7 Telling Signs You Might Have a Drinking Problem

Great article, helpful summary for understanding when you have a problem – Taylor Brown, B.A. Com., MAADC II

Alcohol abuse in the United States is on the rise, and this increase has serious consequences. Approximately 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, and alcohol misuse costs the United States hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

Many people abuse alcohol and don’t even realize it. If you think you might be included in this group, keep reading to learn seven behaviors that may be signs of a drinking problem.

Seven Signs You May Have A Drinking Problem

Increased Alcohol Tolerance

The more you drink, the higher your tolerance becomes, and you’ll need to drink more in order to get drunk. If your tolerance is building and your body is coping better with alcohol exposure, you could be on your way to developing a serious problem.

Hiding or Lying About Your Drinking

Do you feel the need to lie about and hide how much you’re drinking from your friends and family? This kind of behavior is often a signal that you’re drinking too much and, deep down, you know it. After all, if you don’t have a problem, why do you feel the need to be secretive about how much or how often you’re drinking?

Using Alcohol as Medicine

Do you reach for a drink when you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed? You may experience temporary relief, but using alcohol as a crutch is a risky habit that will only make things worse later on.

Being Unable to Stop or Resist Drinking

Are you unable to stop drinking once you start? Are you drinking so much that you’re experiencing blackouts? Feeling that it’s impossible to stop once you get started is a big indicator that you’re not in control of your drinking.

Furthermore, you may have a drinking problem if you’re unable to resist drinking, even in dangerous situations. Are you drinking before work or before you have to drive somewhere? Do you feel like you need a drink just to deal with everyday tasks?

As stated above, using alcohol as medicine in stressful situations is a problem, and so is using it as a preventative measure.

Neglecting Responsibilities

Are you struggling to keep up with work, school, or household responsibilities because of your drinking? Are you neglecting tasks altogether because alcohol has impaired your ability to carry them out? This problem is almost always a sign that your drinking has gotten out of control.

Experiencing Relationship Problems

If you’re hiding your drinking, neglecting responsibilities, and drinking to excess on a regular basis, this habit is probably affecting your relationships. You may believe that you’re a “functioning addict” and don’t have a problem. But, putting alcohol before the most important people in your life is a sign that you have a drinking problem.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Does going too long without a drink result in withdrawal symptoms? Common symptoms include:

• Anxiety/ nervousness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Shakiness/tremors
• Mood swings
• Nightmares
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea/vomiting

Get Help Today

If you think you have a drinking problem, there is help out there for you. If you live in the Kansas City, Missouri area, contact us at Midwest Recovery Centers today. We have all the resources you need to help you overcome your addictions and live your best life.

Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., MAADC II
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.