When many people think of an alcoholic, they think of a raggedy homeless man living under a bridge holding a brown paper bag. But, in more cases, alcoholics look like “normal” people, and you may even know people who are alcoholics. The main questions people find themselves asking are, “am I an alcoholic?” or “do I need alcohol treatment?” For those who stereotype the image of an alcoholic, they believe they don’t suffer from alcoholism but are instead a “casual drinker,” or a “partier.”
So how someone would know the difference, and if they need alcohol treatment?
Casual Drinkers Versus Alcoholics
For the people who do not struggle with alcoholism, there is nothing wrong with having a few drinks with friends, wine with dinner, or champagne during a celebration. There are a few different terms used that may clarify the different types of drinkers:
Binge Drinker: Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. For men, five or more drinks in two hours. For women, four or more drinks in two hours.
Heavy Drinker: For men under the age of 65, consuming more than fourteen drinks in one week, or more than four drinks in a day are considered heavy drinking. For men over the age of 65, more than three drinks a day or more than seven drinks in a week is deemed to be heavy drinking.
Alcohol abuser: A pattern of behavior where a person drinks excessively in spite of the negative consequences.
Alcoholism: Alcohol-dependent or addiction where the individual suffering has a physical or psychological compulsion to drink alcohol.
How to answer the questions, “Am I an Alcoholic?”
- Have you found yourself isolating yourself when drinking?
- Have you experienced memory loss as a result of your drinking?
- Do you experience guilt because of your drinking habits?
- Have friends and or family talked to you about your drinking habits negatively impacting yours or their lives?
- Are you facing legal problems due to your drinking or substance use?
If you have answered yes to any one of these questions, you may have just responded to your question about your drinking.
Struggling with drinking doesn’t have to go left untreated. There are many options available to anyone who needs an alcohol treatment center. Attending a rehab facility can be the kickstart to your sobriety.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Alcoholism exhibits itself in many ways besides obvious intoxication. Alcoholism is more than just drinking.
You may want to ask yourself if you’ve experienced any of these in regards to your drinking:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Self-destructive behavior
- Impulsive behavior and decisions
- Blackouts/memory loss
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Guilt
Screening Tools
There are multiple tools and questionnaires used in drug and alcohol treatment to help determine if you need alcohol treatment.
One of these tools is the CAGE Questionaire. Another assessment would be the MAST Alcohol Assessment. If you believe that you may be struggling with alcoholism, but are still on the fence, you can look into these tests. You should never self-diagnose, but they are helpful starting points.
Get Help for Alcoholism
If you feel yourself or a loved one may have a drinking problem, reach out to us here at GH Recovery Solutions. You don’t have to face alcoholism alone. We can help you.
Reach out to use today at 888-345-2025.