Drinking can be social but once you depend on it to function, it can be a bigger issue. Here are things to look out for to find out if you're an alcoholic.
According to Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism can be described as "an illness, which can never be cured but can be arrested. Many feel the illness represents the combination of physical sensitivity to alcohol and mental obsession, which regardless of consequences, cannot be broken by willpower alone."
These are questions to ask yourself that can reveal that you might need to evaluate your relationship with alcohol:
Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
If you have considered cutting alcohol and tried to but have never managed to be able to abstain from drinking for long, then you're faced with a problem.
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking?
If loved ones have commented about how much you drink or how they are concerned but you feel like they nosey and too involved, they actually might be on to something.
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
You might drink because you're stressed about situations at home but it can only become worse. If your drinking is creating tension it can be sign of an illness.
Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
Have you called in "sick" because you were drunk or had a terrible hangover? It might be time to consider how much you drink.
Do you have "blackouts"?
If you drink so much that you can't remember what happened that could be a sign of alcoholism.
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
Considering quitting could be sign you need that you actually should.
Contact National Alcoholics Anonymous helpline: 0861 HELP AA (435-722)
