How do you know if you have a drinking problem?

Drinking Problem - Glasses Touching

If you are wondering whether you may have a drinking problem, chances are that alcohol has started to interfere with your life negatively. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that more than 55 percent of people in the U.S. have consumed alcohol at least once during the past month. However, there is a major difference between moderate and heavy drinking, as the latter can increase your risk for physical and psychological health problems, including alcohol dependence and addiction.

Anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem can benefit from treatment at an alcohol and drug rehab center, where treatments like detox and behavioral therapy can help restore a productive, healthy lifestyle.

How Is a “Drinking Problem” Defined?

Alcohol use becomes a problem when drinking starts to negatively interfere with your everyday life. For instance, you may have a drinking problem if you’ve been calling in sick more often so you can recover from hangovers, or if drinking has led to fights and strained relationships between you and your loved ones.

The NIAAA defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. MedlinePlus reports that for most adults, moderate drinking is likely not very harmful.

The NIAA defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration levels to 0.08 g/dL, which usually occurs after four drinks for women and five drinks for men within two hours. SAMHSA defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on five or more days during the past month. Alcohol use disorder is the most serious of drinking problems and is characterized by a strong need to drink, loss of control, and a negative emotional state when not drinking.

Signs You May Have a Drinking Problem

If you suspect you may have a drinking problem, take a moment to consider all the ways your drinking habits may be causing problems in your life. Has your performance at work or school been suffering? Do you prioritize drinking above important responsibilities related to family and finances?

Here are signs you may have a drinking problem:

  • You drink alcohol in larger amounts than before
  • You make plans to stop drinking, but are unsuccessful in your efforts to do so
  • You spend lots of time obtaining alcohol, drinking alcohol, and recovering from its effects
  • You experience strong cravings for alcohol
  • Alcohol is preventing you from fulfilling major role obligations at work, school, or home
  • Alcohol use is causing problems in your social life and relationships
  • You drink alcohol even in situations in which it is dangerous to do so
  • Alcohol is causing new or worsened health problems
  • You need higher amounts of alcohol to feel its desired effects
  • You experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking

If you’ve been exhibiting any of the above signs of a drinking problem, your next best step is to seek professional help at an alcohol and drug rehab center.

How Alcohol Addiction Can Be Safely Treated

Alcohol abuse and addiction can be safely and effectively treated at Dana Point Rehab Campus using detox and therapy available through inpatient residential rehab programs.

Detox helps you withdraw from alcohol so you can overcome physical dependence and stop experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking. Detox takes place in a safe, relaxing inpatient residential rehab center where you can be closely monitored by medical staff as you go through withdrawal. Medications are often used in detox to help reduce and relieve withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, you can receive behavioral therapy that helps you change your mindset and attitude as it relates to drinking. Therapy at rehab will teach you how to manage triggers like stress, and how to live a more fulfilling, productive lifestyle without alcohol. Most rehab programs last about 30 days, though longer programs are available for those who may need more time adjusting to a sober lifestyle.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Drug rehab centers operated by Dana Point Rehab Campus use detox and evidence-based behavioral therapies to help patients achieve long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder addiction. Contact us today at 949.569.7517 to learn more about our detox and inpatient residential rehab programs for alcohol abuse and addiction.

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