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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Do you have a bad feeling that you’re addicted to alcohol? Have your loved ones expressed concern about how much alcohol you consume? Are you ready to take action in hopes of improving your life?
Some people become addicted to alcohol because of stress in their day-to-day life. Others do so because they cave to peer pressure, time after time. And of course, there are people who simply enjoy the taste and/or the way it makes them feel.
Becoming addicted to alcohol isn’t what you set out to do, but if you find yourself in this position it’s critical that you take the right steps at the right time.
This starts with knowing if you have a problem. Here are some signs that you’re becoming addicted to alcohol:
1. You Think About it Constantly
It’s okay to think about drinking alcohol every now and again, but it should not consume your mind. It shouldn’t be a big part of your day.
If you find yourself thinking about alcohol constantly, such as while you’re lying in bed in the morning or partaking in a business meeting, it could be the sign of something serious.
Do your best to put the thoughts out of your mind. But remember, if this doesn’t work, you should strongly consider getting help.
2. You Consume Alcohol at “Strange” Times of the Day
It’s one thing to have a drink at happy hour or at dinner. It’s another thing entirely to drink a beer with your cornflakes at 7 am in the morning.
If you realize you’re drinking at strange times of the day – times when the majority of people would never even think about alcohol – it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Begin to keep track of when you drink. When do you typically take your first drink of the day? Your last drink? Do you ever drink when you’re on the job?
3. Inability to Stop
You know that you drink too much alcohol, so you’ve decided that you want to stop. But as you go down this path, you come to realize that you’re not making nearly as much progress as you would like.
If you can’t control when you drink or how much you drink – even though you want to stop – you’re in too deep. It’s time to rethink your approach and take steps to get back on track.
4. Withdrawal Symptoms if You Attempt to Stop
As you stop drinking, you’ll realize that all you think about is alcohol. You crave it. You need it. You want it.
And that’s when withdrawal symptoms generally come into play. These can make it much more difficult to kick alcohol out of your life, as they’re anything but pleasant.
The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, headache, nausea, shaky hands, sweating, insomnia, and vomiting.
These symptoms can begin to set in within 12 hours of having your last drink.
If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to do so under the supervision of an experienced medical team. Checking into a rehab facility would be in your best interest, as they can help you through it.
5. Denial
I don’t have a problem with alcohol. I am not addicted to alcohol, I just like to drink every now and again. Nobody else ever told me that they think I am addicted.
Denial plays a big role in the lives of many people who abuse alcohol.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to get honest with yourself. It’s time to take a strong look at what you’ve done in the past and the impact it’s having on you right now.
You can’t rid yourself of alcohol addiction until you first own up to the problem. From there, it’s much easier to take action that yields results.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol use disorder is nothing to take lightly. This can – and already may have – turn your life upside down.
The second you suspect a problem with alcohol is the second you should seek help. It’s never too late to kick alcohol out of your life. All it takes is the right approach and dedication.