Determining whether you or someone else has an alcohol dependency can be complex and involves recognizing various signs and seeking professional help for
assessment. Here are some indicators that might suggest alcoholism or alcohol use disorder: - High Tolerance and Withdrawal: Needing to drink more to feel
the effects of alcohol or experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop after heavy drinking. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, nausea, and an intense
craving for alcohol.
- Loss of Control: Drinking more alcohol than you intended, or for a longer period than intended.
- **Unsuccessful Attempts to
Quit: You've tried to stop drinking more than once, but you can't quit or cut back your alcohol consumption.
- Excessive Time Spent Related to Alcohol**:
Spending a lot of time drinking, being sick from drinking, or recovering from the aftermath.
- Neglected Responsibilities: Alcohol use is repeatedly
interfering with your responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to drink even though it's causing physical,
social or interpersonal problems.
- Forgoing Activities: Reducing or giving up activities that were important or enjoyable to you in order to drink. 8.
Dangerous Situations: More frequent consumption of alcohol in situations where it is physically hazardous.
- Health Issues: Drinking despite knowing
it's worsening a physical or mental health problem you have.
- Increased Focus on Alcohol: A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to
obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
- Social or Interpersonal Problems: Social, work, or family problems that are caused or
worsened by your use of alcohol and you still continue to drink. If you see multiple of these signs in yourself or someone else, it may be a strong indication
of alcoholism. Acknowledging the problem is a critical first step. Seeking the advice of a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and discussing
treatment options is highly recommended. Therapists can provide an assessment and help devise an appropriate treatment plan which may include therapy,
medication, and support groups.
