If you are concerned about your alcohol use, chances are you may have a problem. Help is out there if you need it, in the form of numerous alcohol treatment programs. If you are unsure that you have a problem, consider the following signs of excessive drinking.
Binge/Problem Drinking
According to research, almost one-third of adult Americans has an alcohol problem at some point in their lives. Binge drinking is an example of this problem. If women have four or more alcoholic beverages in a short period of time or men have five or more of these drinks in the same brief time period, they are binge drinking. Although binge drinking is not necessarily the same as being an alcoholic, indulging in this behavior too often signals a serious problem. You may be drinking too much if:
- You need alcohol to lower your stress levels.
- You frequently drink alone.
- You drink when you are bored.
- You drink and drive.
Alcoholism
You may be an alcoholic if your drinking has progressed past the initial trouble signs and become even more serious. Signs of alcoholism include:
- You constantly neglect your responsibilities at home and at work.
- You drink while driving or with prescription medications.
- You need more and more alcohol to get "high," and/or you can drink much more than others without becoming intoxicated.
- You "black out" or cannot remember what happened while you were drinking.
- You drink even though it makes your health conditions worse.
- Family members or friends worry about your drinking.
Treatment Centers
If you are worried about your drinking, you can seek help at a quality treatment center. When choosing a facility, look for one that is licensed and accredited by the state where it is located. Make sure the staff is licensed and specially trained in dealing with alcohol addiction. Also, look into their success rate and the follow-up services they offer after the primary treatment is over. Ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable with their methods. Once you enter the program, you will need to completely dedicate yourself to the process of healing.
If you are a binge drinker or an alcoholic, you may need professional help in order to get alcohol out of your life and to recover your mental and physical health. Many wonderful treatment centers are available to you, so do not hesitate to seek help as soon as possible.
Contact a center like Pacific Ridge to learn more.
