According to NSDUH, more than 19 million individuals have fought with substance use disorder. Substance abuse means taking illegal drugs. However, it could also mean using legal substances, prescription drugs, and alcohol inappropriately. It is important to note that substance abuse is different from addiction. How to know if you are prone to alcohol addiction? Individuals having substance abuse disorder can change their unhealthy behaviors or quit totally. On the other hand, you cannot quickly stop addiction even if it harms you because it is a disease. Both illegal and legal drugs contain active pharmaceutical ingredients that alter the operations of your mind and body.
Addiction.
It is often tricky to be objective when trying to figure out your addiction or your loved ones’ addiction. In such situations, denials, rationalization, and emotions rise, creating more confusion, and you may find it difficult to differentiate that which is typical. Alcoholism starts either as casual drinking or drinking as an escape to problems and the pressures of life. Problem drinkers lack full addiction. However, their drinking frequency could be speedily increasing, and they may at risk of developing dependence later. Therefore, it is essential to note that alcoholism or excessive casual drinking may share signs with problem drinking. Here are the most common addiction signs to check out for:
Inability to stop drinking.
If you realize that you often proceed to complete the bottles of beer or wines stocked in the house after getting a bottle, then it is an indication that you lack full control over your drinking. Hence, there is an underlying addiction problem.
You are neglecting your responsibilities.
Excessive drinking of alcohol may make you have problems at your work stations, school or homes. You become irresponsible and unable to deliver or complete the allocated task in case of work station. You will realize you cannot provide for your family and loved ones in the household because much funds get pumped into taking alcohol. At this point, alcohol is not an occasional indulgence any more but a severe interference to your daily operations.
You will have relationship troubles.
If you realize that your drinking seems to destroy your relationship with your family members, spouse, or even friends, this indicates an addiction. With addiction, you tend to give alcohol much priority than any other person or activity. It is important to note that at this point, you are crossing the problem-drinking stage.
The presence of withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal and hangover differ. Withdrawal is the reaction in the absence of alcohol and not in the presence of excess alcohol. If you start feeling anxious, nauseous, depressed, tired, and irritable in the lack of alcohol, it could indicate alcohol withdrawal. More withdrawal symptoms include loss of appetite, trembling, difficulty falling asleep, sweating, and hallucinations.
Hidden drinks.
Denial exists in individuals having challenges with alcohol. It is the reason why alcoholics and problem drinkers tend to drink privately. They are also fond of lying about the amount of alcohol they take to seem like a non-issue. This behavior is a vital sign of an underlying addiction.
You are taking alcohol at unusual times and circumstances.
If you realize you have to take alcohol before getting to work or drinking contrary to your physician’s recommendation, then know that you are struggling with an underlying alcohol addiction. Simultaneously, on some therapy, or drinking before driving, you know that you have a severe addiction challenge. Alcohol addiction is one reason for taking risks, such as drinking before driving or consuming alcohol, against your physician’s instructions.
You are struggling to quit drinking.
If you realize that quitting alcohol is becoming a big challenge on your part, try and seek additional assistance. Deciding to quit alcohol drinking is a clear indication that you understand the negative impact that alcohol has on your operations. And unsuccessfully trying to stop depicts alcohol addiction.
You take more alcohol than before.
Tolerance is among the significant addiction signs. If currently, you take more alcohol than before to be drunk, know that you are on the path of being an alcoholic. Frequent exposure of your body to alcohol allows it to adapt and cope with the increased concentrations. It is an indication of severe addiction.
Regular blackouts.
If you realize that after taking alcohol, you cannot remember any incident that happened before that, it is a sign that you have alcohol problems. In other words, you take too much alcohol. You need to meditate and understand the propelling factor to such excessive alcohol intake. Because ideally, when having fun, you do not have to blackout. Blackouts are indications of serious alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is a disease and has a cure known as rehabilitation. In any case, you are struggling with quitting alcohol, or you have a loved one struggling with alcohol addiction, feel free to contact our professional counselors on 833-497-3808. They will be very instrumental in your recovery.