I Drink Alcohol, but How Do I Know if I'm Addicted to It?

Some people can handle the occasional use of alcohol and take it or leave it when they’re not drinking. But for other people, the use of alcohol causes a much larger problem. It leads to addictive behavior that can destroy their health, relationships, and even their lives.

You may wonder if you have a drinking problem, especially when you read articles about it. The fact that you’re wondering is often a sign that your drinking habits require a closer look. The providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center explain more in this helpful guide.

Having an alcohol use disorder comes in different forms

You can have an issue with alcohol use without it being the type of problem that will necessarily impact other aspects of your life, such as your employment. Alcohol use disorder comes in different levels: mild, moderate, or severe.

However, the real problem with even mild alcohol use disorder is that it can — and usually does — progress to a more severe form.

Signs of alcohol addiction

If you have an alcohol use disorder, some of the most common signs include the following:

• Binge drinking (equal to having five or more drinks in two hours if you’re male or four or more drinks in two hours if you’re female)
• Being unable to limit the amount you drink
• Feeling strong cravings or urges to drink
• Wanting to stop drinking but being unable to do so
• Spending a lot of time drinking, obtaining alcohol, or recovering from drinking alcohol
• Having more difficulty managing your responsibilities, such as at your job or in your relationships
• Avoiding work or social opportunities in order to drink
• Using alcohol in unsafe situations, such as when swimming or driving
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking or nausea, when you stop drinking
• Developing a tolerance to alcohol, where you need more alcohol to feel its effects

If you have any of these problems, seek help as soon as possible.

What can happen if you keep drinking

Some people have one or even several of the above signs of an alcohol use disorder, but they assume they can address it at some point down the road. However, the problem is usually far worse at a later date.

If you don’t quit drinking, some of the following things can happen.

Alcohol intoxication

Alcohol is poisonous to your body, and drinking too much too often is a sign that you probably get intoxicated on a regular basis. That’s punishing on your body, especially your liver, which is responsible for breaking down the molecules.

Alcohol intoxication puts you at a greater risk of experiencing driving-related consequences, including arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). And when intoxicated, you suffer from poor judgment, putting yourself and others at risk. A drunken rage can easily lead to violence, assault, and the risk of prison time.

Alcohol withdrawal

If you drink excessively on a regular basis, you may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, colloquially known as the DTs (delirium tremens). It’s not just an unpleasant experience — unsupervised alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. 

The symptoms begin either within hours or 4-5 days after your last drink. Signs of alcohol withdrawal include sweating, difficulty sleeping, hallucinations, agitation, and even occasionally seizures. It’s not something to take into your own hands. Alcohol withdrawal should always be managed by medically trained staff.

If you have a problem with drinking alcohol, we can help. Call the providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center today, or request an appointment online.