People who do not believe, or have no reason to believe, that they might be alcoholic do not ask themselves if they are alcoholic. Problem drinking is a drinking problem. Whether or not that drinking problem has resulted in fully developed chemical dependency, problem drinking can still become a drinking problem which can have negative consequences. If you find yourself asking if you are an alcoholic, see if you identify with any of these signs that your problem drinking has become a drinking problem.
You’re Aware You’re Drinking For The Wrong Reasons
You drink when you’re happy. You drink when you’re sad. You drink when you’ve had an argument. You drink when you want to have an argument. You drink when you’re relaxing. You drink when you need to relax. You drink because you need to drink to relax. You’re aware that there’s always a reason for your drinking and the reasons for your drinking aren’t the right reasons. Drinking can be a celebration of culture, community, and cuisine. Alcohol abuse is defined as using alcohol beyond its intended means. Alcohol is not a mood stabilizer, muscle relaxant, antidepressant, or a therapist. Self-regulating with alcohol is the wrong way to use alcohol.
You Look Forward To Your Next Drink
Though you may not yet be chemically dependent, meaning you obsess over alcohol and experience physical as well as mental symptoms of withdrawal without alcohol, you find yourself thinking about it. On your way to work, you fantasize about how that first after-work drink will feel. Fridays have you eager to start the weekend during which there will be many drinks consumed, by yourself or with friends. Whatever the occasion, you look forward to that next moment when you will be able to drink again.
You Don’t Plan On Stopping When You Start, Or Stopping At All
Nobody has told you that you are an alcoholic. Here and there, you’ve likely received comments from friends and family members that you might want to slow down, drink less, or take a break from drinking for a while. When you intend to drink, you never intend to stop drinking. Drunkenness, blackout, and total inebriation is typically your goal. Even if you don’t become intoxicated, you never have a goal. In the past, you might have set goals but felt unable to meet them because of your difficulty in managing your drinking. Since there is no immediate threat to your health, as far as you understand, or serious consequences in your life, that you can tell, you see no reason to stop drinking alcohol the way you do, or stop drinking alcohol altogether.
Recovery from alcoholism is possible. If you believe you may be struggling with a drinking problem and are afraid it is getting out of control, the time is now to ask for help. Cottonwood Tucson offers addiction rehab and behavioral health treatment for alcoholism, chemical dependency, and co-occurring disorders. Offering hope and healing, our excellence is evidenced by our integrative programs. For information, call us today by dialing (888) 727-0441.
