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Am I an Alcoholic? Do I Have a Drinking Problem?

Ask for a full blood work analysis and check for any vitamin deficiencies or chronic health conditions that may be affecting your improvement. Be honest about any struggles you’re facing and consider asking for a psychiatry referral so you can explore options related to medication, if needed. Whether it’s work, school, family, or friends, your alcohol use is getting in the way. It’s not an all-or-nothing deal, any issue in one of these areas of your life that’s because of alcohol use is a sign. Strong cravings and urges can be a sign of becoming dependent on alcohol.

  • Developing habits around reflecting on the why behind your drinking is a helpful practice that can reframe your reliance on drinking.
  • The risk often increases in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed and can be exacerbated by other lifestyle factors, such as smoking.
  • Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, including cellular processes and nutrient transportation.
  • The functional subtype group manages to not let their drinking interfere with other areas of their life, such as relationships or work.

Begin your Recovery

do i have a drinking problem

You can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and start your journey to recovery. Altogether, a first-time DUI offense could potentially cost an individual anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 when all is said and done.

Injecting Drugs: Health Risks and Social Consequences

am i an alcoholic

Our full-service drug and alcohol rehab facility offers a full continuum of care with various levels of comprehensive treatment. These are just a few of the many different physical and emotional signs that can point toward a potential struggle with alcoholism. If you’re concerned about the relationship you or a loved one may have with alcohol, it’s helpful to understand the signs of alcohol addiction and learn where to turn for help. Some people may find that they frequently end up drinking more than they intend to, or they’re constantly thinking about the next time they get to drink. Others may rely on alcohol to cope with stressful situations, or use it habitually after getting home from work each day. Self-assessments can be helpful for spotting the signs of a problem, but consider talking to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your alcohol consumption.

Reported Alcohol-Related Health Issues

On the other hand, alcoholics will likely experience dependency-induced consequences. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for alcohol use disorder (AUD). A certain addiction treatment program may work for someone but may not necessarily work for another person. Chronic severe alcoholics drink more often than the other subtypes but do not drink as much as the young antisocial subtype. This subtype tends to have interpersonal issues due to their alcoholism, such as high rates of divorce or separation from their partners.

Where Can You Get Started With Seeking Support With Alcohol Consumption:

Despite the harm linked with alcohol consumption, the effects are reversible in most cases. People who misuse alcohol, in the same vein, drink to find relief from anxiety, depression, stress, or sadness. If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you may need to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder. In general, heavy drinking for men is considered to be more than four drinks in a day or more than 14 drinks per Substance abuse week.

How to Prevent Alcohol Addiction

am i an alcoholic

People who misuse alcohol have repeatedly tried to stop drinking but have also repeatedly failed. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer your questions about alcohol rehab and share with you AAC’s approach to treatment. All calls are 100% confidential and there’s no pressure to take action immediately; we want you to feel comfortable, safe and heard. By Buddy https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/performance-enhancing-drugs-what-are-the-risks/ TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.

  • At True Self Recovery in Arkansas, we offer free insurance verification for our clients who feel they need some help.
  • I’d find myself battling fatigue, struggling to concentrate, or staring blankly at my work, completely unaware that the answer was simply to nourish myself.
  • Some people may find that they frequently end up drinking more than they intend to, or they’re constantly thinking about the next time they get to drink.
  • Many of this type also have other substance addictions, anxiety problems, bipolar disorder and major depression.
  • People in the young antisocial subtype begin using alcohol at an earlier age than other groups.

Is Alcohol Taking up a Lot of Your Time and Energy?

The good news is that consuming caffeine isn’t the only way to feel more pep in your step! There are so many natural approaches to boost your energy that don’t involve that afternoon quadruple-shot latte. As I have gracefully glided into what some affectionately refer to as middle age, I have discovered a few habits that have truly made a difference for me.

am i an alcoholic

I drink pomegranate juice instead of wine

This is because alcohol overloads your brain’s reward center, leading to intense cravings and alcohol withdrawal. Drinking has become a socially acceptable behavior in society that sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if a person is suffering from alcohol use disorder. Jellinek has contributed to how medical professionals understand alcoholism to this day. An alcoholic is someone who is physically and mentally dependent on alcohol.