Alcohol affects people differently. Some people can drink socially without the alcohol use negatively affecting their lives, while others can quickly become addicted. Because the effects of alcohol depend so much on individual circumstances, it can sometimes be difficult to determine when you have an addiction. Learning the warning signs of alcohol addiction and seeking feedback from others can give you a better idea of whether or not you have a problem.
Step 1
Make a list of ways that alcohol is negatively affecting your life. People with an alcohol addiction often find that drinking alcohol causes problems in their career, finances or relationships. Some may have also experienced legal problems, such as public intoxication or DUI charges. Despite these issues, people with an alcohol addiction are often unwilling or unable to limit their drinking, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.
Step 2
Ask your loved ones if they are concerned about your drinking. Relatives, friends and others close to you may be more objective than you are about your drinking. They may be able to point out aspects of your drinking that you didn't consider, so listen carefully to their responses.
Step 3
Monitor your body's reaction when you go without alcohol. Many people with an alcohol addiction experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms within 5 to 10 hours after their last drinking period, but some people may experience withdrawal symptoms days later, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, sweating, rapid heart beat, tremors, loss of appetite and rapid emotional changes. If you experience these symptoms when you try to stop drinking, you may be addicted to alcohol.
Step 4
Go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Listen as the people at the meeting share their stories and see if you relate to their struggles or notice any similarities to your life.
Step 5
Talk to a substance abuse counselor. Ask him for his professional opinion regarding whether or not you have an addiction to alcohol.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember that addiction can be psychological, physical or both, notes KidsHealth.org.
- If you determine you are addicted to alcohol, you need to seek treatment. Most people who are addicted to alcohol are unable to stop drinking without help, explains the U.S. Department of Labor.
