How to Tell If You Have an Alcohol Problem
Alcoholics are often the last to know they have a problem with alcohol. Their spouse, children, neighbors, friends, boss and co-workers usually recognize that there is a problem long before the alcoholic is ready to admit it to himself. It’s easy to say to yourself, “I just have a couple drinks a day. I can handle it.” The problem is, that “couple of drinks” is generally more like 10 or 12 by the end of the day. It’s time to admit you have an alcohol problem and seek treatment if you do any of the following:
- Hide your drinking by drinking alone or in secret
- Are unable to limit amount of alcohol your drink
- Need a drink when you wake up
- Suffer frequent falls and bruises
- Get ticketed for DUI and/or have frequent auto collisions
- “Black out,” don’t remember conversations or activities
- Stop taking care of your appearance or suffer chronic depression, anxiety, weight loss, insomnia, low self-esteem, irritability or, for men, erectile dysfunction
- Lose interest in activities and hobbies that used to give you pleasure
- Feel a compulsion or need to drink
- Make a ritual of your drinking — such as before, during or after dinner — and become irritated if the ritual is disturbed or questioned
- Become irritable when your usual drinking time nears, particularly if alcohol isn’t available
- Hide alcohol at home, work or in your car
- Gulp your drinks, order doubles or get drunk on purpose
- Only feel “good” or “normal” when you’re intoxicated
- Build up a tolerance to alcohol so that it takes an increasing number of drinks to become intoxicated
- Experience withdrawal symptoms — nausea, sweating, shaking, tremors, seizures, hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs) — when you don’t drink
- Have legal or financial problems, trouble with relationships including separation and divorce, or problems at work due to alcohol; take sick days to recover from hangovers
Alcohol abusers generally exhibit the same symptoms but without the strong compulsion to drink that defines alcoholics. When they don’t drink, abusers don’t often experience the withdrawal symptoms of addiction. And unlike alcoholics who are dependent on alcohol, alcohol abusers are still able to exercise at least marginal control over their drinking. However, the line between alcohol dependency and abuse is thin. You may have crossed the line into addiction if you answer “yes” to any of these questions:
- Do you need a drink when you wake up?
- Do you feel guilty about drinking?
- Do you think you need to cut back on your drinking?
- Do you get annoyed when other people comment on your drinking?
Unfortunately alcohol abuse and alcoholism are not just adult problems. In the U.S., half a million children between the ages of 9 and 12 have an alcohol problem. Alcohol use among teen and young adults is rampant. Parents should be alert to changes in their child’s behavior or attitude. The following signs and symptoms may indicate that your child has a problem with alcohol:
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, accidents, bruises and/or memory lapse
- Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends
- Poor grades and problems at school, including tardiness or playing hooky
- Abrupt mood changes, depression, anxiety
- Defensive or secretive behavior
If you or someone you care about is experiencing the symptoms listed here, encourage them to admit they have an alcohol problem and get help. Friends and families should be prepared to step in and help the alcoholic get the treatment he needs.
Next time: Getting treatment for alcohol abuse and dependency
