Seven Signs You Have a Drinking Problem

There may be some signs you have a drinking problem that you may not realize are there. When it comes to alcohol, there are a lot of potential consequences that could arise as a result of drinking. One of those is addiction. Alcoholism can be brutal. Being able to recognize the warning signs, and understanding how to keep things from getting worse can be crucial to preventing the most severe of these consequences and impacts of alcoholism on your life.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a disorder in which the use of alcohol has taken over your life. When you can’t, physically or mentally, go a day without drinking, this could be one of the signs you have a drinking problem. Alcoholism can have some damaging impacts to your life, in many different areas.

Health wise, it can cause liver damage and this can lead to even further conditions that affect your health and wellness. Emotionally, suffering from alcoholism is a lonely, dark place to be. Having to not only deal with the constant need and desire to drink but with the feeling that you are alone in it, can be extremely taking on someone’s mental health.

There is also the potential for legal troubles, as well as issues within personal and family relationships. Alcoholism is a devastating disease that takes a toll on a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Seven Signs You Have a Drinking Problem

If you’ve ever wondered if drinking has become an issue, there are several signs that you may have a drinking problem that can be identified within your life. Now, there are some signs outside of these, however these are commonly seen and easily identifiable.

Inability to Give Up Drinking Completely

Have you ever tried to stop drinking, and just, for whatever reason, completely been unable to stop? You may want to, with every fiber of your being, stop drinking. Whether it be for health reasons, or just to see if you can do it. However, you are not able to completely stop. You have a drink at night, or a sip after a stressful event in your life. There is some compulsion that leads you back to drinking.

Drinking to Cope

When you turn to alcohol as a means of coping with life, whether it be a long day at work, a fight with your partner, financial problems, whatever the situation. When you use drinking as a means of coping with these things, it could be another of the signs you may have a drinking problem. Drinking to cope is one of the biggest culprits leading to dependence on alcohol. Most problems don’t resolve in a day, so when the stress is prolonged the drinking is as well.

Hiding Your Drinking

When you’re drinking in private, or hiding the fact that you’re drinking from those around you, this could be a sign you may have a drinking problem. If it is something you wouldn’t want those around you to know is happening, there is a reason for that. The shame you may be feeling could be indicative that you subconsciously know it’s a problem

Changes in Personality

When alcohol takes a hold of your life, it can lead to changes in your personality. You could go from a happy-go-lucky, bubbly personality to someone who is angry or hateful most of the time. These changes can be so severe, others may distance themselves from you.

Problems in Family or Personal Relationships

Another of the signs you may have a drinking problem is problems in your relationships. Whether that means family relationships with your spouse, parents or children or problems within friendships. Alcohol addiction can cause friction within these relationships since, generally, the person who is struggling is the last one to recognize there is a problem. This is why family therapy is often utilized as part of a person’s alcohol addiction treatment plan.

Recklessness

Drinking and driving, or increasingly participating in things that could cause injury or harm while drinking can be extremely dangerous. Especially because you may not even recognize you’re doing it. You can hurt yourself or someone else.

Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

If you experience physical or emotional symptoms of withdrawal, this could be the biggest of the signs you have a drinking problem. Physical withdrawal is unpleasant and can have some long lasting effects. Emotionally, compulsions, depression and anxiety could take over.

What to Do If Drinking Becomes a Problem

If drinking has become a problem for you, the best thing that you can do is seek professional help to stop it before it gets worse. There is help available, and you don’t have to keep going down this dark lonely path.

Get Help for Your Drinking in Louisville, KY

When it becomes too much to handle, or begins interfering with different aspects of your life, drinking could potentially be a problem for you. Alcoholism is a disease that alters your mind and body, leading to some severe consequences. Getting help is the best thing that you can do. If you or a loved one have a problem surrounding alcohol and the consumption of it, there is help available! At Louisville Addiction Center, we offer help to those seeking it.

Our team is available to guide you through the process and help you as you begin the next stage of your life. Contact us today.