Alcohol consumption is so normalized in society that it is often hard to know when your drinking has crossed over the line. Many people drink alcohol every day, and it is common to see alcoholic beverages freely flowing at social events. Comparing your drinking habits to someone else isn’t always a good way to figure out if you have a problem with alcohol. Instead, it is better to look at a few common symptoms that occur when it is time to seek help or alcohol addiction treatment.
Recognize the Signs of Alcohol Addiction
In the majority of cases, alcohol addiction creeps up slowly. For some people, it takes many years after the first drink to develop an addiction. Other people might notice their drinking problem sooner, but the signs of addiction tend to be similar among everyone. Looking for these symptoms of addiction can help you spot red flags that signify that you could benefit from treatment.
•hiding how much alcohol you drink
•reaching for a drink during stressful times
•drinking more than other people around you
•spending large amounts of money on alcohol
•blacking out or forgetting what happened the night before
•drinking alone or early in the day
•getting charged with a DUI
•experiencing alcohol poisoning
It is important to note that alcohol addiction is a progressive condition. At first, you might just realize that you are sneaking drinks to avoid getting caught drinking at work or dealing with the judgment from your spouse. Later, you might find that you need more and more alcohol to achieve the same effects. Or, you might discover that you’ve embarrassed yourself by being drunk at a social event, such as a family birthday party. The end stages of alcohol addiction often involve being inebriated for the majority of the day or getting arrested for drunk driving. The important thing to note is that alcohol use is a problem once it becomes an issue in your life. You don’t have to wait until you’ve been arrested for a DUI to seek help.
Listen to Your Loved Ones’ Concerns
Denial is a powerful factor in alcohol addiction. When you’re trying to be strong or don’t like the idea of having a problem, then you might not notice the symptoms in your life. Many people also feel like they are just going through a phase and will get over it once the stressful time is over. While these are natural reactions to developing an alcohol addiction, you’ll still want to take what your loved ones say into consideration.
The people that are closest to you are often the first ones to notice that there is a problem. Although interventions can sometimes be embarrassing, they might be your first clue that your drinking has reached a concerning level. The first people to mention your drinking problem might come from your family, friends or even colleagues. Whether someone talks to you privately or hosts a group intervention, you’ll want to remember that they are doing so because they care. It is also completely possible that they recognize something that you haven’t been ready to admit until now.
Take the First Step By Asking for Help
One of the biggest signs that it is time to seek help or alcohol addiction treatment is asking this specific question. You might have noticed unusual drinking habits in a loved one. It is also highly possible that you are worried about yourself. By the time that you notice that your drinking is out of control, the possibility of having a full-blown addiction is high. Asking for help doesn’t mean having to think through every stage of your recovery just yet. Instead, you have the option of contacting an addiction treatment center to schedule an alcohol addiction assessment.
This type of assessment doesn’t require any major commitment, except to show up and be honest with the care team that talks to you about your alcohol consumption. Once you’ve shared about your lifestyle and discussed any pertinent issues, they’ll be able to let you know if you could benefit from treatment. If you can, then they’ll help you take the next step of enrolling in a program that fits your needs.
Are you noticing concerning signs of an alcohol addiction? If so, then make your first call for help by contacting us at 833.970.2054 today.
