5 Signs That You May be an Alcoholic

A Common Issue

An addiction to alcohol is often overlooked due to the legality of the substance. It is easy to assume that since it is legal for adults, it is also safe for consumption. The reality is that alcoholism can develop and it is important to recognize the signs of a problem. Early recognition and treatment can make it easier to overcome the addiction before it can cause health concerns.

1.) Inability to Stop Drinking

Although many might assume binge drinking is a key sign, it does not always signal that an individual is an alcoholic. Many young adults try binge drinking and decide not to repeat the experience again. The problem is not necessarily the number of drinks, but the inability to stop drinking after the first drink.

Not having the control to stop when getting drunk can look like binge drinking, but it is often unplanned and can result in severe consequences. Blacking out from drinking because it was not easy or possible to stop is a sign that alcoholism has developed.

This is particularly true if the situation occurs regularly. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis and having an inability to stop after one or two drinks can indicate that a problem has developed or is starting to develop.

2.) High Tolerance for Alcohol

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can result in developing a tolerance for the substance. That means that it will take more drinks and a longer period of time to become inebriated to the same level as previous drinking situations.

Developing a tolerance for alcohol and requiring a large number to feel any effect is a sign that alcoholism is developing or has already developed. This is particularly true if binge drinking does not cause any major effects.

Binge drinking is defined as five drinks for men and four drinks for women. If it takes five drinks to start feeling any effect, then a high tolerance for alcohol has already developed and it is time to seek help. That high tolerance shows that the body has become used to alcohol and needs more to provide the same impact.

3.) Drinking is Hidden or Causes Feelings of Shame

Although alcohol is a legal substance for adults, drinking a large amount on a regular basis can cause friends and family to become concerned. When drinking is hidden or feelings of shame develop that result in trying to hide the problem, it is likely that an addiction has already developed.

Hiding alcohol around a home or at work is a clear indication that the drinking is getting out of control. It is never appropriate to hide alcohol at work and keeping the drink hidden around a home to prevent loved ones from finding out about the problem shows that the behavior has become socially inacceptable or is perceived as inacceptable because it is causing uncomfortable emotions.

4.) Withdrawal Symptoms Occur

Withdrawal symptoms are a sign of physical dependence on alcohol and can become very severe if the alcoholism is allowed to continue. The only way to determine that the symptoms have developed is stopping the action and seeing the impact.

Going without a drink for a day and experiencing seizures, nausea, headaches, body aches, heart palpitations or similar physical signs is a clear indication that the body is dependent on alcohol to function normally. That means an addiction has developed and help is necessary to remove the substance from the body and start working on sobriety.

5.) Drinking Alone

Drinking alone is another sign that an addiction has occurred. Addiction to alcohol can result in gradual isolation as friends, family and co-workers make remarks about the behaviors. When the drink becomes more important than relationships and occurs in isolation on a regular basis, it is possible that an addiction has developed and help is necessary.

Getting Help

Recognizing the major signs of alcoholism is only the first step of sobriety. Due to the withdrawal symptoms and the causes of addiction, seeking treatment at StopYourAddiction.com can provide the tools to maintain a sober and healthy lifestyle.

Help is available through treatment facilities that focus on personal needs and the causes of alcoholism. Since alcohol abuse can stem from a wide range of potential causes, it is important to identify the reasons the problem developed and treat more than just the actual abuse of alcohol.

Learning about alcoholism and refusing to deny the problem will make it possible to seek help. Professional treatment centers can help with the detoxification process and teach new skills to fight the addiction so that it is possible to move on with life.