Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I an alcoholic?” Although drinking alcohol doesn’t make you an alcoholic, millions of people have an alcohol abuse problem they can’t admit to. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you are a candidate for alcohol addiction treatment.
Can You Cut Back Without a Problem?
Increased tolerance is a sign of alcohol addiction. What this means is the number of drinks you routinely consume goes up. You need to drink more to feel the same “buzz.” If you try to cut, you may not feel the same effects. Over time, those struggling with alcoholism tend to regularly increase consumption.
Have You Ever Experienced Withdrawal Symptoms?
Many people associate withdrawal symptoms with severe discomfort after abstaining from alcohol. In most cases, this is inaccurate. The reality is that withdrawal symptoms may begin six or eight hours after consuming your last alcoholic beverage. Often, symptoms may be less obvious than you think.
For example, a person who skips drinking alcohol for a night might feel exhausted the next day. They could have a headache, nausea, and gnawing cravings. Additionally, they might struggle with insomnia and mood swings all day. These conditions continue and may get worse until the person takes another drink. This general feeling of discomfort can absolutely be withdrawal symptoms and likely points to alcohol addiction.
Is Alcohol Negatively Impacting Your Life?
Alcoholism can negatively affect your life in many ways. If you notice these drawbacks but continue to drink, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
An addiction to alcohol can cause serious health problems. It can also lead to financial struggles because you’re drinking more than you can afford. Additionally, a person can have difficulties at work, or struggle with their relationships with friends and family tensions. Those who drink alcohol despite these factors are often struggling with an alcohol abuse or addiction issue.
Can You Control Your Alcohol Consumption?
Alcoholism makes it difficult to control consumption. This means that you might decide to have one or two drinks, but consume a dozen before the night is over. Some individuals drink until they pass out, and thus suffer memory loss.
Even so-called high-functioning alcoholics struggle to manage alcohol consumption. This inability to make rational decisions about consumption is a result of an addiction to alcohol.
Am I an Alcoholic? What to Do if the Answer is Yes
If you answered “yes” to any or all questions, it’s time to seek treatment. You’ll create lasting changes in rehab. At Memphis Recovery Centers, our treatment methods include:
- Dual diagnosis and trauma therapy
- Group therapy
- Music and art therapy
- Nutrition and wellness programs
- Family counseling
In addition to treating alcohol addiction, we also treat several drug addictions. For example, we treat:
If you’re an alcoholic, make the decision to permanently overcome your addiction. At Memphis Recovery Centers in Memphis, Tennessee, you’ll learn what it takes to reach lifelong sobriety. Call 901-272-7751 to begin your journey to better health and happiness today.