Alcohol addiction can sneak up on you. Maybe you used to drink socially, but now you can’t even go to a party without having several drinks. Or maybe you were never the drinking type, but now the thought of sitting down to dinner without a glass of wine makes you anxious or irritable. If you’re worried that your drinking has become a problem, keep reading to find out the signs of alcohol addiction and how you can get help from an alcohol rehab program if necessary.
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Lack of Control
Has a friend or family member ever pointed out that you drink too much? Do you find yourself unable to resist a stiff drink when hanging out with friends? If so, it might be a sign that you have a lack of control over your drinking. If you feel as though alcohol takes over, it may be time to consider rehabilitation.
Isolation
People who are struggling with alcohol addiction may find that they want to be alone. Since drinking can impair a person’s ability to make good decisions, some people might choose to drink by themselves so that they don’t risk saying or doing something that could hurt their reputation or get them into trouble. Being alone can make it easier for a person to continue abusing alcohol without having to worry about anyone trying to stop them. When you’re feeling alone and lonely, remember that you always have friends and family members who care about you. If someone is isolating themselves from their friends and family because of alcohol, reach out and talk with them about your concerns. You might be able to help break their cycle of abuse before it leads down a dangerous path of addiction.
Health Problems
Heavy drinking can cause a range of health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, brain damage and high blood pressure. If you notice that your drinking is having a negative impact on your health, it may be time to seek help.
Denial
If you feel as though you can’t keep up with your drinking, or if you find yourself blacking out or using alcohol to mask painful emotions, it might be time to admit that you have a problem. By getting help for alcohol addiction, you can regain control of your life and return to living happily and healthily.
Shame
If you find yourself hiding your drinking problem from friends and family, chances are that you feel a lot of shame about it. This is a sure sign that you might need help to curb your alcohol intake.
Family Impact
If you have a family, being addicted to alcohol can have serious consequences for them. Your relationship with your partner and children may become strained as they struggle to help you through it.
Feelings of Guilt and Hopelessness
If you feel like alcohol is controlling your life, don’t be afraid to seek help. Your feelings of guilt and hopelessness are common when struggling with an addiction to alcohol.
While it can be hard to admit that you have a problem, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. According to some estimates, about 14 million Americans drink too much—which means roughly one in every 13 adults is struggling with alcohol addiction. If you believe your drinking is becoming a problem, consider reaching out for help; millions of people have done so before you, and many can attest to just how helpful rehab can be.