Many of us enjoy a glass of wine of an evening, or a few bevvies down the pub of a Saturday night, but it can be difficult to see when our behaviour slips into dangerous territory – in other words, when we develop an addiction. If you begin to consume alcohol as a way of avoiding or coping with your problems, this can be a sign that you could be on a slippery slope to a dependency on alcohol. Alcoholism can sneak up on you, and before you know it you are relying on the strong stuff entirely. It’s important to know the warning signs so that you can keep a close check on your drinking, as well as those around you, so that you can take action if things start to get too much. There are many factors which determine if you will become addicted to alcohol, such as genetics, how you were raised, your social environment and your emotional state. There are even some racial groups which are more prone to developing alcohol addictions, such as American Indians and Native Alaskans. Likewise, people with a family history of addiction, or those with mental health problems may be more at risk of developing a problem with alcohol.
If you feel guilty or ashamed about how much you drink, you may be displaying the first signs of a problem with drinking. In addition to this, if you lie to others about your drinking habits, have friends or family who are worried about how much you are drinking, if you black out after a drinking session, need to drink in order to relax, or if you regularly end up drinking more than you planned to, these could all be signs that you are addicted to alcohol. Drinking is a common feature of social environments in most cultures, so it varies from person to person as to how much is too much. But these are common signs of a problem which you may need to seek help for. The bottom line is that if your drinking habits are affecting or causing problems in your life, you should seek help for treating your addiction. Substance abuse professionals distinguish between alcohol abuse and alcoholism by stating that abusers of alcohol are able to set limits on their drinking, whereas those with an addiction are not able to.
Common signs of one being affected by drinking in a dangerous way is repeatedly neglecting responsibilities, whether with family or at work, due to their habit. This could mean failing at college, skipping commitments due to being hungover, or performing badly at work. Similarly, getting into trouble with the law on a regular basis is a common risk attached with drinking too much. When alcohol causes you to end up in situations which put your life or others at risk, you should be aware that your dependence on alcohol has become a problem. Not all abusers of alcohol end up having an addiction, but it is common for this to be a risk – some alcoholism spirals from a change in your lifestyle, such as retirement, losing your job, a break-up or an illness. There are ways to improve your situation though and overcome your addiction. Speaking up about your problems is key, as many people may not be aware – even close friends or family members. You should also seek help from your GP or a medical professional, who can highlight support groups or therapy sessions in your area which can help you overcome your addiction to alcohol.
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