Do you worry that you or a loved one is an alcoholic or is abusing alcohol? What factors distinguish the difference between a social drinker and someone that has a problem?
A huge factor in what people consider to be normal drinking is how they grew up and the habits of those around them. Just like many things in life, people choose to compare themselves to those around them. Although you or your loved one may feel your/their drinking is normal, it could be you have set your standard of normal based on who you/they surround themselves with. For example: If you grew up in a home where every family gathering involved large amounts of alcohol, family members falling asleep or blacking out, this may be considered normal to you. If your friends drink daily, it is more likely that you will feel that your drinking is normal since you only go out a few times a week.
The main focus in determining alcoholism is on how drinking affects your life, your activities and your body.
Behavior Symptoms of Alcoholism
- Hiding your drinking, drinking alone or feeling guilty about your drinking
- Drinking alcohol at times that are not considered normal (morning, during the day, before you go to work, etc)
- Regularly feeling hungover in the mornings
- Canceling plans or other responsibilities in order to hide your drinking
- Failing to meet obligations, commitments and responsibilities due to drinking
- Once you start drinking you cannot stop or control your drinking until you black out or people cut you off
- Worry that your drinking affects others, such as your relationships with your family and/or friends
- Drinking has impaired your ability to function in regular activities such as working, paying bills, keeping up with personal hygiene
- Loss of interest in things that at one time brought you pleasure (reading, working out, traveling, volunteering)
- Drink to escape issues, stress, problems, or feelings (such as sadness, loneliness, anxiety)
- Keep or store alcohol in unusual places
- Spend a lot of time and energy on drinking and recovering after drinking
Physical Symptoms:
- Feel physically sick when you dont drink (sweating, shaking, nausea)
- Develop a tolerance, a need to drink more to feel drunk
- Redness of the nose and cheeks
- Swollen or bloated face
- Retain water in your abdomen
- Red and watery eyes
- Poor complexion, large pores
New Hope Recovery Center treats clients who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction problems. The lists above identify a partial list of symptoms of alcoholism or alcohol abuse and should only be used as a preliminary screening. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, it is important to call and go in for an assessment with a professional. All assessments at New Hope Recovery Center are confidential with no obligation for further treatment.
