Many people who are not alcoholics end up feeling better when they stop buying alcoholic beverages every time they go out with their friends. Then there are those struggling with alcoholism who don’t believe that not drinking is always an option. By looking back at your drinking habits, you will know whether you are drinking too much alcohol and the point where you need to look into treatment options.
Recognize the Signs of Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder signs include liking how you feel when you drink, developing a high level of tolerance, being less vulnerable to hangovers and passing out, and feeling stimulated when you first drink rather than sleepy. Dependency develops because of the effects of high levels of alcohol on the brain over a long period. If you are having trouble controlling how much alcohol you drink, there’s reason to be concerned. You can use the checklist by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to know for sure what signs you are exhibiting to see if you have a drinking problem.
Keep Track of How Much You Drink
If you want to know if your drinking is a problem, tally the number of drinks you consume each day and how many ounces. This starts with knowing the serving sizes of your alcoholic beverages. For example, you can pour water into a measuring cup and then pour it into the glass you usually drink out of to get an idea of how much you consume. Once you know, you can start keeping track of how much you drink. You can also take a look at your drinking pattern, like if you usually drink alone or socially. People who have a dependency on alcohol tend to drink alone.
Think How Drinking Impacts Your Life
Most people who drink excessively tend to miss out on many things because of how alcohol makes them feel. For instance, you may not be able to participate in an activity with someone on the weekends because you know you tend to get drunk around that time. It could interfere with the time you spend with your loved ones or working on a special project. When you list your priorities and drinking ends up being at the top, you will see that you will get very little in return. Substance abuse treatment will give you your life back.
You may not be aware you have a drinking problem until it is too late. Keeping track of how much you drink is the key to determining whether or not you need to seek out treatment. At Alta Loma, we understand the signs of alcoholism and can provide you with the tools you need for your recovery. Our transformative treatment services in Georgetown, Texas, can give you 12-step meetings, individualized therapy, long-term continuum of care, life and coping skills education, therapeutic recreational activities, and much more. Please give us a call at (866) 457-3843 to learn more about our services.
