5 Signs That You Have a Drinking Problem

Drinking alcohol may be legal, but it is one of the most addictive as many people struggle with a drinking problem. While it can be a safe and fun social activity, it must be done in moderation. The line between social drinking and problematic drinking blurs, however.

There are people who are fine drinking a few bottles, while there are those who overindulge and can be considered as excessive drinkers. There are those who also have a hard time saying “No” to alcohol, or may even find opportunities to drink.

Do you think you, or someone you know, may have a drinking problem? Do you think they are spiraling towards addiction?

Here are 5 signs that you need to look out for to understand if you have a drinking problem and if you need help.

1. You drink even if you’re alone. You have gone beyond social drinking and would often just drink alone. This is a sign of a deeper psychological or emotional issue, wherein people resort to drinking as a way to cope or reward themselves. This may also be a form of self-medication, when people drink to ease feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, or depression.
2. You are binge drinking. Drinking 5 or more alcohol drinks at a time within the last 30 days is considered binge drinking. It happens when you frequently drink a lot more than you intentionally planned. Those who binge drink are often at a higher risk of getting different diseases such as stroke, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, cancer, alcohol hepatitis, irregular heartbeat, and other heart problems.
3. You are drinking as an escape. Whether it is to cope with stress or a difficult situation, your drinking habit may be on the path to turning into addiction. Over time, your brain chemistry will be altered and you will have a hard time coping another way once you have repeatedly turned to alcohol.
4. You have increased tolerance to alcohol. You may find yourself wanting to drink more and more to get the desired effect. This can be a big sign of a drinking problem. You may also find yourself wanting to drink to function normally, as you feel various withdrawal symptoms when you don’t have alcohol in your system.
5. Drinking despite harmful consequences. When you are drinking, you tend to have less inhibitions. Your movements and even your decision-making may even be impaired. This can result to problematic behavior caused by your drinking problem. You may have experienced drinking while under the influence. You may even drink even when you have work or responsibilities the next day, causing you to miss them or not perform well. You may also find that your drinking has already interfered badly with your relationships.

Do you know someone who may have a drinking problem? Or are you wondering if you should seek help for yourself? Take our FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT.