Alcohol is one of the most consumed substances in the world. It’s often linked to social activities, celebrations, and relaxing moments. For many, drinking alcohol isn’t a “must.” But for others, alcohol can turn into a problem that’s hard to control or manage. Do find yourself asking, “Am I an alcoholic?” or “Should I be worried about my desire to drink so often?”
If so, you need to ask yourself some very important questions (and answer them honestly.) In this article, we’ll lay out these questions so you can do a little soul-searching. Answering these questions honestly can help. It will clarify your stance on alcohol and if you should change your habits.
Alcohol Treatment in San Diego
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Before diving into the questions about alcohol use, it’s helpful to understand what Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is. AUD is a medical condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the level of dependence and the impact on your life. You don’t have to drink every day to have a problem with alcohol. Certain signs and behaviors can indicate that it is affecting your life in unhealthy ways.
Here are 10 questions to ask yourself to answer: “Am I an alcoholic?”:
1. Do I often drink more than I intend to?
Have you ever started the evening planning on having one or two drinks but then ended up having a lot more than that? Does this happen often? If you answer “yes” to these questions, it may indicate you lack control over your drinking. This could be a sign that alcohol use may be a problem for you.
Signs of a high-functioning alcoholic
2. Do I crave alcohol regularly?
Another helpful question about alcohol use focuses on cravings, which are intense urges to drink. If you often crave alcohol, even at inconvenient times, it may signal dependency. Cravings can disrupt your focus, make you irritable, and distract you from your tasks. A common symptom of alcohol addiction is persistent cravings. They may signal a shift in your relationship with alcohol.
3. Have I failed over and over to cut back on drinking?
Continuous unsuccessful attempts to cut back on alcohol could be a sign of a deeper issue. You may have promised yourself to drink less for health or relationship reasons. But, you found you couldn’t stick to it. This can lead to feelings of frustration, self-blame, and guilt. Repeatedly failing to cut down on alcohol suggests that drinking is no longer within your full control.
4. Is drinking affecting my relationships?
Alcoholism doesn’t only affect you—it impacts those around you. You may notice that alcohol-related issues are causing conflicts with family, friends, or partners. If others have expressed concern about your drinking or if drinking is causing problems in your relationships, it’s worth considering whether alcohol may be playing a destructive role in your personal life.
5. Have I experienced memory loss or blackouts from drinking?
If you’ve ever woken up after drinking, lacking all your memories, you may have a problem with alcohol. Blackouts from drinking occur when alcohol impairs your brain’s ability to create new memories. Occasional forgetfulness can happen with heavy drinking. Frequent blackouts, though, are a warning sign. They suggest your drinking may be reaching dangerous levels. It’s also a strong indicator of potential long-term damage to your brain and overall health.
6. Do I drink to cope with stress or challenging emotions?
Using alcohol as a way to deal with emotions like sadness, anxiety, or anger is common, but it can be risky. If you reach for the bottle whenever you’re feeling down or stressed, this can create a reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Over time, this behavior can spiral into a cycle where you feel incapable of managing difficult emotions without drinking. This is often a significant sign of emotional dependency on alcohol.
7. Has my tolerance increased?
Over time, your body becomes accustomed to alcohol, meaning you need to drink more to feel the same effects. This phenomenon is called tolerance, and it’s one of the physiological signs of dependence. If you require more alcohol to achieve the buzz you used to feel after one or two drinks, your body has adapted to regular alcohol use. Increased tolerance is a red flag that your drinking may be progressing toward a more serious issue.
8. Do I prioritize drinking over other activities?
This question about alcohol use may take some time to consider. Think about whether or not alcohol has interfered with your daily life, hobbies, or responsibilities. Have you skipped work, missed social events, or avoided obligations so you can drink or recover from drinking? If alcohol is more important than other commitments, it may mean your priorities have shifted in an unhealthy way.
9. Do I experience withdrawal symptoms or anxiety without alcohol?
If you are dependent on alcohol, you will likely have withdrawal symptoms if you stop or reduce your drinking. Some of these symptoms include shakiness, sweating, irritability, and nausea. Anxiety or depression that arises when you’re not drinking can also signal a dependence. If you’re feeling symptoms of withdrawal, it’s a strong indication that alcohol has become an integral part of your routine.
10. Do I feel guilty or ashamed about my drinking?
Feelings of guilt or shame after drinking indicate that you’re aware, on some level, that alcohol is causing problems in your life. Maybe you’ve done things while drinking that you regret, or you worry about how much and how often you drink. This emotional burden is a sign that your drinking habits might not align with your values or goals, and it’s a signal to consider making a change.
If You Answered “Yes” to Several of These Questions, Contact BOLD Health
Answering these questions to discover the answer to “Am I an alcoholic?” can be eye-opening. And answering yes to several of them can be a bit overwhelming. The good news is that you’re taking the time to explore your relationship with alcohol. That’s a good sign. It means you want to understand your relationship with alcohol. It’s the first step to getting help for addiction in San Diego if you need it.
Early intervention is your best defense against your dependence on alcohol getting worse. Partnering with a mental health professional who understands alcohol use disorder is critical. Our experienced clinicians will take the time to understand what brought you to our door and tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs.
Alcohol treatment in San Diego at BOLD Health may include:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- medication management
- detox
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Contact us to learn more about our addiction treatment in San Diego and how we can get you back on track and no longer dependent on alcohol.