If you’re concerned that you might be an alcoholic, at Nexstep Medical Detox, we have assembled a list of signs that you might have an alcohol addiction. Even if only one or two of these signs apply, you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, which could easily turn into a full-blown addiction unless you take steps to limit your drinking.
- You Struggle To Control Your Drinking
- Your Tolerance Has Increased
- You Experience Cravings
- You Have Withdrawal Symptoms
- You Drink To Cope
- You Find It Harder To Manage Responsibilities & Relationships
- You Have Tried To Stop But Can’t
1. Difficulty Controlling Your Drinking
Do you ever tell yourself, “Just one drink” and then end up passed out by the end of the night or hungover the next morning? If you find yourself drinking more than you initially planned to or more frequently than you want to, this may indicate a serious problem.
Difficulty controlling yourself is a common sign of addiction.
2. Your Tolerance Has Increased
If you have recently noticed that you need more alcohol to achieve the same buzz, it is likely that your brain and body have begun adapting to higher levels of alcohol. If you keep drinking too much, you can become physically dependent and have a higher chance of developing severe medical problems in the future.
3. Do You Often Crave Alcohol?
One of the hallmarks of addiction is craving the addictive substance when you’re sober. If you frequently find yourself daydreaming about that glass of wine you’re going to have as soon as you get home from work, you likely have an unhealthy psychological dependence on alcohol.
4. Withdrawal Is A Clear Indication Of Addiction
If your alcohol addiction is severe, you likely experience physical symptoms when you’re sober. Withdrawal is very unpleasant and can even be deadly. It’s critical that you quit alcohol in a safe clinical setting, like a medical detox center.
Symptoms of withdrawal can include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Fever
- High Blood Pressure
- Rapid Or Irregular Heartbeat
- Insomnia & Fatigue
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Severe Depression
- Nightmares
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
5. Drinking To Cope
Many people with untreated mental illnesses or who have experienced psychological trauma will turn to alcohol as a way to numb the pain. Drinking to deal can greatly increase your risk of developing an addiction and may even make an existing mental illness worse.
Alcohol may help you feel better today, but it can also make you feel more depressed, anxious, and awful tomorrow morning (and in the long run). It may be time to look into healthier coping strategies before things get worse.
Therapy, a caring friend, medication, or a support group are all healthier and more effective sources of emotional support.
6. You’ve Tried To Stop Before
There’s no need to feel ashamed or guilty if you’ve tried to stop drinking in the past but failed. The recovery journey isn’t a simple one, especially if you don’t have enough support from others. At Nexstep Medical Detox, we can help you get past the withdrawal symptoms and get in touch with rehab programs and other resources for long-term support.
7. Alcoholism Impacts Your Responsibilities & Relationships
If your drinking habits negatively impact your job, other obligations, or relationships with friends and family, it’s time to quit alcohol. There’s a very harmful, widespread myth that an alcoholic has to “hit rock bottom” by losing their job or a meaningful relationship before they’ll be able to quit successfully.
You don’t have to wait for your life to fall apart to get help.
Alcohol Addiction Detox In Utah
Don’t let problematic drinking rule your life. At Nexstep Medical Detox, many of our caring staff have been through the recovery process themselves and want to help you get off alcohol. Contact us near Salt Lake City today to begin the admissions process.
