It isn’t always easy to see when your drinking has crossed the lines into addiction. Addiction can be easier to distinguish once you understand which signs to look for. Whether you are consuming alcohol simply on a social basis or daily and alone, drinking alcohol can be devastating to your life and can quickly turn into a devastating addiction. Addiction can negatively affect all relationships, so it is important to manage it before life gets out of control. Alcoholism begins with drinks at a party and can quickly escalate to the need to have alcohol on hand all the time. Although alcoholism affects each person differently, there are certain signs and symptoms that you can look for.
Do you have a Problem?
There are many signs that are evident with alcohol addiction. Some of the most common signs include:
• Feeling shameful about drinking
• Feeling guilty after a drinking episode
• Family members and/or friends who think you have an addiction
• Lying to others about your alcohol consumption
• Hiding your drinking from others
• The need to drink in order to relax or unwind
• Using alcohol as a mechanism to “feel better”
• Periods of “Blacking Out”
• Drinking more than you intended
One or more of these symptoms will be present if you are an alcoholic. These signs are often more or less severe person to person. Signs of an alcohol problem can also include withdrawing from family, friends, or activities that were once enjoyed. Other signs include slurred speech, not having any money left over; bloodshot eyes, headaches or frequent spells of sickness. New Directions For Women has a Self-Test here.
What causes Alcoholism?
Alcoholism has been linked to genetics, social environments, and emotional health. The company you keep also has a major influence on how you yourself drink. Your friends can also influence how you treat alcohol. Friends around you may drink excessively and appear to be fine, which can further your consumption. Those with a family history of addiction or who have suffered from trauma or PTSD are more likely to suffer from alcoholism. It is also possible that an addiction can be caused by a mental health problem. Often a person with bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia will use alcohol as a method of self-medication.
Knowing the signs of alcoholism can be the one thing that helps save your life or the life of your loved one. The weight of addiction can lead to an unfulfilled, miserable, and short life. There is no reason to continue to allow this disease to control you. Freedom and liberation can be found in treatment, and recovery. Let New Directions for Women give you the tools you need to achieve spiritual, emotional and physical wellness.
New Directions for Women is a treatment facility located near the beaches of Southern California that offers help to women, pregnant women, women with children and families who desire a similar result. Our caring admissions counselors are available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions you may have on getting help. Reach us by phone at 800-93-WOMEN. We can help. Stay in the loop with New Directions for Women by connecting with us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
