Signs That Indicate An Alcohol Addiction

The majority of people will have a social drink or relaxing drink at home and even a glass of wine with their meal. Going out for a few drinks hardly makes a person an addict.
Addiction to alcohol is known as alcoholism. It is a wide spread disease affecting people regardless of gender, socioeconomic factors, genetics or race. Addiction to Alcohol takes place when alcohol consumption is abused to the point that the person becomes dependent on it which causes withdrawal symptoms when the person attempts to stop.

Experts have long studied hereditary, gender, racial or socioeconomic factors that may predispose someone to alcoholism, however they haven’t been able to pinpoint any one particular cause as it can affect anyone. Each addict is different and alcoholism can present itself in various different ways.

There are some signs to look out for that can indicate that you might have an alcohol problem.

• Drinking alcohol when you’re alone & hiding alcohol
• Cannot stay sober for long periods of time
• Depending on alcohol to feel or for ‘normal’ functioning (self-medicating)
• You suffer withdrawal symptoms, sweating and nausea or insomnia.
• Needing to drink at inappropriate times or places like at work or church and first thing in the morning.
• Obsess about your next drink more often than not.
• An increase in depression, lethargy and emotional issues.
• Others show concern about your drinking habits.
• Your friends and family bring up the subject of your drinking regularly.
• Relationships with them are strained because of it.
• Avoiding contact with loved ones
• You have increased your tolerance to alcohol and find yourself needing to drink more to get drunk
• Regular binge drinking
• You begin having blackouts

“An addiction is a physical or psychological compulsion to use a substance or activity in order to cope with everyday life.” Tim Clinton

Denial can be used as a defence mechanism to keep the addict blaming his or her problems on someone else.
By not taking responsibility the addict psychologically blocks their possibility of overcoming. Admitting to having a problem is considered the first step to recovery.

Characteristics of Alcohol addiction

• A pattern of out of control substance usage or behaviour for a year or more.
• Mood swings are often present
• Increasing usage or pattern of behaviour over time.
• Feeling of shame or self-worthlessness
• Strong need to be liked or for approval from others
• Impulse control problems – especially with food, sex, drugs or money
• Use of substance or behaviours to reduce anxiety
• Obsessing about substance or behaviour
• Unmanageability
• Guilt and Shame
• Failed efforts to control
• Negative consequences to self and others

Stereotypical alcoholics who have a poor attendance at work, they are homeless old men that drink in the morning and are unable to hold a job or have a career. High functioning alcoholics that aren’t homeless, have a good attendance record at work are women and men, have highly successful careers and do well in them. Alcohol addiction can happen to males or females who have access to alcohol.

In alcoholism there are various health risks and complications

• Vision problems
• Birth defects
• Bone density loss
• Sexual problems
• Diabetes complications
• Increased cancer risk
• Suppressed immune function

Dry In July

Dry in July encourages all people to abstain from drinking alcohol in the month of July to raise funds for the support of cancer patients and their families. For those who are accustomed to drinking alcohol regularly, abstaining from drinking alcohol will be all the more difficult and is a greater sacrifice to help raise money.

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12

Sources

Tim Clinton – Addictions
Reach out – Signs You May have a Drinking Problem
Health Line – What is an Alcohol Addiction?
The High Functioning Alcoholic =- Sarah A Benton – Psychology Today

Where To Get Help

Taking those steps to control your alcohol consumption can be a bit difficult and may require talking to a counsellor. You can start with searching for one near you www.theaca.net.au or talking to your doctor who will be able to recommend one.

Alcoholics Anonymous – 1300 222 222
Alcohol Rehab Beat Alcohol 1300 857 427
Free Addiction Support – Smart Recovery Australia
Lifeline Australia – Crisis support and Suicide Prevention 13 11 14