Do I have a drinking problem?

How to tell when alcohol use is out of control

Many people drink a little more than they need once in a while, but sometimes a simple social gathering can lead to alcohol abuse, followed by vomiting or unconsciousness. An occasional bender does not always mean you or the person in question has a drinking problem, but it can be cause for concern. An alcoholic has different habits and uses drinking regularly to cope with life problems and stress. Below is some information you can use to determine if you have a drinking problem.

When do you drink? Most problem drinkers consume alcohol when they feel uneasy, are worried, or under stress. They also rely on alcohol to overcome emotions such as shyness, especially in a social gathering when they want to be at ease. Alcoholics usually think that once they have a few drinks, their stress levels will decrease and everything will be alright.

Is your relationship suffering? If you are a problem drinker, then you are most likely to suffer from a bad relationship. Your partner may not be able to speak to you about the problem, but s/he will definitely notice it. Your drinking problem will also affect your relationship with friends, family, and as co-workers, and you may even hear them joke or comment about your drinking problem.

Do you think about alcohol all the time? People suffering from alcoholism not only have a physical response to drinking, but they also have a mental fixation with drinking. If you find yourself thinking about booze at inappropriate times, chances are you might have a drinking problem. Some people crave "just one more drink," even when they are in the office, or when they are already in bed after the end of the day. A drinking problem does not occur all of the sudden, so if you find yourself overindulging in drinking lately, chances are that you may seriously have a drinking problem.

Do you suffer hangovers? Non alcoholics usually suffer hangovers when they wake up next morning if they had too much to drink the night before. However, if you are a regular drinker, you may not wake up feeling badly after drinking too much the night before.

Has your drinking habit worsened over the years? Alcoholism is usually a progressive problem, and it worsens over time. If you feel that your drinking habit has increased over time or if you consume other forms of alcohol, like whiskey or beer in an attempt to get less drunk, then you might need help with your problem.

Has life become unmanageable for you? People who have a drinking problem often find it difficult to manage their lives. Life on the whole becomes chaotic and difficult to navigate. You might find yourself buried in debts, facing financial problems, or exhibiting irritable behavior towards your kids and family. Problem drinkers also have to face trouble at work which leads to unemployment. Most alcoholics also suffer from insomnia and depression and might feel isolated from people around them.


Author Bio Richard Jacobs is a chief editor since early 2007, and he currently works for MyDUIattorney. A webiste that helps you to find the right DUI lawyer, you can search for a New Jersey DUI Attorney or for Best Maryland DUI Lawyer online, anytime!