Do you feel a strong compulsion to drink alcohol? Have you developed a strong tolerance to alcohol and needed more to achieve the same level of enjoyment?
If the answer to these questions is “yes,” you may be teetering on the edge of alcohol addiction.
Alcohol addiction is not just about drinking too much once or twice in your life. To receive the diagnosis of alcohol dependence, a patient’s drinking habits must significantly disrupt their daily life for at least a year.
How can you tell if you’re having alcohol abuse? Keep reading to learn the common signs of alcoholism.
Alcohol Tolerance Has Gone Up
If you suspect that your alcohol tolerance has gone up, it could be a sign of alcoholism. Alcohol addiction can cause a person to have increased alcohol tolerance, meaning that the amount of alcohol they can consume before becoming intoxicated is greater than it once was. Examining your history of alcohol consumption also can help determine if you have a problem.
Impaired Control Over Alcohol Use
If you have impaired control over alcohol use, you may be dealing with alcohol abuse. Signs of this include feeling a need to drink every day, finding that drinking is impacting your job or financial situation, or using alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions.
If you find that alcohol is making it difficult to focus on important tasks or that when you start drinking you often don’t stop until you’ve had too much, these could also be signs of alcoholism. It can also be an issue if you feel compelled to lie about or hide your drinking or if you’ve tried to quit drinking but can’t.
If you’re showing any of these warning signs, it’s essential to talk to a mental health professional to get an accurate assessment. For a sober life, you can opt for partial hospitalization, check out Sober Life Recovery Solutions.
Unwanted Physical or Mental Effects From Drinking
If you’ve noticed any of the following unwanted physical or mental effects, it could be symptoms of alcoholism:
- feeling frequently exhausted
- unable to sleep
- feeling an increased need to drink
- missing important engagements due to drinking
- drinking when it is unsafe to do so
- health problems caused by drinking (headaches, stomach pains, vomiting)
- lack of motivation
If any of these symptoms are present, speak to a trusted medical professional as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis. Ask someone close to you to talk to you honestly about your drinking habits and how it impacts them as well. Taking responsibility for your behavior is key to acknowledging the issue and beating it.
Beat Your Alcohol Addiction
If you think you may have an alcohol addiction, seeking help right away is key. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional to get the help you need. Gaining insight into your drinking habits and how they affect your life can help you get back control and make informed decisions around alcohol.
Taking this step will help ensure a healthier and brighter future.
Do you want to learn more about taking care of your health and fitness needs? Check out the rest of our website to find more articles that discuss ways you can live a healthier and happier life.
