How to Tell if You Are an Alcoholic

Alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are two different conditions that often manifest themselves in similar ways. Alcohol abusers frequently consume more than they should but are still able to maintain some control over their drinking. Alcoholics are driven physically and mentally by their addiction to alcohol and are unable to control their need and desire for it. Recognizing that you are allowing alcohol to control your life is one of the most difficult things you can do.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask yourself some hard questions about your consumption of alcohol. Is alcohol the first thing you think of when you wake up? Do you ever feel guilty about drinking? Do you feel like you might need to slow down or cut back on how much you drink? When others comment on your drinking, do you feel irritated or defensive? Do you drink in secret so no one else will see you? Do you get annoyed if you are placed in a situation where you cannot drink? Do you experience physical symptoms such as nausea or shaking if you do not drink? If you answered yes to even one of these questions, alcohol may be playing a bigger role in your life than you realize.

• 2

  Examine problems that you may be experiencing. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to physical, mental, financial, social and legal problems. Alcohol abusers often experience problem after problem that they fail to recognize as consequences of their abuse. Deteriorating relationships, broken promises, failed commitments, financial problems and legal problems can all be consequences of alcohol abuse. Denying that your problems could be related to alcohol abuse is a typical reaction when, in reality, you have probably already made the connection.

• 3

  Know the common warning signs of alcoholism: drinking alone; poor eating habits; drinking daily just to be able to function; creating or making excuses for drinking; physical appearance declines; drinking in secret; violence; and efforts to reduce or stop drinking fail.

• 4

  Seek help for your addiction. If you find that you are experiencing one or more of the warning signs of alcohol addiction, now is the time to take action. There are many self-tests available online that can help you tell if you are an alcoholic, but they aren't going to help you stop abusing alcohol. Call today and schedule a complete health evaluation with your physician to help determine what your next step should be.