Here in the United States and worldwide, drinking is very common and considered a normal thing to do, whether it’s drinking at a birthday party, at a wedding, or just relaxing after work and having wine with dinner.
If you aren’t consuming alcohol, it has come across your mind because of how much alcohol advertising there is. You even see it advertised across TV screens or staring down at you from huge billboards across town. It is very hard to go a day without seeing alcohol-related material.
Because alcohol is so normalized and so many individuals partake in it, it is hard to know whether or not you are drinking too much or being considered an alcoholic. Of course, the obvious falling drunk every day can’t get your life together alcoholic, but there are also those that drink that has their lives completely together, and everything seems grand. Those are what are known as “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics.
Are You an Alcoholic?
So how can you tell if you are an alcoholic? How many drinks is a day considered an alcoholic? Can you measure it that easily? No, but there are telltale signs of alcoholism.
Because alcohol can affect each person differently, it can be hard to define what “too much alcohol” is for the general population or if you drink so many drinks that you are considered an alcoholic. Still, there is somewhat of a guideline of how many drinks are considered a health problem and can cause concern.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking is considered in the moderate or low-risk range for women at no more than three drinks in any one day and no more than seven drinks per week. It is no more than four drinks a day for men and no more than 14 drinks per week.
Do Any of These Apply to You?
If you are questioning your drinking and think you may be an alcoholic, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of alcohol?
- Do you have cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol?
- Are you unable to cut down on alcohol use despite a desire to do so?
- Do you continue to abuse alcohol despite negative interpersonal or social problems likely due to alcohol use?
- Do you use alcohol in physically dangerous situations (such as driving or operating machinery)?
- Do you drink more or for a longer time than originally intended?
- Do you continue to abuse alcohol despite the presence of a psychological or physical problem that is probably due to alcohol use?
- Are you unable to fulfill major obligations at home, work, or school because of alcohol use?
- Are you giving up previously enjoyed social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use?
- Do you have a tolerance (i.e., needing to drink increasingly large or more frequent amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect)?
- Do you develop symptoms of withdrawal when efforts are made to stop using alcohol?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might need to consider getting professional help to cut back on your drinking. It is important to be aware of these signs and to know that you’re not alone. Thousands of people from all walks of life battle alcoholism every day, and thousands decide to seek help.
Start Alcoholism Help Program at Agape Treatment Center
At Agape Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, embrace a universal, unconditional love that transcends, that serves regardless of circumstances. We provide individuals all over the country with the opportunity to achieve the gift of lasting sobriety. Our evidence-driven therapy and counseling methods are based on a belief that every individual is worth living a joyous and rewarding life free from the bondage of addiction.
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