AM I AN ALCOHOLIC?

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

Originally Posted On: https://www.landmarkrecoveryoklahoma.com/addiction-blog/am-i-an-alcoholic/

“Am I an alcoholic?” This is something that people often ask when they or someone else notices problems associated with their consumption of alcohol. While it is always good to monitor your alcohol use, you may need to take it one step further by seeking treatment for alcoholism, if the problems grow progressively worse.

One of the ways in which you can identify alcoholism is by speaking with others about your drinking. You may want to ask friends, family, or a treatment specialist who can give you an honest answer to “am I an alcoholic?”

Every person addicted to alcohol has a unique story. Chances are, what led you to this point was a set of personal circumstances. With that in mind, there are similarities that alcoholics share such as:

• Being obsessed with alcohol – the need to drink daily
• Inability to stay away from alcohol with multiple relapses
• Allowing alcohol to affect areas of their life: family, friends, work, personal life
• Changes in behavior, sleep, appetite, or mood
• Feeling depressed or anxious all the time
• Reckless behavior or ignoring responsibilities

In addition, long-term alcoholism can cause a decline in health. Do you feel tired all the time? Do you lack motivation? Have you visited your doctor for possible alcohol-related medical conditions?

One way to find an answer to that question is to consult a professional. A therapist at an addiction treatment center can meet with you to discuss your situation. You can ask questions and address your concerns. You may even want to undergo an assessment to determine where you are currently with alcohol use.

Treatment centers offer a wide range of addiction treatment therapy programs, including:

• Evidence-based therapy
• Holistic treatment
• Mindfulness & meditation
• Support groups or 12-step programs
• Inpatient and outpatient services
• Individual and family therapy

A contributing factor in your alcohol use may be a mental disorder. Do you have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or PTSD? Mental disorders can trigger and sustain addiction. You may drink to self-medicate whenever you are going through an episode related to your disorder.

A dual diagnosis is an approach the therapists take to identify the connection between a mental disorder and alcoholism. If you drink a lot, it could be making your disorder symptoms worse. Both conditions feed into each other, forming a symbiotic relationship. You may want to seek help for any mental health conditions you currently have.

If you feel that you need help with alcoholism, your first step to recovery is detoxification. A medical detox center allows you to quit drinking and go through your withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. You receive ongoing care, 24/7 monitoring, and medication-assisted treatment. You have everything you need to move into the next phase of recovery in rehab.

Let Landmark Recovery help you answer “am I an alcoholic?” and help you towards sobriety. We offer treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Call us at 405.792.0267 to find out more about your treatment options. We can help you end the vicious cycle of addiction.