Alcohol Dependence vs Alcohol Abuse: Understanding the Differences

do i have a drinking problem

Many are in denial about their drinking, come from solid families, and hold good jobs with a level of success. Nevertheless, 20% of people with AUD in the US are functional alcoholics. Alcohol use disorder varies, but these symptoms are standard for those who have AUD. If you see them in your life (or someone else’s), get treatment for the alcohol use disorder by talking to a professional.

do i have a drinking problem

What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

When someone has an alcohol use disorder, they can’t control their drinking and continue to drink even with negative side effects. Alcohol use disorder can be classified based on severity, including mild, moderate, and severe. It’s treatable, but if untreated, it can lead to serious destruction and even death.

Warning Signs of Developing Alcoholism

do i have a drinking problem

Our experts also provide integrated care and same-day assessments at three convenient locations in the Des Moines metro area. We all have an idea of an alcoholic in our mind and what we perceive alcohol addiction to look like. No matter what you picture in your head, it’s rarely us or our friends and family. Alcohol use disorders can impact anyone, and alcohol addiction can look very different from person to person, which can make it difficult to notice the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction. Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem.

  • Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, affecting virtually every organ in your body, including your brain.
  • Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking.
  • Benzodiazepines can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, while naltrexone may help you manage alcohol cravings.
  • You don’t have to be homeless and drinking out of a brown paper bag to be an alcoholic.

Caregiver Stress and Burnout

do i have a drinking problem

Alcohol use that creates problems with your ability to function at home, at work, in school, or in your relationships is a sign of a drinking problem. A change in attitude can be one of the first warning signs of a relapse. For some reason, you decide that participating in your recovery program is just not as important as it was. You might feel like something is wrong but can’t identify exactly what it is.

  • This causes increasing problems with relationships, jobs, money, mental, and physical health.
  • However, if you are drinking frequently or have problems because of alcohol you may wonder if you have a problem.
  • The more symptoms you have, the more urgent the need for change.
  • Only a licensed mental health professional or trained medical doctor can give you a diagnosis and help you figure out the next best steps for you.
  • Not all alcohol abusers become full-blown alcoholics, but it is a big risk factor.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Drinking five or more drinks within two hours defines a man as a binge drinker. Women who consume four or more drinks in the same period are considered binge drinkers. Know that, when you see these signs of am i an alcoholic alcohol addiction, excessive drinking leads to alcohol dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and alcohol use disorder.

  • Treatment didn’t fail, and you didn’t either, but a physical relapse can mean that your treatment plan may need to be adjusted or evolve with your changing needs.
  • There may be major barriers to your recovery including the denial that there’s a problem, social stigma, having limited help, and lack of education.
  • This included people who engaged in excessive drinking and binge drinking.
  • Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, involves drinking excessively without having a physical dependence.

Helping a Loved One Avoid Relapse

  • Depending on your dependency level, alcoholism treatment involves detox courses, residential stays, outpatient programs, and group or individual counseling.
  • The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous addresses this very issue.
  • If you’re ready to admit you have a drinking problem, you’ve already taken the first step.
  • The best way to stop drinking may look different for many people – it is not easy, and it may take several attempts.

Maybe you start the night intending not to drink but then end up drinking anyway, or you planned to stick to one drink but end up drinking more. Start by talking honestly and openly with the friend or family member who’s drinking too much. But always remember that you can’t force someone to give up alcohol. I don’t drink every day OR I only drink wine or beer, so I can’t be an alcoholic.

do i have a drinking problem

 

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