Do I have a drinking problem? Is my family member, friend, or co-worker abusing alcohol? If you are asking yourself any of these questions, then you are in the right place.

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What Is the Difference Between Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse?

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There is a genetic predisposition in some people that makes them more likely to develop alcohol dependence. In some cases, alcoholism may develop suddenly due to a stressful event, such as a relationship ending, the death of a loved one, retirement or some other loss. On the other hand, alcoholism may creep up as tolerance to alcohol increases. If a person is a daily or binge drinker, the risks of developing alcoholism are even greater.

 

If a person is an alcoholic, that means he or she abuses alcohol. However, not all alcohol abusers are alcoholics. Someone who abuses alcohol drinks heavily, frequently or both but is not physically dependent upon the substance. Abuse can quickly progress to alcoholism.

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The Signs of Alcohol Abuse

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Some of the common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:

 

Neglect of responsibilities: Drinking can cause you to neglect responsibilities at home, work, or school. Others may become frustrated by your lack of responsibility.

 

Reckless alcohol use: This involves using alcohol in situations that puts yourself and others in danger, such as drinking while driving, using prescription drugs or operating machinery.

 

Alcohol-related legal issues: Alcohol abuse often leads to legal issues for many individuals, such as DUI charges, domestic violence incidents and disorderly conduct.

 

Drinking despite relationship consequences: Alcohol contributes to the worsening of your relationships with friends, family members and/or spouse, yet you continue to drink.

 

Drinking for stress reduction: Oftentimes, drinking problems begin as a result of using alcohol to deal with stress. Drinking alcohol to remedy stress is a common sign of alcohol abuse.

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Do I Have a Problem?

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It takes great courage to ask yourself, “Do I have a problem?” and even greater courage to face the answers. To help determine whether or not alcohol is a problem in your life, consider your responses to the following questions:

 

1. Do you consume alcohol on a regular basis (e.g. multiple days per week)?

2. Do you drink to relieve stress or when you are depressed?

3. Have you ever missed work, school or an appointment because of your alcohol use?

4. Have you ever experienced a blackout (i.e. memory loss) from drinking?

5. Do most of the people in your life use alcohol on a regular basis?

6. Has anyone ever told you they are concerned about how much you drink?

7. Have you ever had a problem with the law because of your drinking?

8. Do you drink for the feeling that alcohol produces?

9. Do you ever find yourself having more drinks than you intended to have?

10. Do you ever drink alone?

 

The questions above are not intended to diagnose or label you… just to get you thinking. If you are not happy with your answers to these questions, please contact us. While we treat alcohol and drug abuse and dependency as a separate entity, simultaneously we are able to work with you on other major issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, relationship problems, and past experiences.

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Are You a Concerned Friend or Family Member?

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If you are a friend or a family member who is seeking help for someone you love, call us today at 345-926-0882 . We can provide you with guidance on how to be effective in getting your loved one the proper treatment for alcohol addiction.