Am I An Alcoholic?
Published on November 2nd, 2018
Updated on January 3rd, 2024
It is scary to think that you may be an alcoholic. Being able to accept that you are struggling is the first step to understanding your condition. Alcoholism is challenging, and if left untreated can have devastating consequences on your life. Knowing the signs and causes of alcoholism can help you know if you need professional help.
When a person hears the term “alcoholic” they think of a person who drinks every day or night. The typical definition of an alcoholic is someone who needs to be drinking to feel okay. While alcoholics can have this trait, it is not the only way a person experiences alcoholism.
An alcoholic is someone who is addicted to alcohol. This addiction can manifest at varying degrees. Some alcoholics can even go weeks or months without drinking anything. The key indicator of an alcoholic is when their ability to function is impaired by drinking.
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Click HereIf your life has been significantly impacted by drinking, then you may be an alcoholic. The following are symptoms of alcoholism:
Symptoms Of An Alcoholic
There are several symptoms that an alcoholic may exhibit. The symptoms of an alcoholic depend on their circumstances and alcohol use patterns.
An alcoholic may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:
- Regular drinking alcohol in excess in social situations
- Regular drinking to reach the point of intoxication
- Drinking to cope with emotional issues for at least 6 months
- Needing to be under the influence of alcohol to carry out daily activities
- Drinking to the point of blacking out or losing consciousness
- Having relationship issues as a result of drinking
- Having legal issues as a result of drinking
- Drinking in excess despite knowing the consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Delirium tremens (severe shaking or experiencing hallucinations as a result of alcohol use)
- Having intense cravings and triggers for alcohol
- Struggling to stop drinking after 1 or 2 drinks
- Vomiting or becoming physically ill while drinking or the morning after drinking
- Impulsivity
- Defensiveness when being confronted about alcohol use
- Drinking longer or more than you intended to drink
- Prioritizing drinking and neglecting personal interests, responsibilities, or activities
- Having at least 1 unsuccessful attempt to stop drinking
- Having at least 1 unsuccessful attempt to cut back on the amount or frequency of drinking
- Denying that you have a problem
- Having your life be negatively affected by alcohol use
Causes and Risk Factors of Alcoholism
Several factors contribute to a person becoming an alcoholic. In summary, an alcoholic will use alcohol to serve a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is to numb or alleviate emotional pain. The purpose can also be to cope with stress, anxiety, or social pressure. In severe cases, alcoholics may drink to ease symptoms of withdrawal.
An alcoholic will become both physically and psychologically addicted to alcohol. Physical addiction occurs when the body becomes physically dependent on alcohol. The body begins to need alcohol to function, and without it, goes into a state of withdrawal. Physical addiction also causes cravings, impaired motor function, and chemical dependence on alcohol.
Psychological addiction refers to the need for alcohol to cope with emotions. Alcoholics may use alcohol to cope with stress, excitement, anxiety, and depressed mood. It is possible to be psychologically addicted to alcohol without being physically addicted.
Several risk factors will predispose a person to develop alcoholism. These factors create an increased risk for alcoholism. If you feel you may be an alcoholic and these factors apply to you, it may be helpful to consult with a medical professional about your condition.
Risk factors for alcoholism include:
- Family history of alcoholism or addiction
- Poor stress management skills
- Peer pressure
- Mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Insomnia
- Social anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Grief
- Substance use and addiction
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- PCP
- Psychedelics
- Stimulants
- Benzodiazepines
- Low self-esteem
- Poor emotional regulation skills
- A history of abuse, neglect, or trauma
Treatment for Alcoholism
Treatment and recovery are possible for an alcoholic. The sooner an alcoholic seeks treatment, the more likely they are to recover from the condition. Getting treated for alcoholism can prevent more consequences in the long term. Such consequences include loss of career, medical issues, and failed relationships.
The goal of alcoholism treatment is abstinence from all substances. Once a person reaches the point of addiction, any alcohol use or drug use becomes problematic for their overall health. Complete sobriety is ideal for people who suffer from alcoholism and addiction.
Typically, a person will need extensive treatment for recovery. Most people will be in treatment for years and may require different forms of treatment, including:
- Residential treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Community support programs
- Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
A person is never considered “cured” of alcoholism. Like all mental health disorders, recovery from alcoholism requires lifetime commitment and diligence.
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