Am I an alcoholic?: the blurred line between a daily drink and a drinking problem Xavier Mulenga

If you regularly ingest a chemical substance for an extended period of time, there is a good chance you will begin to develop a physical and psychological dependence. Once a dependence develops it is difficult to quit without professional help, and you will likely experience mild, moderate or severe withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to quit on your own. Both alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction are more often referred to as “alcohol use disorders,” which can also be mild, moderate or severe. If you have been struggling with a mild alcohol use disorder you might be able to quit on your own with a little bit of outside help.

For many, this includes continuing therapy and seeking support in the community. People may join a support group or alumni network, seek out sober companions, and find other ways to stay committed to a sober lifestyle. Sometimes, loved ones or friends may express concern about a person’s drinking or there may be a strain in the relationship. This can Am I an Alcoholic be a sign that a person’s drinking is not healthy and needs some attention and treatment. Regularly drinking more than this may be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. You should feel empowered to use as many tools and resources that feel right for you. Fortunately, our brains are ‘neuroplastic’ and capable of making incredible changes.

What can I do if I or someone I know has a drinking problem?

Online alcohol treatment platform, I help my patients understand what unhealthy drinking patterns look like, and how to make meaningful changes. Many rehabilitation centers also provide free aftercare whereby patients receive support from the team following their time within a treatment program. If you believe that you are dependent or addicted to alcohol, it is highly recommended that you seek professional treatment. There are various treatment options available for alcohol addiction.

Many drinking problems start when people use alcohol to self-soothe and relieve stress (otherwise known as self-medicating). Getting drunk after every stressful day, for example, or reaching for a bottle every time you have an argument with your spouse or boss. While there is no direct relationship between alcohol and hair loss, heavy drinking may lead to other issues that thin out your locks. Alcoholic jaundice is usually found in the progressive, final stages of liver disease. Hence, seeking professional medical advice is crucial if you notice such symptoms.

The Symptoms of Alcoholism

And two for men could put you into the category of heavy drinkers and is no longer considered moderate alcohol consumption. In addition, there are self-help groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous, Al-Anon and self-management and recovery training, also known as Smart Recovery. This has roots in cognitive behavioural therapy and is an alternative for people who are uncomfortable with the religious aspects of AA.