Alcoholism Signs: When Do You Know?

New research reveals 53 percent of Americans have at least one family member with a drinking problem. That amounts to having three or more alcoholic drinks every day, or 12 or more drinks on a weekly basis, or five drinks during any one session at least once per week (i.e. binge drinking). Researchers aren't yet sure why some people who are heavy drinkers develop alcoholism and some don't, but if alcohol is causing problems for someone you love, then it's time to do something about it before it gets worse.

Alcohol abuse is a self-destructive disease that creates a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional disorders that can literally cripple an individual with irreversible damage. It is possible to drink yourself to death. The Canyon offers professional interventionists to assist you in confronting this devastating addiction with firm boundaries, tough love, commitment, and compassion. Our experienced counselors can navigate the details and organization of an intervention to drive home the point that alcohol is destroying your loved one and it's time to get help.

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The Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Even when two people share the same drinking habits, one might be dependent while the other is an alcoholic. So how can you tell the difference?

Experiencing negative consequences from using alcohol (health problems, accidents, relationship troubles, poor performance at work, legal or financial worries, etc.) and still continuing to drink is the framework for alcohol abuse. Needing more and more to feel good (increased tolerance) and drinking to avoid unpleasant hangovers (withdrawal symptoms) embodies alcohol dependence.

Alcoholism is recognized by a controlling desire to drink (cravings), constantly thinking about drinking (obsession), and feeling powerless to stop (compulsion).

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Signs of Alcoholism

• Boredom or contempt with previously enjoyable activities
• Hiding alcohol use from family or friends
• Irritability when drinking rituals are interrupted or delayed
• Keeping booze with you at all times
• Feeling anxious in social settings when there is no alcohol
• Violent or cruel behavior when intoxicated
• Poor eating habits (malnutrition)
• Indifference to personal appearance or hygien

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Do You Show Signs of Alcoholism?

• Do you drink alone?
• Do you create reasons to have a drink?
• Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
• Have you tried to cut back or quit, but were unsuccessful?
• Do you lie about how much you drink?
• Do you blackout or forget things that happened while you were drinking?
• Do you drink to deal with your problems?
• Have you had DUI's, traffic accidents, or fights while drunk?
• Do you need a drink as soon as you wake up?
• Do you become enraged when anyone questions your drinking?
• Do you become shaky when you haven't had a drink in a while?
• Are you able to function normally without alcohol?

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Alcohol Rehab at The Canyon

Over 18 million people desperately need treatment for alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, denial is a strong characteristic of alcoholism, and as a result family members are often misled into believing there isn't a problem. Making excuses for the alcoholic in your family only enables them to continue their behavior by reinforcing that you'll protect and support them no matter what trouble they get into.

This relationship of addict/enabler is known as co-dependency. Each role sustains the other in a dysfunctional, never ending pattern. For the cycle to be truly broken, both parties must learn new ways of relating to each other, and redefine the roles they have created for themselves.

Family therapy at The Canyon addresses these very issues. Focusing on individual responsibility rather than blame or judgment opens new windows to healing and welcomes innovative insights regarding the underlying reasons for addictive behavior.

For information on our unique programs and services, call The Canyon at anytime.

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