It takes a while for a recovering addict’s natural levels of dopamine and serotonin, and their happiness will eventually return without the need for outside substances.

A Better Tomorrow

Choosing to be sober is also a great way to save money and allow yourself more time to do things that will enrich your life. If you could take the amount of money spent on alcohol alone over a lifetime, you would probably find yourself with a pretty decent savings account, a way to take that vacation you always dream of, or a way to cross something off of your bucket list. You can wake up each day feeling good about yourself, ready to start the day with a clear and grateful mind rather than feeling like you want to stay in bed until the next day comes. When we decide to abandon the things that hold us back from living the life we dream of, we become so much greater. Choosing sobriety is not an easy task, and you may need a team of people on your side to help you get on the right path and continue walking it. Request a callback today to learn about how we can become a part of your recovery journey.
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Alcohol Rehab with Animals

The Benefits of Alcohol Rehab with Animals On Board

By the time you reach the point of seeking treatment for an alcohol problem, you are probably pretty beaten down in spirit.  Alcohol abuse and addiction can take a heavy toll on both the individual with the substance use disorder and anyone in his or her trajectory.  A wake of broken promises, disappointment, and decimated trust bonds may have caused a great deal of disruption in personal relationships during the illness.  In fact, sometimes it may seem as if the only friend you have left on the planet is your trusted pet. A beloved dog or cat does not judge you for being an alcoholic.  Animals may actually represent the ultimate judgment-free zone.  Now that many addiction treatment centers are pet friendly, those in early recovery can benefit from alcohol rehab with animals on board.  Pets provide unconditional love and support, and an overall boost in general well-being.  For this reason, many rehabs are now accommodating these furry friends right along with their humans in recovery.

How Alcohol Rehab with Animals Can Benefit Recovery

The process of healing and recovering from an alcohol use disorder can be enhanced with the presence of your loyal pet.  There are numerous health benefits associated with pet ownership, supporting both physical and mental well-being.  In fact, according to research out of Miami University and St. Louis University reported by the American Psychological Association, pet ownership can go a long way toward improving overall feelings of belonging, staving off feelings of rejection, and providing a happier, healthier existence than those without a pet in their life.  “The present work presents considerable evidence that pets benefit the lives of their owners, both psychologically and physically, by serving as an important source of social support,” the authors of the study wrote. For individuals in treatment for alcohol use disorders, having one’s dog or cat on board can provide a conduit for increased social interactions with others in rehab, as well as many other advantages.  The benefits of alcohol rehab with animals include the following:

Emotional Benefits of Alcohol Rehab with Animals

Overcoming a dependency on alcohol is incredibly difficult emotionally as well as physically.  Having one’s loving pet along can help provide a distraction from the internal struggle of early sobriety.  Owning a pet entails certain responsibilities.  The pet being with you at rehab relies on you to take care of it, forcing you to get outside of your own head for the benefit of another being.  Pets in rehab can offer several emotional benefits, including:
  • Decreased depression
  • Providing companionship
  • Reducing stress
  • Relieves boredom
  • Improving overall mood
  • Battling loneliness
  • Receiving and expressing love

Physical Benefits of Alcohol Rehab with Animals

Having a dog along in rehab can also promote physical health benefits.  Dogs need to be walked regularly, so by taking your dog to rehab you will be getting regular exercise.  Cardio has abundant benefits for physical well-being, including:
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Lowers heart rates
  • Promotes better sleep quality
  • Improves overall fitness
  • Releases endorphins, improving mood
The many benefits of rehabs that are pet friendly on board make seeking out a pet friendly treatment program and sober housing environment quite advantageous to recovery.  Not only does having one’s beloved pet with them in treatment benefit the individual on many levels, but it also adds to the enjoyment of others with you in rehab.

Riviera Recovery Provides Alcohol Rehab with Animals

Riviera Recovery offers luxury pet-friendly sober living and recovery support in the beautiful hillsides of Malibu, California.  The team at Riviera Recovery understands the value of pet companionship in recovery and makes accommodations for your furry friends to accompany you.  Riviera approaches recovery with an emphasis on discovering the joys found in living a sober and healthy lifestyle, offering a wide array of activities and day trips.  For more information, contact Riviera Recovery today at (866) 478-8799.
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Social Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately one-fifth of people with social anxiety also suffer from an Alcohol Abuse Disorder (AUD). Although alcohol is commonly used to relieve stress, studies show that the use of alcohol can lead to increased anxiety and can even cause panic attacks.

Social Anxiety Disorder symptoms can be onset by a plethora of situations

Often time’s people use alcohol to relieve daily stressors or to calm their nerves before a situation that causes anxiety. Public speaking, work environments and social gatherings can bring about symptoms of SAD. Although symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder can be temporarily alleviated by the consumption of alcohol, the long term affects can cause an opposite reaction. An article published by the NIAAA notes; ““Clinical reports indicate that people use alcohol as a means of coping with social fears as well as with stress. One standard theory of why people drink—the tension reduction hypothesis—implies that alcohol acts as a negative reinforcer to reduce stress and anxiety. A negative reinforcer is something that eliminates an unpleasant experience. In this case, anxiety or stress is the unpleasant experience and alcohol consumption, which reduces these feelings, would be considered the negative reinforcer. Once a person experiences stress relief after consuming alcohol, he or she is likely to continue to use alcohol for its stress–reducing properties. Whether alcohol actually reduces stress is debatable (see Carrigan and Randall, in press). In fact, some researchers have argued that based on its pharmacological properties, alcohol actually should increase stress and that therefore negative reinforcement using alcohol would be ineffective (Spencer and Hutchison 1999).” NIAAA“ In another article (Alcohol, Aging, and the Stress Response), the NIAAA describes how the consumption of alcohol can stimulate the release of stress response hormones, which contributes to the effects of alcohol that reduce anxiety and lower inhibitions. Continued consumption can lead to a tolerance to alcohol, as well as the stress response hormone. Alcohol is known to cause fear and anxiety hours, or days, after an episode of drinking. Some fear based feelings may include; guilt or shame, anxiety due to memory loss or even obsessive thinking over alcohol induced behavior. These feelings, and the inability to cope with the anxiety they cause, can lead to more drinking. As this cycle continues, the tolerance to alcohol increases which can lead to alcohol abuse and physical dependency. Many people with SAD self-medicate with alcohol and don’t even realize it. Some of the symptoms of SAD and Alcohol Abuse disorder include, but are not limited to:

Social Anxiety Disorder

  • Increase heart rate
  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Dizziness or sweating
  • Uncontrollable trembling
  • Panic or anxiety attacks prior to stressful situations
  • Avoiding social engagements
  • Inability to communicate in social settings

Alcohol Abuse Disorder

  • Inability to control your drinking
  • Drinking to reduce stress
  • Shame or guilt after drinking
  • Hiding when or how much you’re drinking
  • Shaking or increased heart when you haven’t had a drink
  • Missing appointments or commitments due to drinking

What can you do if you’re Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) has led to a Substance Abuse Disorder?

Detox and rehab, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, personal counseling and medication are a few options for treating Social Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse. Many addiction treatment facilities offer counseling for mental disorders, including SAD. If you would like more information on your treatment options contact Riviera Recovery today (866) 478-8799.
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What to Expect After Rehab for Alcoholism

You’ve made an important decision to quit drinking. You entered a 30, 60 or even 90-day program and have successfully completed treatment.  You’re uncertain about what to expect after rehab for alcoholism, so what comes next?

Upon graduating from a residential treatment program for alcoholism you have a couple of options.

You can return home, with the tools you gained during rehab, or you can temporarily move into a sober living home. The purpose of a sober living home is to be in a safe sober environment, around like minded individuals, while you start to put the tools you learned in rehab into practical use. A sober home allows you to come and go as needed for work, school or appointments, but with more structure than living at home. Most sober living homes have a curfew and a live in house manager, as well as shared chores and other responsibilities. Many people find a lack of structure to be a relapse trigger in early sobriety, so moving into a transitional home is very common after rehab.

Life after rehab will be full of learning experiences.

You’ll probably leave treatment with a packet of resources, as well as an aftercare program designed by you and your counselor. Make sure you know what your days and weeks will look like following rehab. Having a set schedule will keep you focused and on track.

Life after alcohol rehab may include, but is not limited to:

  • Weekly outpatient groups
  • 12 step meetings
  • Counseling appointments
  • Sponsor check ins
  • Job search activities

One of the most important things to be mindful of after you leave rehab are your triggers.

Make sure you have a relapse prevention plan and a phone list of people to call if you get in a bind. Alcoholism is tricky, and triggers can come at the least expected time.

Communication is imperative to a comfortable transition after returning home from rehab.

Talk to your loved ones ahead of time about what is expected of each other and what your immediate needs are. If you’re returning to a high stress job, communicate with your boss about required post rehab meetings and other sobriety related appointments. If you don’t put your recovery first you run the risk of slipping into old behavior that can cause triggers and relapse.

Stay active in your recovery and find a fellowship of other sober people who know what you’re going through.

Life after rehab for alcoholism will be very different than the life you’re used to. In early recovery you may have feelings of restlessness and irritability. You may be walking through challenging situations that the people around you who do not have a substance abuse disorder won’t understand. There are thousands of 12 step meetings nationwide, so there are bound to be a few in your area. Get active in the sobriety community and stay connected. These meetings are a great place to meet other people in recovery and start doing things outside of meetings that don’t include alcohol. With determination and a solid aftercare plan, your outlook on what to expect after rehab for alcoholism will be undaunted! We invite you to call Riviera Recovery today for a free confidential assessment, and to learn more about sober living & individualized recovery counseling: 310-872-1908
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What are the Dangers of Binge Drinking?

We’ve all heard the drunken stories; friends recanting that party weekend where someone lost their pants or woke up with a tattoo. These stories may be funny to the audience, but is the lasting trauma of public humiliation, or the physical consequences of binge drinking really all that funny? What are the real social and health risks of binge drinking? The not-so-funny stories include accidental and intentional violence, car accidents, alcohol poisoning, social embarrassment and long-term brain damage.

What does “binge drinking disorder” look like?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking is characterized as drinking 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women. That may not sound like much. In fact, when I first heard this guideline I couldn’t imagine anyone not having 4 or more drinks at a social event. The truth is, most people don’t drink at high-risk levels. In a survey of 43,000 people over age 18, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that 7 out of 10 adults drink at low-risk levels, or not at all. According to national surveys, the CDC reports:
  • One in six U.S. adults binge drinks about four times a month, consuming about eight drinks per binge.
  • While binge drinking is more common among young adults aged 18–34 years, binge drinkers aged 65 years and older report binge drinking more often—an average of five to six times a month.
  • Binge drinking is more common among those with household incomes of $75,000 or more than among those with lower incomes.
  • Approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days.
  • Although college students commonly binge drink, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults age 26 years and older.
  • The prevalence of binge drinking among men is twice the prevalence among women.

What are the dangers associated with binge drinking disorder?

The risks of binge drinking include a wide range of social, physical and mental consequences. Drinking reduces inhibitions, increases confidence and suppresses the ability to think rationally. Misuse of alcohol can cause hangovers, leading to loss of productivity at work. In addition, irrational behavior caused by alcohol abuse can lead to the destruction of relationships. Long-term binge drinking can cause serious health problems and possibly even death. There are numerous problems that can ensue immediately due to binge drinking disorder, including:
  • Risk of STD’s or unwanted pregnancy – Loss of inhibitions can lead to sexual encounters resulting in a plethora of consequences.
  • Blackouts – Binge drinking can lead to “blackouts” where the drinker has no memory of parts, or all of the time period they were intoxicated. Blackouts can cause serious brain damage.
  • Embarrassment – When enough alcohol is consumed the ability to think clearly dissipates and the drinker may do things they regret the next day. Many times the behavior that leads to the regret was done in a blackout.
  • Injury or possible death – Coordination is compromised while under the influence of alcohol. According to the CDC, emergency room visits due to alcohol related injuries increased by 38% from 2002 – 2010 alone, and alcohol accounted for one third of all traffic related deaths in 2014.
There are also long-term health risks associated with binge drinking. Some of them include:
  • Permanent brain damage
  • Liver disease
  • Heart attack or high blood pressure
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Ulcers
Studies have shown that approximately one third of adults will abuse alcohol at one time or another in their life. Although it’s not always the case, binge drinking can be a precursor to alcoholism. According to the NIAAA, nearly one third of adults will struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) at some time in their lives, but only 20 percent will seek treatment. There is a stigma attached to alcohol use disorder in America, and it’s not always easy to see when the line is crossed from recreational drinking to binge drinking, or alcoholism.

Riviera Recovery Can Help with Binge Drinking Disorder

For individuals who have completed detox and drug or alcohol rehabilitation—and are committed to living a life of sobriety—selecting a safe and serene sober living environment is key to long-term recovery.  Sober living allows someone new in recovery the time they need to safely transition from a treatment facility back to their home. Spending time in a quality sober living space helps solidify newfound sobriety and provides an atmosphere that fosters new friendships and healthy living. Riviera Recovery is an exclusive sober living community situated over two acres in Malibu, California, replete with lush gardens, pool and spa.  Our philosophy is based on the belief that there is much beauty in living a sober lifestyle, so Riviera Recovery offers private suites and a large menu of rejuvenating activities including stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, Pilates, and yoga. Our treatment professionals are experts in the field of addiction and recovery and provide active and thorough case management, transportation to 12-step meetings, weekly in-house meetings, and continuing care once your stay at Riviera Recovery is complete.  Optional trips and outings are available during your stay, including such destinations as Mammoth, Hawaii, Big Sur, Palm Springs, and more.  Contact us today to ask about our superb sober living accommodations at (866) 478-8799. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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Alcohol Treatment Los Angeles

Alcoholism isn’t a disease that discriminates. It can affect anyone –and more than ever, alcoholism is affecting young adults. Peer pressure, stress, a culture that glorifies substance abuse and alcohol consumption – these are all reasons that more young adults than ever are struggling with serious alcohol addictions. Alcohol affects young adults from all walks of life – no one is immune. Just as there is no one “face” of alcoholism – there is no one treatment option that will work for every alcoholic. The best way to find freedom from alcoholism is to first admit that you need help, then search for sober living treatment options that will provide you with the best chance of success and long-term sobriety.

Alcoholic Treatment Options: High-End Sober Living Facility

Before you enter treatment, it’s good to become familiar with rehab and sober living treatment options. There are many different types of treatments available: outpatient treatment, inpatient drug rehabilitation, dual diagnosis treatment, detoxification and high-end sober living facility options. There are residential treatment centers that have a more “high end” sober living facility feel and focus on helping addicts find a lasting path to sobriety. These high-end sober living facility options provide a “family-style” living situation, where residents feel safe, secure and comfortable. There are even pet- friendly sober living options available. When looking at alcohol or drug treatment facilities, you should ask the facility staff which types of treatments they use and what style programming and living situations they offer. If you enter into a rehab center that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsettled, you won’t be able to effectively focus on your recovery – and you’ll put your sobriety in jeopardy.

Alcohol Treatment and Therapy Los Angeles

Ready to find the best alcohol treatment and therapy? Los Angeles has a lot of options – and it can seem overwhelming when trying to decide on the best “fit” for you. After you’ve looked at alcohol rehabilitation centers and decided on one you feel will be a good fit, you will likely be anxious. Whether it is you or someone you love who will be entering rehab, the thought of the unknown can cause a lot of uncertainty. If you have an understanding of what to expect at drug and alcohol rehab, you’ll enter treatment with greater confidence and less fear. Most alcoholic treatment centers will begin with a medically-guided detoxification process, in which the body is gently cleansed of all toxins so treatment can begin on a “clean slate”. After detoxification, you will likely undergo gentle, yet effective, therapeutic sessions in which a team of addiction specialists help you get to the root cause of your addiction and work with you to find ways to break the cycle of addiction. It is common for many alcohol rehab centers to have group therapy sessions, as well as daily meetings and affirmations to help every patient keep their sobriety goals in mind.

Sober Living and Treatment

The final step is a focus on long-term sober living, in which you will develop the skills needed to find success and happiness in life – completely substance free. Riviera Recovery’s alcohol and drug recovery center in Malibu, California gives addicts the skills, tools and healthy mental outlook they need to confidently approach their new sober life. To learn more about beating your addiction to alcohol and experiencing beachside sober living in Malibu. Call to speak with our Admissions Specialist at 866-478-8799
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Signs of Alcoholism

Signs of Alcoholism – and When to Seek Help

We live in a society where alcohol plays a huge role in our social lives. From sports games to nights out with friends to dating – alcohol is a constant factor. Social drinking and partying are seen as “the norm” in our society and drinking is frequently glamorized. While most people are able to control their drinking and have a healthy relationship with alcohol, alcoholics develop a mental and physical dependency on alcohol and abuse it for a variety of reasons: to escape from stress, to numb their emotions or to feel more confident and like “the life of the party”. As alcoholism progresses, drinking becomes the focus of one’s life and the disease begins to affect a person’s health, relationships, job and family. That’s when alcohol treatment options such as alcohol detox, alcohol rehab or a sober living facility can help break the cycle of addiction – and get an alcoholic on the road to long-term sobriety

Top Signs of Alcoholism

Not all of the signs of alcoholism can be seen, as many people are very adept at hiding their disease. Also, not everyone displays the same signs of alcoholism. However, there are some major signs of alcoholism that seem to be universal. If you’ve witnessed these signs in yourself or someone you love, you are likely dealing with alcoholism:
  • You feel a strong compulsion to drink and once you start, you are unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
  • You drink alone or try to hide your drinking from others.
  • When you aren’t drinking, you experience withdrawal symptoms, like nausea, sweating, chills, shaking and headaches.
  • You drink so much that you don’t remember what happened while you drank and frequently “black out” after drinking too much.
  • Family and friends have commented on the frequency or quantity of your alcohol use. You feel angry and threatened if they express their concerns.
  • Your drinking has negatively impacted your life: a DUI/DWI, being reprimanded at work, fighting with your significant other or loved ones over drinking, a decline in health or your physical appearance.
  • Drinking is a part of your daily routine.

Finding the Best Alcohol Treatment Center

If you’ve recognized yourself or a loved one in the above list, you need to find the best sober recovery Malibu has to offer. Riviera Recovery is a Malibu recovery center and luxury sober living center that provides comprehensive treatment and support for people facing serious alcohol addiction or drug addictions. Riviera’s Malibu Recovery Center provides comprehensive treatment and high end sober living in Malibu, California. Riviera Recovery’s high end sober living recovery center is located on over two acres of land in beautiful Malibu, California. Our private high end sober living facility gives the skills and support they need to embrace long-term recovery and commit to a new, sober lifestyle. In addition to luxury amenities, Riviera provides personalized treatment plans, medication supervision, weekly in-house meetings, transportation to and from 12-step meetings, optional sober companions and family coaching. To learn more about Riviera Recovery’s Malibu recovery center and high end sober living facility. Call Admissions at 866-478-8799