Determining whether or not you have a drinking problem can be hard to calculate on your own. Many people think their drinking habits are normal when in reality, they signal that there is a problem. Recognizing the red flags of a drinking problem in others and yourself can be the key to getting the help you need before the problem worsens.
We’re going to look at six signs that someone may have a drinking problem and the health problems that can arise as a result. We’ll also look at how a California rehab center can help get on the path to sobriety.
What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?
When you hear the term alcohol disorder, it refers to a pattern of alcohol use that involves being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it leads to problems.[1] It can also refer to having to drink more to get the same effect or experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you decide to stop drinking.
Continued after video:
6 Warning Signs You Have a Drinking Problem
Several red flags could indicate that you have an alcohol addiction. Here are six things to look out for in yourself and others:[1]
Spending a Lot of Time Drinking
When you look at your weekly activities, how much time is spent drinking? If you realize that you are spending a good portion of your week drinking, you may have a drinking problem. To keep track of how you’re spending your time, keep a weekly journal to document your activities and see how much of your time is devoted to drinking. You may be surprised at what you discover.
Develop a High Tolerance to Alcohol
One of the warning signs of an alcohol use disorder is feeling like you need to drink more. If one or two drinks would make you feel the effects of alcohol, and that’s no longer enough, you may be developing a high tolerance to alcohol and feel the need to drink more to get the same effect.
Reducing Other Activities to Have More Time to Drink
If you’re turning down invitations to do other activities to make more time for drinking, there could be an issue. Examine your life to see if drinking has become your top activity or the one most preferred.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms When You Stop Drinking
When you start to experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking or drinking to avoid having these symptoms, you could have an alcohol addiction. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, shaking, and sweating. Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal can also lead to dangerous symptoms, including delirium tremens (DTs).
Getting Into Legal Trouble
Drinking can lead to legal trouble, such as DUI arrests, assault charges, and other criminal activity that can severely impact your life. If your drinking leads you on this troubled path, you could have a drinking problem.
Not Holding Up Your Responsibilities
Are you missing work or forgetting to make certain appointments? You may have a drinking problem if you are not holding up to your responsibilities. When people drink too much, they tend to forget to do things they are supposed to or are unable to because they have a hangover and are feeling the effects of excessive alcohol use.
If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or others, it could signal a drinking problem that can be treated at a California rehab center like Clear Life Recovery.
Health Problems Associated with Having a Drinking Problem
Many serious health problems are linked to drinking problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic disease and other serious problems. It can lead to problems with memory, mental health, and learning.[2]
Heaving drinking has also been linked to these chronic health issues:
Liver Disease
Drinking a large amount of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, fibrosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis.
High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, and Stroke
Excessive drinking is also known to cause heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and an irregular heartbeat.
Cancer
Drinking alcohol can contribute to developing several types of cancer, including liver, mouth, and breast cancer in women. The fewer drinks a person has, the lower their risk can be of developing these types of cancers.
Having an alcohol use disorder can also impact the immune system and make you more vulnerable to getting sick. Many people who drink heavily can also have anxiety and depression issues.
When people have a drinking problem, it can also cause them to injure themselves or others or engage in risky behavior they wouldn’t normally do.
Getting Help at A California Alcohol Rehab Center
At Clear Life Recovery, we offer a variety of alcohol treatment plans to help people overcome their drinking problems. Our addiction treatment plans include therapy and life skills training to help people deal with the issues that lead them to drink and how to proceed and live without alcohol.
Our staff understands that everyone’s addiction is different and that everyone needs a plan tailored to their needs. By getting to know each client, our staff can do this and help people have a successful treatment experience.
Call us today or reach out to us online to learn more about our programs and how they can help people not rely on alcohol and live productive lives.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/alcohol.htm
