A drinking problem often forms when the occasional drink turns into binge drinking and eventually the individual develops a dependency on alcohol. If you or a loved one has a habit of drinking too much alcohol, it may be time to receive an evaluation of your alcohol consumption from your doctor. Although your situation may not be grave, it is always best to stay aware of the suggested drinking levels from health organizations.
When an individual begins drinking to cope with various problems in their life such as work, school, family, or relationship problems, they allow themselves to become dependent on the substance which can be extremely dangerous in the long term. If you drink often and have found yourself with a high tolerance and need to consume large amounts of alcohol to feel the same euphoric effect each time, you may have an alcohol problem.
Drug and alcohol abuse can manifest in a variety of ways. Other people in your life may notice the harmful effects of your binge drinking on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition in which a person has a hard time controlling their alcohol intake to the point where it disrupts their daily life as well as their relationships with loved ones.
Excessive drinking can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety as well as other health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive problems. According to the CDC, excessive drinking of alcoholic drinks causes 1 in 10 deaths among people aged between 24 to 64 years across the USA.
In terms of alcoholism, chronic alcoholism is the deadliest. Alcoholism can develop in a person when they continue to drink despite the harmful repercussions. According to NSDUH, approximately 17 million people in the United States have a problem with excessive alcohol intake.
Responsible Drinking
Regardless of how tough it may be to get help for a drinking problem, it is never too early or too late to get treatment. Recovery is still achievable even if you’ve been battling alcoholism for a long period of time.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicates that 414,000 adolescents who are aged between 12 to 17 are dealing with Alcohol use disorder. Anytime you exceed the limit of standard drinks, it becomes risky for your health.
Excessive alcohol drinking denotes a situation that compels a person to deal with alcoholism. When you are partying with friends, responsible drinking is essential to get rid of alcohol-related problems. You don’t need to have any guilt related to your alcohol problem as you can receive treatment for your alcohol dependence from mental health professionals in a safe place at an addiction facility.
How Alcohol Use Disorder Affects Your Life
- A diminishing attendance at work or school
- A shift in sleep patterns could signify a more serious problem.
- Unprecedented mood tilts
- A lack of trust and the presence of suspiciousness
- Eyes that are red and swollen
- Either the pupil is too small, or the pupil is too large.
- It’s normal to have a variation in appetite.
- Changes in weight (gain or decrease)
- The entire appearance is a phase of paranoia and haphazard.
- Fluctuating or erratic speech
- Coordination problems
Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Addiction and substance use disorders characterize a wide range of different physiological, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities such as taking more drugs or drinking for longer than you had initially been meant to do. Many people have expressed an interest in learning how to control their substance usage or stop using for a long time.
The negative consequences of alcohol abuse can be both damaging to mental and physical health. A treatment program can be helpful in recovering from an alcohol issue. Below are a few indicators that you or a loved one may have a substance use disorder.
- Even though alcohol usage leads to or worsens long-term psychological or physical difficulties, the individual continues to take use the substance frequently.
- The person has constant cravings to drink alcohol
- Their consumption of alcohol is causing problems in their social life such as at work, school, or with family but they continue to drink.
- The individual’s drinking habits are resulting in their failure to fulfill important obligations at work, school, or at home.
- Drinking has caused the person to end up in dangerous, potentially lethal situations (e.g., operating machinery or driving).
- A high tolerance has caused the individual to keep increasing their alcohol intake whenever they drink in order to feel the same euphoric effects as before.
- They experience withdrawal symptoms during a period of not consuming alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know you have a drinking problem?
The best way to indicate that you may have a drinking problem is to experience withdrawal symptoms every time you go a period without drinking such as swollen pupils, anxiety, cognition problem, nausea, and sweating.
Serious health problems such as heart problems and issues with the liver can also arise from heavy drinking. If your alcohol use is causing issues at school, work, or with family members, this is another sign you may be dealing with alcohol use disorder.
Do I have a drinking problem if I drink every day?
Anything under 3 drinks in 1 sitting is safe, is safe for women and anything under 4 drinks is safe for men to consume. 7 drinks within one week for women and 14 drinks in a week for men is normal. If you are consuming more than a moderate drinking amount, it may be time to find professional help.
How many drinks is a day considered an alcoholic?
NIDA National Institute alcohol and drug abuse define heavy drinking as injurious to health, bringing many consequences to one’s life. For women, drinking over 7 drinks in one week is considered unhealthy. For men, it is 14 drinks per week.
What are three common signs that a person may have a problem with alcohol?
A person may be struggling with an alcohol problem if they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms like headaches, shaking, or dizziness whenever they go without alcohol. If a person’s consumption of alcohol is causing problems at home, school, or work, they may have a problem. Lastly, if they have developed a high tolerance to the substance and require more each time to feel the same effects, they may have an alcohol use disorder.
Haven Detox Is Here to Help
Alcohol use disorder is a serious health condition that can result in numerous different problems in your life. The good news is that you do not need to fight this battle alone, our staff of medical professionals is dedicated to providing the treatment you need to recover from your addiction in the most comfortable way possible with a treatment plan that works for you.
At The Haven treatment facility, we offer residential treatment including detox, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, contact us today at for more information on our services.
