Signs that You May Have a Drinking Problem

Do I Have A Drinking Problem?

If you think you might have a drinking problem, it can’t hurt to seek help. An addiction counselor can help you identify you have a drinking problem and direct you to resources to help you stop drinking. Here are some of the most common signs that drinking may be a problem for you.

You Can't Socialize Without a Drink

If you plan all of your social events around drinks, you might have a problem with alcohol. This includes not going out because you are afraid that you won't have access to alcohol. Take a look at your recent social calendar and see how many times you had fun without a drink.

You Can't Remember What You Did Last Night

Blackouts, or lapses in memory, are common for people who have issues with drinking. They occur when the blood alcohol level is high and alcohol is entering the blood stream quickly. Blackouts refer to complete memory loss, as well as gaps in memory. If you have trouble remembering what you did when you were drinking, it's time to evaluate your relationship with alcohol.

You Have a High Tolerance

Problem drinkers often need to drink more and more alcohol to get the same results. For instance, if you used to feel good after two beers but now you need six to get buzzed, your body has a reduced sensitivity to alcohol. Over time, though, the opposite can happen. If you drink heavily for years and years, your tolerance may actually get lower due to liver damage. So if you used to have a high tolerance but now it's low, you should also get help.

These are just some of the many signs that indicate someone is dependent on alcohol. If you feel that alcohol is becoming a necessary and destructive part of your life, seek out help so you can get control of the problem before it is too late.