You’ve always enjoyed drinking, but lately, it seems to be more like a drinking problem, rather than having a few beers with friends on the weekend. If you feel this way, then you are not alone. In fact, many of the Covid-19 restrictions have given birth to a new group of Americans suffering addiction. If you think that you may be an alcoholic, or that it is having a larger authority in your life than you’d like, use this quick set of questions to find out if your casual drinking has become more like an issue (or, at least to those around you).
1. Do you have alcoholism risk-factors?
- Family history of alcoholism
- Close friends who drink too much
- Work environment alcohol-related
- Suffering mental health issues
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2. Has drinking created a negative effect on your daily life?
Have you abandoned plans with friends because you are hungover, or perhaps because you wanted to drink alone? Have you called out sick to work or other responsibilities because of drinking? You may have even driven a car while being intoxicated. The regrettable truth is that increased drinking predictably causes difficulties in your job and home life, and if you are acting in reckless ways because of drinking alcohol, it is probable that you have an addiction to alcohol.
3. What happened last night?
This is not a trick question and should not be a mystery. However, here is an example that may sound familiar. Your friends throw a party, and you enjoy yourself, but parts of it seem a bit foggy the next day until the phone rings. Your best friend tells you he can’t believe you got into a heated argument with his brother in-law. A recognizable sense of guilt comes over you and you scold yourself for drinking too much at the party. If you feel guilty or embarrassed about drinking, it may be because you are drinking too much and no longer self-aware. This is common for alcoholics.
4. What happens when you abruptly stop drinking?
If you stop drinking, do you suffer withdrawal symptoms, like hands shaking, sweating, nausea, exhaustion, bad temper, or headaches? If so, your body is asking you for alcohol. It is in a withdrawal state which can only be relieved by a drink or a medically supervised detox. This is a bad sign.
5. Does your family or friends think you drink too much?
If your friends or family members have told you that you drink too much than take this as a strong sign of a drinking problem. Typically, those close to you will watch for quite some time before confronting the issue with you. You should take notice and be grateful they are worried about your health and well-being.
If you are being honest with yourself and score at least 2 out of 5, then it’s time to decide to get help in order to stop drinking. Still not sure? Check out a local AA meeting and meet the experts. By the way, their brochure has twenty questions and you only need two positive responses to qualify as a problem drinker.
Simple Path Recovery is a beach side, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as an intimate Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
