Last updated : November 11, 2024
When a person has difficulty controlling their drinking, they could suffer from alcoholism. These are people who abuse alcohol.
They will continue drinking even when it is causing them serious problems in their personal and professional life. An alcoholic will have to drink more to obtain the same effect. There is a physical dependence that develops. They experience withdrawal symptom if they decrease their drinking or stop it. An alcoholic can’t anticipate how much they’ll drink. They don’t know how long they’ll drink and don’t care about the consequences.
Drinking Problem Signs
People who have a problem with alcohol will feel guilty or ashamed about their drinking. They will lie and work hard to keep their drinking habits hidden. Individuals with problems will have family members and friends concerned about their drinking habits. They will need a drink so they can relax or feel good. They tend to forget or black out when drinking. Alcoholics will usually drink more than they intended.
Culture
Drinking is a common activity in many cultures. The impact of culturally acceptable drinking will be different for each individual. In many cases, it’s difficult to for a person to distinguish between what is socially acceptable drinking and problem drinking. It is important for individuals to realize when their drinking has become a problem.
Alcoholism
It is possible for a person to suffer with alcohol abuse problems before they develop the disease of alcoholism. A person with problem drinking may drink too much at certain times. When this happens, it starts to causes problems in their life. They are not yet totally dependent on their use of alcohol.
Binge Drinking
This happens when a person has several drinks in a row. In many cases, binge drinking can cause health problems and also social problems. The more a person drinks in a shorter time frame, the greater they are at risk. Binge drinking is often associated with younger adults and teenagers. It’s an activity that experts believe could lead to a person developing the disease of alcoholism.
Common Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
A person struggling with alcohol abuse will neglect their responsibilities at home, on the job or at school. They may not be able to function because they have a hangover. When alcohol is used during a situation that requires clear thinking, this is alcohol abuse. This includes a person who drinks while driving or operating any type of machinery. They may also combine alcohol with prescription medication after being warned against it by a physician.
Legal Problems
In many cases, a person who abuses alcohol will continue to drink even when it causes them legal problems. There is a problem when a person gets arrested for DUI, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and more. If these experiences don’t make them change their drinking habits, they have a problem with alcohol.
Relationship Issues
A person who abuses alcohol will continue to drink even when it causes problems in their relationships. People may continue to drink with their friends, even when doing it upsets the person they’re involved with in a relationship. When a person has regular arguments with their family members about their drinking, this is a sign of alcohol abuse.
Recognizing Alcohol Abuse
Most people struggle to understand that their drinking crosses a line from moderate drinker to someone who abuses alcohol. If a person uses alcohol as a way to cope with difficult situations or to prevent themselves from feeling bad, they are heading down a dangerous path. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can silently grab onto a person’s life. It is very important to be aware of all the warning signs. People who drink must realize when it is time for them to reduce their drinking or completely stop it. Admitting to the reality of having a problem is the first step towards curing it.
