Do I Have An Alcohol Problem?
Having an alcohol problem is nothing to be ashamed of, because it can happen to anyone. Knowing a problem exists should be the first step in getting treatment. If you are uncertain about where you stand with problem drinking, put some careful thought into asking yourself some questions, and be completely honest with yourself about the answers.
If other people have commented on your drinking, it does not necessarily mean you are an alcoholic, but it does mean you should consider the possibility. When someone frequently engages in alcohol abuse, other people in his life may recognize a problem before he can see it himself.
They may tell you you are definitely drinking too much, or that you lose control of yourself and your actions when you are intoxicated. If people have expressed concern about your drinking, it is a good idea to listen to them.
An alcohol problem can interfere with your daily life. One common sign of a serious problem is losing time from work or school, or other everyday obligations. You may show up late, or not feel well.
An alcohol problem can result in poor judgment and lack of control over your behavior. You may do things you would not normally do, have accidents at home or elsewhere, or drive your car after you have been drinking.
Alcohol abuse often causes problems in relationships. Family members are often the first to experience the effects of problem drinking. If you have an alcohol problem you may not treat your family members well, or avoid them as much as possible. They are no longer your main priority.
Families can be harmed in other ways from alcohol addiction. When members of your family urge you to stop drinking, you probably resist their concern. You may even resent them for what you feel is interference. They may feel completely helpless over your alcohol addiction.
You may also be putting family members and friends in the position of enabling your addiction. If you have developed the habit of expecting other people to cover or lie for you, or to take on your responsibilities, these are signs that a serious problem exists.
As examples, you may ask someone to lie to your boss about why you did not show up for work, take care of your children when you were too drunk to take care of them yourself, or pay your bills after you have wasted your own money. When situations like this occur, you are likely to become angry if the person refuses to do what you want.
Another sign of an alcohol problem is the effect drinking has on you. Although there are many people who can take one drink and not want another, this does not describe you if you are an alcoholic. Regardless of the type of alcohol you are drinking, one drink is not enough. After the first drink, your body will need more.
A second effect is what happens when you are deprived of alcohol. When you need it and do not have it, you can begin having withdrawal symptoms. Your body and mind have become so accustomed to alcohol that you can actually get sick if it is not available.
Early withdrawal symptoms can include a headache, gastrointestinal upsets, and shakiness. If you do not consume any alcohol, withdrawals can become much worse.
If you have a drinking problem, you probably choose either of two methods to consume alcohol. You may drink on the sly so no one knows about it, or spend time in settings where drinking is the main attraction.
Whether you are hiding bottles in a closet so you can drink when no one is at home, or using bars, parties, or special occasions as an excuse to become intoxicated, neither habit can be dismissed as relaxing or socializing. Both patterns mean you must address your drinking problem.
Someone may have told you your drinking is going too far, and you must do something about it. You may have noticed your general behavior or drinking habits have become different from the way they were in the past.
Whether someone else has brought it to your attention or you are questioning your own drinking, being honest about these subjects can be the first step toward recovery.
It does not matter whether you are male or female, your age, social status, or any other personal factors. Regardless of who you are, alcohol abuse can result in serious problems. The best time to seek help is before your drinking results in devastating consequences.
You do not need to lose your job or family, get arrested, or cause a drunk-driving accident before you start to address your alcohol problem. Seeking help today can mean none of those life-altering circumstances will occur at all. You can have hope and freedom without alcohol in your life.