Am I An Alcoholic?

Have you ever considered the question, “Am I an alcoholic?” In short, just asking yourself the question may indicate that you have a problem. Generally speaking, a person who has not had issues arise from their alcohol use wouldn’t even ask questions. But how can you be sure? Through years of treating those struggling with alcohol use disorder (what was long called alcoholism), clinicians, doctors, and therapists have encountered several similar symptoms of alcoholism in their patients. Perhaps, examining some of these symptoms and asking further questions can lead you toward a healthier way of living. At Tides Edge Detox, our programs help those struggling with alcohol abuse heal and make a lasting recovery. Alcohol addiction treatment begins with medically supervised detox.

Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcoholics in recovery quickly discover for the first time in their lives that they are not alone. While every individual’s situation, background, and experience is unique, the following symptoms are common. Can you identify with these experiences?

Wanting to but being unable to reduce your drinking
Spending a significant amount of time drinking, thinking about drinking, or trying to get alcohol
Having constant cravings for alcohol when you are not drinking
An inability to live up to daily obligations to your work, family, or other commitments
Drinking despite complications that it has already caused with your family, work, or social circle
Decreasing time spent interacting with friends or engaging in activities that you usually enjoy
Using alcohol in situations that could cause you physical harm (DUI)
A drastic difference in personality when drunk as opposed to sober
Increased tolerance causing you to consume more alcohol to achieve the desired effect
Drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms like shakes, nausea, headaches, sweats, and vomiting

If you have experienced some or all of these, it may be time for some help from an alcohol detox program in FL.

High-Functioning or Functional Alcoholics

Perhaps, you haven’t previously explored alcoholism. If that is the case, you may only be familiar with the stereotypes. You may have noticed about the list above that it doesn’t include things like homeless, unemployed, or unreliable. Indeed, advanced stages of alcoholism can lead to all those things, but alcoholics can be very resilient. You may have heard the terms high-functioning or functional alcoholic.

Despite outward appearances, a person with a successful career, a seemingly happy family life, and an active social life can still struggle with alcoholism. Therefore, before the disease progresses, it may be difficult for friends, family, or coworkers to sense a severe underlying issue.

Functional Alcoholism and Denial

Whatever stage an alcoholic has reached in their disease, denial is a constant presence. However, functional alcoholics are adept at hiding their disease and more easily fall victim to a belief in their denial.

Often, functioning alcoholics do not drink every day. They may only drink high-end and expensive wines and liquors. They manage to maintain the status quo of their lives by controlling the timing of their drinking or keeping it completely hidden. It will take some time before a functional alcoholic will even consider the question, “Am I an alcoholic?”

Moreover, it is possible for people working closely, or even family members living with an alcoholic, not to recognize a problem. Often, alcoholics will use their successes as an excuse to drink or blame a night out binging on their workplace culture. Since the repercussions haven’t begun to surface, coworkers often encourage nights out of excessive drinking, and family members will excuse it as part of the job’s pressure.

Find the Answers You Need to Heal at Tides Edge Detox

Asking yourself the question “Am I an alcoholic?” is, at the very least, an indication that there is a problem. If alcohol continues to dominate your life, you can regain control. Alcohol addiction is treatable with the help of professionals at a quality rehab like Tides Edge Detox in Jacksonville, FL. We offer extensive detox programs designed to meet the needs of anyone who comes to us looking to heal. Some of our detox programs include: