Patricia
An estimated 2 billion people worldwide consume alcohol. That’s more than a quarter of the world’s population.
Unfortunately for many consumers of alcohol, the beverage takes a negative toll on their lives. In America alone, roughly 14.4 million people have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Alcohol addiction is a serious problem because it often leads to other problems like liver disease, heart disease, and cancer. It can also lead to violence, domestic abuse, and accidents. The good news is that there are ways to overcome alcohol addiction.
This blog will outline seven common signs you’re addicted to alcohol. More importantly, we’ll show you how to overcome this problem.
1. You Often Drink More Than You Intended To
Have you ever started drinking with the intention of having just one or two drinks but ended up drinking more than you wanted to? It’s a common sign of alcohol abuse.
Addiction takes away your ability to say no. You may not want to keep drinking, but you can’t stop yourself. Additionally, people who are addicted to alcohol often build up a tolerance, which means they need to drink more and more to feel the same effects. As a result, they may not realize how much they’re actually consuming.
2. You Make Sure to Have Alcohol Available at All Times
For many people, alcohol is a part of social gatherings and celebrations. But for those with alcohol addiction, it’s much more than that. Having alcohol available at all times is just one of the signs that you might have a problem.
An alcoholic will often prioritize drinking over other activities and will make sure to have alcohol on hand at all times, even if that means carrying around a flask or hiding bottles in strategic locations.
3. You Feel Guilty or Ashamed After Drinking
When you have a drinking problem, you often feel guilty about how much you drank or what you said or did while you were drunk.
You might also be ashamed of your drinking habits and how they are impacting your life. This guilt and shame can lead to a spiral of negative emotions, including depression, anxiety, and isolation.
4. You Hide Your Drinking From Others
Hiding your drinking from others is a classic sign of alcohol addiction. There are a few reasons why this happens.
First, addicts are typically in denial about their problem and don’t want to face the truth. Second, they may be embarrassed about their drinking or worried that others will judge them. And third, they may be afraid of losing their job, family, or friends if they admit to having a problem.
5. Your Family or Friends Express Concern About Your Drinking
Once it becomes clear that you may have an addiction problem, your friends and family may start to voice their concerns to you. This may happen because you’ve been neglecting your responsibilities in favor of drinking. Or maybe you’ve been engaging in risky behavior while under the influence.
Whatever the case may be, it’s important to listen to your loved ones when they express concern.
6. Your Job or School Performance Starts to Suffer
Alcohol alters the chemistry of the brain, which can lead to problems with cognitive function and decision-making. As a result, individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction may find it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks, leading to poor performance at work or school.
Additionally, alcohol addiction can also lead to absenteeism, which affects their productivity at work.
7. You Continue to Drink Despite Clear Negative Consequences
When negative consequences like job loss, financial problems, or relationship issues arise, most people would think that would be enough to stop drinking. However, for someone with an addiction, these problems are often not enough to outweigh the urge to drink.
Sometimes the negative consequences can even make the urge stronger. This is because alcohol addiction changes the way your brain functions. It alters your mood and makes you feel like you need alcohol in order to cope with life’s problems.
As a result, you may find yourself continuing to drink even when it’s clear that it’s not doing you any good.
What to Do if You See Signs You’re Addicted to Alcohol
If you think you might have an alcohol problem, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you overcome alcohol addiction and live a sober life. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support.
One of the first steps in recovery is admitting that you have a problem. This can be difficult, but it’s essential for getting the help you need. If you’re not sure whether you have an alcohol problem, consider how much you drink, how often you drink, and whether your drinking is affecting your life in a negative way.
If you’re unsure about whether you have a problem, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek help from a professional. Consider this service to help determine what kind of help you need.
Once you’ve made the decision to seek help, there are many treatment options available. Treatment typically begins with detoxification, which helps your body rid itself of alcohol. Detox can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to detox under medical supervision.
After detox, you’ll likely participate in therapy and counseling to address the underlying causes of your addiction. You may also attend support groups or 12-step meetings to stay sober.
Treatment for alcohol addiction is different for everyone, but there are many resources available to help you get started on the road to recovery. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome your addiction and live a sober, fulfilling life.
Overcome Your Alcohol Addiction Today
Alcohol addiction is a serious disease that can destroy your health, relationships, and career. It’s the reason you shouldn’t try to ignore it. If you identify with any of the above signs you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s important to seek help from a substance abuse professional to find the best treatment plan for you.
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