Am I An Alcoholic? 6 Warning Signs of Alcoholism

Be honest, what comes to mind when you think of alcoholism? Is it homelessness? Getting a DUI? Pouring shots of whiskey into your morning coffee? Besides, what are some warning signs of alcoholism and how do you know if you are an alcoholic? 

While these might be true to an extent, alcoholism is an incredibly nuanced and complicated disease. Many people are quick to stereotype alcoholics. However, those stereotypes don’t always hold. Alcoholism can affect anyone, regardless of whether they have a family, live in a house, or hold down a stable job. 

So, how do you know if you’re an alcoholic? Well, as a qualified Substance Abuse Professional by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), I’m answering that question in today’s blog post. Keep reading to learn the top six warning signs of alcoholism.

What is Alcoholism?

Before we dive into the signs of alcoholism, what is it? According to Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism is “a physical compulsion, coupled with a mental obsession to consume alcohol.” Alcoholics drink beyond their control and are unable to stop voluntarily. As a result, they are often habitually intoxicated, drink daily, and consume larger quantities of alcohol than most.

What Causes Alcoholism?

While we haven’t yet found a clear cause of alcoholism (it is classified as an addiction), alcohol use disorder occurs when someone drinks so much (or so often) that they start altering the chemical makeup of their brain.

Is There a Difference Between Casual Drinking and Alcohol Abuse?

Yes! Most adults consume alcohol with friends or with dinner and have no issues. However, alcoholism extends beyond just drinking socially. Instead of drinking (mostly) responsibly and sticking to their limits, alcoholics have developed a pattern of drinking excessively and regularly. Furthermore, alcoholics will continue to drink despite any negative consequences that ensue.

There is also a huge difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism or being dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism refers to the alcohol addiction and dependence. With these, the individual has a physical and/or psychological compulsion to drink alcohol. Alcohol abuse is defined by drinking despite negative consequences.

6 Warning Signs You’re an Alcoholic

Wondering whether your drinking behavior classifies as alcoholism? Here are six signs of alcoholism to watch out for:

1. You’re Drinking Alone (& In Secret)

Drinking is usually a social activity. Therefore, consuming large amounts of alcohol by yourself might indicate a larger problem. 

Am I talking about those days when you come home after a long day and drink a glass of wine in the bathtub…? No, I’m not. However, I am talking about the daily use of alcohol consumption as a means of escaping other mental health issues. 

If you suspect that your loved one is drinking alone, you might anticipate finding a lot of empty bottles strewn around the house. However, while this is possible, most alcoholics are incredibly good at hiding it. Therefore, don’t be surprised if your loved one is denying their drinking habits. 

2. You’re Prioritizing Drinking Over Other Responsibilities

Foregoing your responsibilities (like your job and family) to drink is another sign of alcoholism. Alcoholics spend a great deal of time partying and engaging in other alcohol-related activities, and their other commitments might fall by the wayside. 

When you’re younger (in your twenties or in college, for example), alcoholism can go unnoticed due to the cultural acceptance of heavy drinking. However, it is still something to watch for. Many people can live a party lifestyle without becoming dependent on alcohol. However, that lifestyle can lead to alcoholism if they find themselves feeling uncomfortable anywhere other than at bars/parties. 

3. You’re Losing Control (and/or Acting Recklessly) While Drinking

Alcoholics don’t have control over their consumption. Oftentimes, when they reach a certain amount, they’re unable to stop. Alcoholics tend to act unusually or behave recklessly once intoxicated. This kind of behavior includes (but is not limited to): 

• Getting into fights or arguments often
• Acting violently or aggressively 
• Being rude 
• Having unprotected and/or risky sex
• Being publicly intoxicated
• Drunk driving 

One of the most tell-tale signs of alcoholism is when someone recognizes their behavior (and its consequences) yet continues to drink and not stop despite knowing that. 

4. You’re Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

When a heavy drinker suddenly stops consuming alcohol, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will develop. Physically, these symptoms include: 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating 
• Headaches
• Tremors 

Alcohol withdrawal is also associated with mental hardships:

• Fatigue 
• Symptoms of depression
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Irritability 
• Anxiety 

If you or a loved one is going through symptoms of withdrawal, a substance abuse therapist like myself can help. If your withdrawal symptoms worsen to include fever, blackouts, hallucinations, or convulsions, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Withdrawing from alcohol can be very scary because it can cause seizures that can be fatal. Please go to the hospital if this is even close to being in question.  

5. You’re Having Extreme Mood Swings or Irritability

Alcohol abuse causes people to behave differently than they usually would. If someone is excessively abusing alcohol over an extended period, they might experience alcohol-induced mood swings (aka alcoholic mood swings). 

Alcoholics can become incredibly irritable, angry, or violent when they are under the influence (especially when they’re confronted about their drinking). Additionally, alcoholics can become agitated, anxious, or depressed when they can’t obtain alcohol for whatever reason. While it might be hard to believe, many alcoholics feel as though they need to consume alcohol to function normally. 

6. Your Alcohol Tolerance Is Increasing

After you’ve made a routine of excessive drinking, your body will get used to the large amounts of alcohol that you’re intaking daily. This will result in your alcohol tolerance increasing, and you will have to consume even more alcohol to feel the same as you once did. 

Some alcoholics will assume they don’t have an issue because they don’t get drunk every time they drink. However, what they don’t realize is that they’re damaging their body regardless of their feeling intoxicated. 

If you’ve noticed that you’re consuming five or six shots a night and not feeling a thing, then it might be time to make an appointment with a substance abuse counselor.

Best Alcohol Counselor in Fort Worth, Texas

I hope that today’s blog post helped you understand the warning signs of alcoholism, so you can better protect yourselves and your loved ones.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or alcoholism, a professional substance abuse counselor can help. As debilitating as it is, alcoholism is not incurable. Here at Fort Wellness Counseling, we have both the tools and the expertise to help you overcome your alcoholism and accomplish long-term change.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Freedom is just around the corner. Book your appointment today. If you need help with a particular issue, including alcoholism, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists today. We offer convenient appointments on the west side of Fort Worth and can also provide virtual therapy as well.  A