Am I An Alcoholic?

Perhaps you don’t seem to fit the stereotype of what is an alcoholic. Maybe you haven’t been homeless or been pulled over for DUI while driving. Perhaps you have a job, and you probably have a family that loves you. You’re probably asking yourself: Am I an alcoholic?

Alcoholism takes many different forms. Yet, the warning signs of an alcohol use disorder are easy to spot once you learn to recognize the patterns of excessive drinking.

What is an alcoholic?

An alcoholic is someone who has been drinking alcohol beyond their personal ability to control the habit. They’re unable to stop voluntarily. Sometimes this is associated with other worrisome behaviors such as substance abuse.

Usually, alcoholism is found with a pattern of being drunk or intoxicated daily. Another sign is the consumption of larger quantities of beer, liquor, or other alcoholic drinks than most people do.

The well-known self-help organization Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) defines the condition as a combination of “mental obsession and physical compulsion.”

What’s the difference between casual drinking and alcohol abuse disorder?

First, let’s consider casual drinking. Unless they have religious or personal reasons for abstaining from alcohol, most people enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine at dinner with friends.

But the problems begin when someone becomes dependent on the “devil juice,” and continues to drink even in spite of negative consequences. Although the root causes of alcoholism aren’t clearly understood, research has shown that the brain undergoes changes when someone drinks frequently or consumes large quantities.

Over time, people may begin to crave the pleasant feelings that drinking causes. Psychological factors, environmental factors, stress levels, and genes also contribute to the problem.

Warning signs you’re an alcoholic

Below are the most common warning signs of what is an alcoholic. If you or a loved one shows these behaviors, then an intervention will probably help.

• Drinking alcohol alone, or hiding alcohol use from others
• Inability to stop or moderate the consumption
• Lack of interest in non-drinking that used to be enjoyable
• Craving for alcohol in any form
• Irritability, extreme impatience, or mood swings
• Prioritizing drinking over responsibilities
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Feelings of shame and guilt
• Drinking first thing in the morning
• Continuing to consume alcohol even when faced by problems with health, work, and family

Find help for your alcohol addiction

If you recognize any of the above symptoms in yourself or a loved one, then it’s important to know you’re not alone in this struggle. There are people everywhere suffering with alcohol abuse – Yet, with the right kind of help, recovery is possible.

Realizing that you or someone you know is an alcoholic can be scary. Yet, there’s plenty of hope for a better outcome by taking the right steps. There are several types of rehab programs available to meet individual needs, and the first step is to seek professional help and guidance. To learn more about the options for recovery, just contact us now.

Q&A

Rehab Services