Do you enjoy sipping a cocktail after a long day? We all need a little relaxation and socializing sometimes, but it’s important to recognize the signs of alcoholism and take the necessary steps to address the issue if you feel you’re drinking more than you should. In this article, we’ll explore what qualifies as alcoholism and how to recognize the signs.
Sipping Your Way to Sobriety
When does having a few drinks cross the line into alcoholism? It’s important to understand the signs of alcoholism so that you can take steps to get your drinking under control before things get out of hand. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. Having more than this on a regular basis may indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
It’s important to note that the amount of alcohol consumed is not the only factor in determining AUD. It’s also important to consider the type of drinking behavior associated with the alcohol. Binge drinking, or consuming a large amount of alcohol in one sitting, is a common sign of trouble. Other indicators of AUD include drinking to cope with life’s problems, drinking in dangerous situations, and feeling a strong need to drink on a regular basis.
Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholism
If you or a loved one is worried about their drinking, it’s important to recognize the signs of alcoholism. AUD can lead to health, social, and financial problems, so it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Some signs of alcoholism may include physical cravings for alcohol, increasing the amount of time spent drinking or thinking about drinking, and having difficulty controlling drinking habits.
Other signs of alcoholism may include developing a tolerance for alcohol, drinking to relax or feel better, and neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities to drink. If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
Alcoholism is a serious issue and is something to be aware of if you or a loved one is drinking alcohol on a regular basis. It’s important to recognize the signs of alcoholism and take the necessary steps to get help if needed. The earlier you get help, the less your drinking will impact your health and daily life. If you or a loved one is concerned about their drinking, reach out to a healthcare professional or substance abuse counselor.