10 Telltale Signs of Alocholism
The problem with drug addiction is that the drugs reduce the users’ ability to self-evaluate. This is especially true when it comes to alcoholism. If you suspect you might have a drinking problem, here are 10 telltale signs of alcoholism.
Alcoholism is becoming more common.
A recent study found that one in eight American adults are alcoholics. That’s 12.2 percent of the U.S. population!
The problem with drug addiction is that the drugs reduce the users’ ability to self-evaluate. This is especially true when it comes to alcoholism.
If you suspect you might have a drinking problem, here are 10 telltale signs of alcohol addiction.
1. Hiding or Lying About Your Drinking
If you find yourself hiding anything about your drinking, you probably have a problem. You wouldn’t lie about how much you had to drink if you thought it was normal. Denial is familiar with addiction.
Be honest with yourself and your family. If you don’t have a problem, you shouldn’t have anything to hide.
2. Drinking to Feel Better
If you need alcohol for a mood boost, you may have an unhealthy addiction. A glass of wine or beer while toasting at a special occasion or a night out with friends is normal. If you drink to feel better because you are unhappy, there is a big red flag.
Alcohol mood enhancement is only temporary and can increase anxiety and depression. Using alcohol to get rid of your stress, unhappiness, or negative feelings will not help you in the long run.
If you have a bad day and feel like you need to drink more, you may be drinking as an emotional crutch. You should be able to relax without drinking. If you don’t think you can enjoy yourself without alcohol, you most likely have some sort of dependence.
3. “Blacking Out” Regularly
Having so much alcohol that you don’t remember what happened is a big problem. You drink too much. You should clearly remember most of your night as if you hadn’t been drinking.
You are drinking an excessive amount of alcohol to have this happen. Your brain cannot function normally when you have extreme blood alcohol levels. If this happens regularly, this is a huge red flag for a serious problem.
You shouldn’t risk brain damage for alcohol. Alcoholism can lead to irreversible brain damage. If you black out often, its time to seek professional help.
4. Drinking at Weird Times
Having alcohol first thing in the morning is a sign of a big problem. If you can’t start your day without a drink, you have a significant issue. Drinking before work is definitely not normal.
If you take medication but still drink, this is another big red flag. Also, you shouldn’t be consuming a significant amount of alcohol before you drive or go to work. If you do, you are willing to take risks that make alcohol a big priority in your life.
5. Relationship Problems
Do you have regular arguments with your family or friends about your drink? You may be addicted if you can’t give up alcohol even after your family or friends have expressed concern.
It’s difficult to turn your back on your family, and you wouldn’t do that if you didn’t have a problem. The sooner you address your drinking habits, the sooner you can heal your body and your relationships. Your family and friends should be the essential thing in your life.
6. Drinking More
Has your tolerance increased? If you find that you can drink more than you used to, this could be a sign you are an alcoholic. Having a higher tolerance means your body is exposed to alcohol enough that it has learned to process it better.
When you increase the amount you drink, your health also declines. You may notice that once you start drinking more, you gain weight, have memory issues, experience blackouts, or have tremors.
7. Experiencing Withdrawal
Having withdrawal is not a hangover. It is a reaction to lack of alcohol. You may feel tired, depressed, anxious, or irritable.
Other symptoms are sleeping issues, appetite changes, and shakiness. Hangovers can have some of the same effects, but if you experience these symptoms for days, this is not a hangover.
Your body is telling you that it is physically addicted to alcohol. These symptoms will subside after you eliminate alcohol for a long time. Your body will readjust to your healthier state of mind.
8. Not Wanting to Quit or Can’t
Have you tried to quit drinking and realize you can’t? You may need additional help to quit. Because you can’t stop on your own, this means you probably have an alcohol addiction.
It’s not unusual for some of us to want to cut back our drinking at some point. Once you are addicted, you won’t be able to cut it back.
Your body relies on alcohol when you have an addiction. Withdrawal can also be life-threatening, so you may need medical assistance as you begin your recovery.
9. Changes in Your Face
Have you noticed any changes in your face? Physical signs of alcoholism include broken capillaries and flushed skin on your face. These symptoms can range from rosy cheeks to large blood vessels visible on your face.
Having large amounts of alcohol in your bloodstream regularly damages your skin and your smaller blood vessels. If you have any of these signs, your body is changing, and you need to seek help.
10. Trembling Hands
Trembling hands is a big sign of alcoholism. If you notice your hands are shaking after you drink, this is because the alcohol damages the nerves in your body.
You may also notice shaky hands when you quit drinking for good. If you have a physical dependence, your body will shake if it doesn’t get alcohol. You will also have issues with your fine motor skills like writing or using utensils.
Seeing Signs of Alcoholism?
There are different stages of alcoholism. If you start to notice any of these symptoms above, it may be time for you to face reality. You may need help.
The most significant step is admitting you need help. There are several ways for you to get the help you need. Do some soul searching to see what is right for you and your family.
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