Am I an Alcoholic: 9 Warning Signs of an Alcoholic

There are many signs that a person is developing alcohol dependence or addiction. There is a high possibility that you have developed a tolerance to alcohol and may have a physical alcohol dependence. If left untreated, the negative consequences of dependence can lead to addiction. Support groups, counseling, and outpatient treatment programs can all help reduce alcohol consumption. Your path to a healthier relationship with alcohol—up to and including complete sobriety—may involve some trial and error.

Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 14.8 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder. This page aims to provide some insights into alcohol dependence and the factors that might indicate an alcohol use disorder or problematic relationship with alcohol. ” quiz to get a better idea of the severity of your excessive alcohol consumption. Orlando Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. It’s common to picture a very specific image when you think about someone with an alcohol problem — for instance, being unemployed, homeless, or frequently in trouble with the law. Yet, in reality, not everyone struggling with alcohol fits that mold.

Early Stage Alcoholism

Identifying and understanding problematic drinking early and receiving treatment can reverse many mental, emotional, and physical side effects of drinking. However, the damage from heavy alcohol use may be too severe at a certain point. Withdrawal symptoms appear when the body’s need for alcohol isn’t met. This usually happens when an alcoholic decides to suddenly stop drinking or has not consumed alcohol for a long period of time. Only you can decide whether you want to give Alcoholics Anonymous a try—whether you think it can help you.

Treatment Can Be Life Changing. Reach out today.

One of the ways this is done is by a carefully monitored cessation of alcohol to control the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Are you wondering if your relationship with alcohol has crossed the line from social drinking to something more concerning? Take this quiz to gain some insight and evaluate your alcohol consumption objectively. If you are having difficulties related to drinking, or if your Sobriety friends or family have mentioned that you might want to quit or cut down your drinking, it’s time to take an assessment. However, if you do have a problem, you should find out and address it as soon as possible. These tests are a tool and are not designed to replace getting medical help from a professional.

Am I an Alcoholic

Chronic Severe Subtype (9%)

People who are heavy drinkers and people who are binge drinkers might suffer from alcohol use disorder, but not necessarily. One is known as heavy drinking and the other is known as binge drinking. Please remember, this is a primary screening tool – a first step, if you like, and it is used to help reduce alcohol-related problems and risks. However, you can use your score to make decisions with your family physician or an addiction specialist about what you should do next, if that is required. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

If you sincerely desire to stop drinking, perhaps Alcoholics Anonymous can help you. The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to Am I an Alcoholic reflect and pride yourself on your hard work. If the rehab center that you attended has an alumni service, enabling you to stay in contact with the facility, its staff, and other patients, sign yourself up.

I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free. As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey. Remember that prevention strategies are an ongoing process, not a single action. Regularly reassessing your relationship with alcohol can help you identify warning signs early.

Treatment centers that offer care for substance use disorders may be an excellent place to start your recovery journey.
It is also recommended to find help through a professional who is trained in supporting families of those with alcohol use disorder.
Many treatment plans will incorporate you into setting goals for your own recovery.
Orlando Recovery Center specializes in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
If left untreated, the negative consequences of dependence can lead to addiction.
When it comes to your daily responsibilities — going to work, maintaining your home, and putting effort into your social circle — are you finding that alcohol is taking priority?

Recovery.com combines independent research with expert guidance on addiction and mental health treatment. Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide. If you or a loved one find yourself relating to any of the warning signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder, deciding to get help is the first step towards recovery. Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder is a crucial part of the treatment process.

Edited for Clinical Accuracy By:

This can help you to understand your issues with alcohol and help to support your recovery. More than three-quarters of these individuals are from families plagued with multigenerational alcoholism. It is not unusual for individuals in this subtype to also suffer from anxiety problems, major depression, bipolar disorder, and other substance addictions. Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me.