5 Things You Need to Know About Recognizing A Drinking Problem

1. Do You Have a Problem?

Often the phrase "I don't have a problem with alcohol" is a clear indication that a person has an irregular relationship with alcohol. One of the first signs of a drinking problem tends to be the denial that there could be a problem. Non-addicted individuals or people with a healthy relationship to liquor do not find it necessary to defend their drinking habits because they fall within the typical range of social drinking habits or occasional alcoholic consumption.

2. Watch Unhealthy Relationships to Alcohol

While the question of how much is too much is a relative question, you can use a few hard-and-fast rules about drinking to decide if a problem is present. Drinking to get "drunk" is often an indication of an unhealthy relationship to alcohol. Frequent drinking, such as every night after work or drinking when no one else around you is having a drink, can be some signals of a problem. Other people's frequent criticism or comments about your drinking habits could indicate that a problem is developing or could develop in the future without some form of intervention.

3. Talk to People Who Know You

Family, friends, co-workers and peers are often the best mirror for assessing whether you have a problem with alcoholic consumption. Noticing how others around you behave in regards to alcohol can be helpful in identifying how you feel about drinking. Comments about your drinking from family and friends are often in an effort to hold an objective mirror up to your behavior to help you make a positive change in your life.

4. You Don't Need a Drink

Thinking that you "need a drink" in order to cope with a particular situation like a stressful day or a crisis is often a signal that something is wrong. Indeed, alcohol can work as a minor stress reliever when consumed in small amounts. However, people who utilize alcohol in this manner to relax usually do not feel the need to do so every day or even every week. Drinking alone, in order to "wind down" every night of the week, indicates either too much stress in your life that could contribute to alcohol abuse or the beginning of an addiction. Alcohol should be an occasional indulgence, not an everyday staple.

5. Excessive Drinking Leads to More Problems

Alcohol consumption in individuals has been known to increase dramatically in times of crisis. Relationship problems can be a result of a drinking problem, or interpersonal problems could drive one to drink more frequently. Examine the stresses and problems in your life to determine whether or not you use drinking as a displacement for dealing with other issues. Effective time and stress management can help curb drinking problems and addictive tendencies. Also, visit a skilled therapist or counselor to work through life issues.