The 10 Most Common Signs Of A Drinking Problem
Many people will drink, get drunk, and party beyond comprehension. They will pass out, go home with strangers, and still not admit they have a drinking problem. Now, these are the common visuals of someone with a drinking problem. However, there is more to an alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse disorder than that. There are many different signs that you may have a drinking problem.
The first thing to know is that if you do have an alcohol addiction, you can get help today. Addiction rehab center programs are available to get you the help you need to overcome the addiction. There are way too many signs to mention all of them. However, you can read more about 10 of the most common signs that signify someone has a drinking problem. Before heading forth, you should know there are social, physical, and emotional signs you should be aware of.
Social Signs of a Drinking Problem
In most cases, the social signs are easiest to notice. So, starting with these signs makes senses.
Legal Trouble
Have you gotten into any legal trouble because of your drinking? Maybe you had a DWI, public intoxication, or another alcohol-related charge. You may have stolen something while drunk. If the legal system has your information, due to your drinking, you probably have unhealthy drinking habits.
Mixed Up Priorities
Do you have mixed up priorities? Maybe you always tell your family members you can’t attend events because you would rather be out drinking with your friends. You might tell your friends you can’t go to a party because you want to stay home and get drunk instead. You might miss work because you are too hungover from drinking the night before. These are just some examples of mixed up priorities. If you can relate to them, you probably have a drinking problem.
Relationship Issues
Are your relationships taking a hit because of your drinking? Maybe your partner or spouse left you. Your friends may not want anything to do with you anymore. Your family may have disowned you or maybe you argue with them all the time. If your relationships are suffering due to your drinking, it is highly probable that you have a drinking problem and may need help from an addiction rehab.
Lying to Others
Have you been lying to others about where you are going or where you have been? Maybe you told your husband you were at a family member’s house spending the night but you were actually at a party all night. You might lie to your friends and tell them you can’t come over because your child is sick when really you have a different party you would rather go to. If you are lying to the people who care about you because of drinking, you probably have a drinking problem.
Physical Signs of a Drinking Problem
Next up are the physical signs that you have a drinking problem. These are pretty simple, however, they should still be known. While some of these could be noticed in someone without an alcohol addiction, if you do consume alcohol and exhibit one or more of these signs, you may want to talk to someone about helping you to quit drinking.
Increased Tolerance
One of the most commonly recognized physical signs of a drinking problem is increased tolerance to alcohol. Do you notice that you can drink a lot more than you used to? Do you have to drink more alcohol to get buzzed or drunk? If so, your body has an increased tolerance for alcohol. Increased tolerance generally leads to dependence on alcohol and an addiction too. Those who have increased tolerance will usually have symptoms of withdrawal when they try to stop drinking as well. This is why detox programs are so helpful.
Not Limiting Yourself
Do you find that you have a tough time stopping yourself from drinking too much? Does it seem nearly impossible? Those who have a drinking problem consume far more alcohol than they should. They can’t just stop at one or two drinks and be done. They have lost control of how much they drink. Those who have a drinking problem may drink so much they pass out or black out. Someone with an alcohol addiction can’t limit themselves when it comes to drinking.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is another very significant physical sign of a drinking problem. This happens more than you might realize. You might have memory loss for just a night when you have drank too much. You might even lose years of your memory after chronic alcohol abuse. If you haven’t lost your memory yet, but are suspicious that you might have a drinking problem, now is the time to get help. Don’t wait until your memory starts fading.
Emotional Signs of a Drinking Problem
There are also the emotional signs of a drinking problem. These aren’t as obvious as some of the other signs mentioned above. However, they should be assessed and discussed. If someone is experiencing these signs, they should see if their drinking could be causing them.
Denial of Your Problem
Just as with anything else in your life, “if you need to ask if you have a problem or issue, you probably do”. This goes the same with whether you have a drinking problem or not. If you are reading this because you think you have a drinking problem, then you probably do. You may have been denying you have a drinking problem and maybe you still are denying it. However, denial is only going to make things worse. The sooner you admit you are dependent upon or addicted to alcohol, the sooner you can get the help you need to quit drinking.
Feeling Shameful of Your Drinking
Another common sign that you have a drinking problem is when you feel shameful after you have drank. Maybe you had a night of drinking, instead of spending time with your family, and now you feel ashamed. This is one of the most common things that happens with alcoholics. Maybe you were supposed to attend an event but you missed it because you were getting drunk. The next day you realize this and you feel ashamed. Have you felt shameful because of your drinking? If so, now is the best time to seek out addiction treatment help. Don’t wait for things to get worse.
Concern from Others in Your Life
Has anyone in your life come to you with concerns they have about your drinking? Maybe your mother asked you if you could stop drinking. Your sibling may have made a comment about your drinking too much at the holiday party. Your spouse may have even threatened to divorce you if you didn’t stop drinking. These concerns do signify there is some sort of problem. If you have been hearing these concerns from those who care about you, it is time to assess your drinking. It is time to reach out for help to quit drinking as well.
Treatment for Your Drinking Problem
You have assessed the social, physical, and emotional signs of a drinking problem. If you relate to even a couple of these, you may have a drinking problem. Maybe you have even tried to quit drinking before on your own. If you need help to quit drinking, you can get it. Do you suffer from a mild addiction to alcohol? If so, you might be alright attending an outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment center program. Do you suffer from a moderate addiction to alcohol? If so, you may benefit from attending either an intensive outpatient or inpatient program. Do you suffer from a severe addiction to alcohol? If so, more than likely, you will succeed within an inpatient treatment center program.
Addictions are tougher than you might think. Even if you have been in denial for years, the sooner you are ready to admit you have a substance use disorder disorder or addiction, the better. The more time that is wasted drinking, the more damage to your health and life that can be done. Even one time of drinking too much could put your life at risk. You don’t have to let this happen. You can choose to save yourself from the hold alcohol has over you.
Now that the social, physical, and emotional signs of a drinking problem have been discussed, it is time for you to assess the state you are in right now. Did you relate to any of these signs? Were you lying to your friends when you told them you had to stay home? Did you find yourself feeling shameful after a night of drinking? Have you been losing your memory after drinking? If you can say yes to these or any of the above situations, it is highly probable that you have a drinking problem. There are programs available to help you. You don’t have to keep living the addictive lifestyle. You aren’t alone in this. Choose to overcome the addiction, quit drinking, and build a greater life for yourself.
