Unhealthy alcohol use refers to a type of alcohol use that puts your health at risk or leads to other alcohol-related problems. If your drinking pattern causes significant distress in the functioning of your daily life, you are likely to be addicted to alcohol. You may struggle with alcohol addiction but not accept it. However, your friends and loved ones around you can see the warning signs. If you feel that your excessive drinking behavior has become problematic or you cannot cut back on your alcohol use, you should seek professional help.
Following are some symptoms of alcohol addiction:
- Excessive drinking- Initially, you may begin with social drinking restricted to one to two drinks per day. However, if it goes beyond the limit and turns into binge drinking, it can become problematic and lead to undesirable side effects. You may start drinking far over five drinks, and it may not be uncommon for you at all. Initially, you may find it normal and get the urge to drink more to feel the original effects of alcohol consumption.
- Loss of control while drinking- At some point, you may decide to cut back on your drinking habit. However, you will rarely be able to stick to your words. You may not be able to stop drinking and eventually not think about its consequences. Drinking alcohol until you are entirely intoxicated is a sign of alcoholism.
- Continued alcohol use despite an awareness of problems- Alcoholism may lead to several problems in your personal and professional lives. However, those problems may not be enough for you to stop alcohol consumption and change your life. Despite being aware of those problems, you may continue with your addictive behavior and feel powerless to change it. You may also be in denial and not accept those problems or their consequences. Your downward spiral will continue as you lose control and perspective.
- Lots of time spent on alcohol-related activities- You may be spending a lot of time on alcohol-related activities and neglect everything else. Family commitments, financial obligations, hobbies, job requirements, home, and property care take a backseat in your life. If someone questions your actions, you may defend yourself, saying that no one understands your problems.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms- If you suddenly stop alcohol use, you will most likely experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms like nausea, insomnia, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and headaches. You may find it difficult to concentrate on anything or experience fatigue or anxiety. If you experience symptoms like blackouts or hallucinations, seek immediate medical help.
- Increased tolerance of alcohol- After prolonged alcohol consumption, your body develops a strong tolerance for alcohol. It means you do not feel intoxicated with just one or two drinks. However, you still may not accept your alcohol addiction thinking that you do not feel drunk when drinking.
- Decline in health- You may have little regard for your health and end up getting hospitalized because of your excessive drinking. It is a clear indicator that now your drinking behavior is like that of an alcoholic.
About Steps Recovery Centers
If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you are most likely to be addicted to alcohol. If you want to overcome this addiction, get in touch with Steps Recovery Centers. We are a rehab and recovery center known for our experience and efficiency. We help individuals regain control over their lives and restore themselves completely. For more information about us, contact us at 801-800-8142.
