Maybe you’ve always enjoyed alcohol socially, but recently it’s become more of a tool to escape stressful feelings and life’s stresses. If alcohol has become a larger part of your life than you’d like, you may have developed, or may be developing, a drinking problem. If you or a loved one falls into any of these categories, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you Have some Risk Factors Associated with Alcoholism?
- A family history of alcohol addiction.
- Many friends who drink excessively.
- Emotional or psychological issues.
- A specific mental health issue, like anxiety or depression.
If you have any of the above, it’s important to realize that you may have a higher chance of developing a problem with alcohol.
Has Your Drinking been Affecting your Life in Negative Ways?
- Do you drink alone?
- Have you canceled plans with family or friends because you are too hungover?
- Do you miss work or other events because you were feeling sick from drinking?
- Have you driven a car while intoxicated?
Excessive drinking will inevitably cause situations that are problematic in your life, and these may cause you to act in ways that are reckless and dangerous.
Are You Drinking More and More?
- Have you started to drinking more frequently than you used to?
- Do you drink a higher quantity than you used to?
- Have you moved into drinking hard liquor straight?
People who have problems related to drinking tend to require more alcohol over time to get the same result of euphoria, and the same reduction of natural inhibitions.
Are You Doing Regrettable Things?
- Do people tell you about things that you did or said that you don’t even remember?
- Do you feel guilt after excessively drinking socially?
If you feel ashamed or guilty about you alcohol consumption, it may be because you’re drinking excessively, and doing things that make you feel uncomfortable afterward. It’s common for people who drink excessively to experience feelings like this.
What Happens When You Stop Drinking?
- If you stop drinking for more than a few days or weeks, do you experience withdrawal symptoms? These may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, sweating, and headaches.
If so, your body is telling you that it is dependent on alcohol, and that it is responding to the absence of drinking more by making you feel symptoms of withdrawal.
Get Help for Alcohol Treatment in Scottsdale and Phoenix
At Purpose Healing Center, we can help with alcohol treatment in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment services.