If you’re asking yourself, “Am I an alcoholic?” you may also be feeling a sense of doom, remorse, or guilt. Your drinking habits may have caused your logical self to ask this question. If everyone around you is telling you that you are and you observe yourself displaying alcoholism symptoms, then the answer is that you’re probably an alcoholic. Keep this in mind as you start considering the answer to your question: Normal drinkers don’t ask themselves this question.
Looking for professional help recognizing signs of alcohol addiction, also called alcohol use disorder (AUD)? Contact Mile High Recovery Center at 303-268-2144 to speak with an addiction treatment specialist and ask about our alcohol addiction treatment center in Denver, Colorado.
What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?
The first step in getting help is admitting that you have a problem. That can be difficult because alcoholism often starts gradually, and many people who become addicted don’t see it coming. It may begin with social drinking that leads to more frequent drinking and then progresses to alcohol abuse and dependence. Symptoms of alcohol abuse include:
- Continuing to drink despite relationship problems that are caused or worsened by alcohol
- Drinking in risky situations, such as while driving
- Drinking more or for a more extended period than you intended
- Giving up activities that you once enjoyed to drink
- Making a habit of drinking more alcohol to feel its effects or to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school because of drinking
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, getting help as soon as possible is crucial.
Why Should You Figure Out Whether or Not You Struggle with AUD?
AUD is a progressive disease that worsens the longer it goes untreated. If the alcoholism symptoms above sound familiar, you’re either scratching your head in disbelief that you could be an alcoholic, or you’re at the point where you’re fully aware of your struggle. You need to know what to do about your situation before it worsens.
Are you considering you’re an alcoholic for the first time and unsure what to do next? Every individual questioning their drinking habits feels this same confusion. It’s a “deer in headlights” type of reaction that’s very common for those struggling with substance use disorders, particularly AUD. There’s a vast difference between admitting you have a drinking problem and admitting you are an alcoholic. Although “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” aren’t medical terms, most relate them to alcohol addiction. Admitting that you struggle with addiction can be challenging.
What Could Happen if You Don’t Seek Treatment for Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a severe and progressive disease that can have devastating consequences in every area of your life. If you don’t seek treatment, the following may occur:
- Your health will deteriorate as your liver becomes damaged and your organs start to shut down.
- You may experience financial ruin as drinking takes priority over bills and other responsibilities.
- Your relationships will suffer as your drinking takes a toll on your loved ones.
- You may lose your job as your performance at work suffers.
- You may end up in legal trouble as a result of your drinking.
- You may even die from alcohol-related causes, such as liver disease, car accidents, or suicide.
When someone acknowledges they have a drinking problem, it often means they understand and concede to the fact that alcohol use is problematic for them. Admitting that you struggle with alcohol addiction should not lead to looking for ways to make drinking alcohol not problematic. The focus should be on undergoing detox, maintaining sobriety, and fixing messes left behind by addiction-related behaviors.
Ready to Learn More About Mile High Recovery Center’s AUD Treatment Programs?
If you’re ready to seek treatment for alcoholism, we’re here to help. At Mile High Recovery Center, we offer a variety of programs and services designed to meet your unique needs. Contact us at 303-268-2144 to start on your addiction recovery path today.
