Am I An Alcoholic?

Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a chronic disorder defined by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable alcohol intake, resulting in physical and mental dependency. Many addicts who suffer from alcohol addiction are often unaware of the issue; as a fun, social activity gradually becomes a habit and ultimately full-blown addiction.

Checklist:

1 – How often do you drink alone? Social drinking with friends and family during special occasions does is not typically indicative of an issue. However, if you find yourself drinking regularly, by yourself, it may be a sign of alcoholism.

2 – Pay attention to your alcohol tolerance. Heightened alcohol tolerance is yet another indication of an addiction. With enough time and drink, the body begins to respond differently to moderate alcohol intake. As such, alcoholics will often increase the dosage to experience the same feeling.

3 – What part does alcohol play in your daily routine? Alcoholics will often cater their schedules to alcohol intake. For example, if you visit the liquor store or bar on a daily basis following work, this may be a sign that alcoholism is taking hold.

4 – How is your mood affected when drinking is inhibited? Alcoholics generally develop an intense desire to drink that is beyond their control. The urge to drink becomes just as, if not more intense as their desire to eat. Disrupted drinking schedules will often result in irritability and anxiety until the craving is appeased.

5 – Trust your gut. Though it can be easy to jump to conclusions; if you find yourself questioning alcoholic tendencies, they likely require a closer look. Ask yourself whether you would feel comfortable without alcohol for an extended period of time, and be honest. If you feel yourself becoming anxious or irritated by the mere thought of alcohol abstinence, then it may be time to consider professional help.  

Living With An Alcoholic

Alcoholism is referred to as a “family disease” due to the fact that it affects both the alcoholic and everyone surrounding them. As such, it’s no wonder that living with an alcoholic can be both tiring and tumultuous. Family members will commonly find themselves as, it not more, involved with the disease as the alcoholic themselves. In this entry, we will discuss a few methods to help ease your alcoholism living situation.

1 – Above all… it’s important to fend for yourself. Make a commitment to yourself to do what is needed to keep your life in check. The better you are able to compose yourself, the better able you will be to help compose your loved one.

2 – Come to terms with the fact that your loved one’s alcoholism is of no fault of your own. Just as you would find it silly blaming others for your own behaviors, so is it to blame yourself of the actions of others. If there is any personal responsibility worth grasping, it is for your own well-being.

3 – Educate yourself regarding the specifics of alcoholism. Understanding the nature of the disease will help you to better deal with the affects associated with your loved one’s issues. Search and absorb literature to better understand the role you should be playing in the recovery process.

4 – Seek out professional help. Support services are always available to those who seek them. Get in touch with your local Alanon and Alateen organizations, and communicate your feelings, concerns and worry to them. When it comes to recovery, there’s no need to go it alone.

5 – Let go! Though it may be difficult, it’s imperative that you allow the disease to take its course. Make a commitment to stop picking up after the individual, and avoid reprimanding the individual for their behaviors. Taking a firm but nonjudgmental stance will serve in helping the alcoholic hit the bottom they need in order to change.

6 – Patience is a virtue. Though watching your loved one destroy themselves is no easy task, it’s important to avoid the temptation to intervene. Offer the individual aid, if and when they are ready to pursue a recovery. Otherwise, it’s time to focus on you.