How to Know If You Have a Drinking Problem – Signs You’re Struggling with Alcoholism
Enjoying a few drinks after work seems harmless. Thinking about having those drinks all day long on the job may be an indication that you are struggling with alcoholism. A substance use disorder can be life-threatening. There’s help if you reach out.
Am I an Alcoholic? How to Know You Have a Disease
Alcoholism is a term that refers to alcohol addiction or dependence. This occurs when a person has psychological or physical compulsions to use alcohol. You understand that there are consequences of your use, but you continue to use alcohol anyway.
Alcoholism, which is a type of a substance use disorder, occurs differently from one person to the next. However, there are some common warning signs of alcoholism that you shouldn’t overlook.
- You crave alcohol. You think about your next drink.
- You drink alone. Sometimes, you drink secretly so that no one asks you about it.
- You have sudden and extreme mood swings.
- You feel guilty after drinking significantly or secretly.
- If you don’t drink for a day or so, you have withdrawal symptoms.
- Drinking is more important to you than other responsibilities. You can’t help it.
- You need to drink. You may not be able to control how much or when you consume alcohol.
While you may recognize yourself in some of these warning signs of alcoholism, it’s still hard to come to grips with the thought that you could actually be facing addiction.
CAGE
Ask yourself a few questions. These questions are part of the CAGE Assessment, one of the simplest quizzes you can give yourself about alcohol use.
C: Have you ever thought that you should CUT down on the amount or frequency of your drinking?
A: Do people ANNOY you because they criticize your drinking?
G: After drinking, do you ever feel GUILT over it?
E: Do you ever have an EYE-OPENER, a drink in the morning to help you feel better?
Answering ‘yes’ to two or more of these questions indicates that you are at a high risk of having alcoholism. Be honest with yourself. What other habits do you have that are problematic?
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal?
Another key way to know if you have a drinking problem is to consider what happens when you do not drink for a few days. Addiction and dependence are likely if a person feels withdrawal symptoms. These occur generally when you stop using for even a short amount of time, especially if you are used to drinking consistently. Common alcohol withdrawal signs include:
- Feelings of nervousness
- Fatigue, even after a night’s rest
- Depression
- Shakiness
- Anxiety and worry
- Nightmares
- Difficulty with concentration and focus
Some people may also have physical signs such as significant pain or, in severe cases, seizures. Again, it’s important to be honest with yourself about how your body and mind react when you stop drinking for a time.
What to Do if You Need Alcohol Treatment
Admitting that there’s a problem is your first step. From there, you need to seek out care. When you contact a treatment center like Victory Addiction Recovery Center, we will provide an assessment to determine your needs. From there, we’ll work closely with you to determine what level of care will work best for you.
For some, this starts with alcohol detox treatment. Your body will work to remove the toxins over a period of a few days. You are in a safe environment during this process. After detox, many people will enter residential treatment for alcoholism. Here, you will learn about what’s happening and how you are facing addiction. You will work closely with professionals who can help you rebuild your life after addiction.
Your first and most important step is to reach out for help immediately. When you contact our team, you’ll learn that there’s a wide range of programs available to support your needs.
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