You may have a misconception about alcoholism and wonder whether your drinking categorizes you as an alcoholic. The term “alcoholic” is no longer used medically but may be used by those who identify themselves as battling alcohol addiction. If you’re concerned that you’re struggling with a dependency or addiction to alcohol, know that help is available.
Be sure to ask yourself the right questions to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Understanding your drinking behaviors will help you determine the following steps to take if a problem is identified. Below, we discuss questions to ask yourself for clarity on this matter.
Read the following questions to self-assess whether you are struggling with alcoholism. The questions below reflect common symptoms of alcoholism. Continue reading to find out for yourself where you fall and to get a more precise answer to “Am I an alcoholic?”
Are you ready to face the answer to “Am I an alcoholic?”
If you’re asking, “Am I an alcoholic,” you’ll want to assess your drinking tendencies and how they impact your life. Start by answering the questions below for clarity, and get ready to face this reality.
Do you feel compelled to engage in drinking no matter what?
Many people with alcohol addiction struggle to control their ability to not engage in drinking. Whether it is offered or sought out, drinking alcohol feels like a compelling urge that is undeniable. If you struggle to resist drinking, you may be struggling with alcoholism.
Are you aware of the amount you’re consuming?
To answer “Am I an alcoholic,” you’ll need to evaluate whether you’re aware of how much you’re drinking. People struggling with alcoholism may not know how much they’re drinking at a time. A lack of awareness around your alcohol consumption is another potential indication that you may be struggling with an addiction.
A healthy consumption of alcohol is easily measurable. Most people who drink responsibly are aware of their tolerance and how many drinks they should not surpass. If you’re allowing yourself to get drunk without monitoring the situation, this is another sign of alcohol addiction.
Do you use alcohol to self-medicate or self-soothe?
In many cases, there are underlying emotional causes that encourage drinking behaviors. If you use alcohol to self-medicate or self-soothe, you may have alcohol dependency or be on the verge of alcohol addiction.
Does alcohol come before work, family, and responsibilities?
Those with alcohol addiction find themselves relying on alcohol to get by, to the point that it is prioritized before everything. To answer “Am I an alcoholic?” consider if alcohol may be getting in the way of family, work, and other responsibilities. If so, you may have an addiction.
Is it time for you to seek professional medical help?
If you’ve identified that the answer to “am I an alcoholic?” is likely “yes,” know that there is help. Reach out to a trusted drug detox facility and get started on a treatment plan that caters to your needs for a lasting recovery.
