Am I an Alcoholic?
If you’re asking yourself that question, then you may want to consider why. Not everyone who abuses alcohol is an alcoholic. Likewise, alcoholism isn’t always easy to identify. Some people may feel like they are on the fence. Others are in complete denial. However, if you find yourself asking, “Am I an alcoholic?”, then you may have opened the door to recovery. It’s a possibility worth exploring.
Common Signs of Alcoholism
Every person addicted to alcohol has a unique story. Chances are, what led you to this point was a set of personal circumstances. With that in mind, there are similarities that alcoholics share such as:
- Being obsessed with alcohol and feeling the need to drink daily
- Inability to stay away from alcohol with multiple relapses
- Allowing the alcohol to affect areas of their life: family, friends, work, personal life
- Changes in behavior, sleep, appetite, or mood
- Feeling depressed or anxious all the time
- Reckless behavior or ignoring responsibilities
In addition, long-term alcoholism can cause a decline in health. Do you feel tired all the time? Do you lack motivation? Have you visited your doctor for possible alcohol-related medical conditions?
Consulting an Addiction Treatment Specialist
One way to find an answer to the question, am I an alcoholic, is to consult a professional. A therapist at an addiction treatment center can meet with you to discuss your situation. You can ask questions and address your concerns. You may even want to undergo an assessment to determine where you are currently with alcohol use.
Treatment centers offer a wide range of therapies and programs to help you explore your addiction and find a path to recovery, such as:
- Evidence-based therapy
- Holistic treatment
- Mindfulness & meditation
- Support groups or 12-step programs
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Individual and family therapy
Co-Occurring Disorders
A contributing factor in your alcohol use may be a mental disorder. Do you have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or PTSD? Mental disorders can trigger and sustain addiction. You may drink to self-medicate whenever you are going through an episode related to your disorder.
A dual diagnosis is an approach the therapists take to identify the connection between a mental disorder and alcoholism. If you drink a lot, it could be making your disorder symptoms worse. Both conditions feed into each other, forming a symbiotic relationship. You may want to seek help for any mental health conditions you currently have.
Detox Treatment for Alcoholism
If you feel that you need help with alcoholism, your first step to recovery is detoxification. A detox center allows you to quit drinking and go through your withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. You receive ongoing care, 24/7 monitoring, and medication-assisted treatment. You have everything you need to move into the next phase of recovery in rehab.
Answer “Am I an Alcoholic?” at Victory Bay Today
“Am I an alcoholic?” Find the answer to that question at Victory Bay. We offer treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Call us at [Direct] to find out more about your treatment options. We can help you end the vicious cycle of addiction.