As the drinker, it is often hard to see or admit that your drinking has crossed an invisible line and has gone from social to problematic. If alcohol consumption has reached a point where it is being used as a coping mechanism, you are in a dangerous territory; you may be suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism. You must stay on your toes and be fully aware of the warning signs, and be ready to reduce your consumption while you still can. The first step is understanding the problem.
Understanding alcohol abuse:
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are interconnected to a number of different factors. These factors can cover genetics, your upbringing, your social status and emotional health. Some races, Inuit and Native American are more at risk than others of developing problems with alcohol due to their genetics. People who have an alcoholic in the family or who associate closely with alcoholics or heavy drinkers are likely to develop similar habits. Those people that suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders are also at higher risk as alcohol may be used for self-medication.
You may have a problem with alcohol abuse if you:
* Feel guilt about your drinking
* Lie to people and hide your drinking
* Need a drink to feel better or more relaxed
* Drink more than first intended
* Forget what you did while you were drinking
It’s not easy to determine exactly what makes the difference between social and problem drinking. There are cultural differences and differences in the chemistry of individuals. This issue with alcohol abuse is how it affects you, and brings problems into your life.
Signs of alcohol abuse:
Experts in substance abuse actually draw a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Alcoholics have no limits set on their drinking, whereas abusers still have some element of control and can set limits. Regardless, both abusers and full-blown alcoholics are on a path of self-destruction and are dangerous to themselves and others.
The common signs of alcohol abuse are:
* Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school because of drinking
* Using alcohol in potentially dangerous situations
* Having repeated legal problems due to drinking
* Relationship problems
* Drinking as a way to de-stress or relax
Not every abuser will become an alcoholic, but the risk is there. Alcoholism can develop very rapidly if there is a change in the abuser’s life; such as a marriage breakup, the loss of income or retirement. At other times, alcoholism sort of just “sneaks-up” on you, you tolerate alcohol more, and one day you find that there is never enough. If you binge-drink or drink daily, you may be developing alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are problems that can be tacked and solved with the help of the professionals at Red River Recovery Center in Wichita Falls, TX.
