How Do I Know if Drinking Alcohol is a Problem for Me?

A lot of people enjoy an alcoholic beverage on the weekends or after a hard day of work. It's not a problem when you don't need to have it – but when does drinking become an issue in your life?

At the Victory Treatment Program, Stacey Maltman, FNP-BC, provides insight and treatment for alcohol and opioid addiction. She's an experienced nurse practitioner offering outpatient detox, medication management, and support groups if you're struggling with alcohol addiction.

What is alcohol addiction?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol addiction is a disorder that involves compulsive drinking, inability to control alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state without alcohol availability.

Alcohol use disorder happens when you can't control alcohol intake, even when it impacts your social, health, or occupational commitments. It can be mild, moderate, or severe, but it typically requires some form of treatment to overcome.

Key signs of addiction

To some, a few drinks a day isn't a big deal, but to others, it's a sign of a significant problem. It's often hard to recognize the issue when it affects you, but it is easier to spot in others.

Knowing the signs of an alcohol use problem is critical to your health and wellness. Spotting the signs early on may even prevent the issue from progressing to alcohol addiction. The key signs that signal an alcohol problem include:

• Spending too much time drinking
• Feeling ill after drinking frequently
• Many times, you end up drinking more than intended
• Wanting to stop drinking but can't
• Cutting back on activities to drink
• Wanting to drink so badly you can't think of anything else
• Drinking affects your friendships, job, or taking care of your family
• Needing to drink more than usual to get the desired effect
• Continued to drink even though it was causing problems
• Drinking, even when it causes increased anxiety or depression

Another telltale sign of an alcohol problem is feeling withdrawal symptoms when you cut back or try to quit drinking. Withdrawal symptoms usually include restlessness, nausea and vomiting, or trouble sleeping.

Severe withdrawal symptoms include a racing heartbeat, malaise or dysphoria, and seizures. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical care to avoid serious complications.

When to seek help for alcohol use

If you think you’re dealing with alcohol addiction, it's crucial to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the problem. The sooner you seek help, the more likely you'll be successful in recovery.

Knowing when you have a problem is the key to seeking help for alcohol addiction. Don't be afraid to speak up if you think someone you know or love is having trouble with alcohol. But knowing when it's sneaking up on you is also crucial.

If you find yourself unable to go without alcohol or missing out on functions and activities due to alcohol use, it's essential to reach out to Stacey for treatment.

The bottom line is that you should get treatment if you notice alcohol is becoming a problem in every aspect of life. If it seems like you're missing out on things you love or have experienced withdrawal when you try to quit, it's time to get into a treatment program.

Call the Victory Treatment Program today to schedule an appointment for alcohol addiction help and recovery. You can also visit our website to learn more.