How To Tell If You Have A Problem With Alcohol

Are you ever concerned about your drinking? Drinking alcohol is so accepted and even encouraged in modern society, which means that many people have a problem with alcohol but may not realize it. It can be hard to define exactly when it becomes a problem, but if you have concerns over your drinking, then it is essential that you reflect and consider taking action. It can be easy to abuse alcohol, and this can lead to all kinds of problems in terms of your health, happiness, lifestyle, and relationships, and this is why it is so important to identify issues before they become significant problems.

What The Experts Say

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) define low-risk alcohol use as up to two drinks daily for healthy men and one drink daily for healthy women - significantly exceeding these is deemed to be “heavy” drinking. It is, of course, more complex than this as it depends on whether you are binge drinking or using alcohol as a crutch or form of medication.

Warning Signs

The best way to determine whether or not you have a problem with drinking is to be aware of the warning signs to look out for. There are many of these, but the main ones are:

·         Suffering from withdrawal symptoms

·         Making drinking a priority

·         Being unable to socialize without alcohol

·         Cravings

·         Losing interest in other activities

·         Feelings of guilt in relation to drinking and drinking in secrecy

·         Inability to control the amount of alcohol consumed

·         Mood swings

Speaking To Loved Ones & Health Professionals

If you are worried about your drinking, then it is important that you reach out to your loved ones. Many people fear to do this because they worry about being shamed or the impact it will have on their relationships, but loved ones will always want to help and will be vital in overcoming an addiction.

If you are concerned, it is also worth speaking to a health professional who will be able to listen and provide their expert opinion. Alcoholism is a profoundly complex issue, so it can be helpful to speak to a professional who will know when consumption becomes a problem and how you should proceed. There are, for example, expert alcohol detox treatment centers which provide a safe and healthy environment to help you recover from the addiction and move on with your life in the best possible way.

Taking Action

It can be daunting and scary to seek professional help concerning alcoholism, but it is essential to remember that it is remarkably common, and the first step is often the hardest. You will want to spend some time looking at suitable alcohol detox treatment programs which can help you to remove alcohol for your life and build towards a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Lifestyle Changes

Leading on from this, you will need to make lifestyle changes moving forward if you want to continue to lead a life without alcohol. This might involve:

·         Removing alcohol from the home

·         Avoiding particular social situations

·         Avoiding particular people

·         Trying new hobbies and activities

·         Giving back to the community

If you worry about your drinking, then there is a good chance that you have a negative relationship with alcohol. It can be hard to tell in a time where drinking is so common and accepted but being aware of when it becomes a problem is important and should help you to get help.