When people struggle with alcohol addiction, they may not immediately recognize that they have a problem until they deal with a serious situation like an SR-22 order after a DUI. If you’re wondering how to know if you have a drinking problem, that can be the first sign that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
Being self-aware about your drinking habits can help you make healthy, positive choices for your life. By assessing how much you drink, how often you drink, and how your drinking impacts your life, you can identify whether alcohol is having a negative impact.
7 Signs of a Drinking Problem
Recognizing alcohol addiction can be challenging, but there are several alcohol abuse indicators. If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, it’s helpful to reflect on your feelings, habits, and lifestyle by taking a self-assessment for drinking issues. You don’t need to exhibit all of these signs to have a drinking problem, but here are a few common indicators:
1. Breaking Your Limits
Regularly drinking more than you initially planned can be a sign that your drinking habits are out of control. If you say you’re only going to have a couple of drinks, but then end up drinking all night, you may have an issue controlling yourself while drinking. And if you often drink a lot every time you drink, you may not be able to drink in moderation at all.
2. Having Strong Cravings
When you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, you may experience intense cravings. For people who have a drinking problem, certain situations or experiences may trigger an overwhelming desire to drink. If you start heavily fixating on alcohol to the point that you can’t think about anything else, it may be time to get help.
3. Getting Sick From Alcohol
When your body is used to heavy drinking, you may experience alcohol withdrawals, making it difficult to function or feel normal without drinking. Alcohol withdrawals are beyond a standard hangover and involve symptoms like nausea, sweating, tremors, anxiety, and depression. If your drinking habits are frequently making you sick, that’s a major sign to seek help.
4. Giving Up Hobbies to Drink
Many people with an alcohol problem find it hard to enjoy other activities that don’t revolve around drinking. Consider how much of your free time you spend drinking compared to participating in other hobbies and interests. If you’ve lost interest in activities that you used to be passionate about, this could also be a sign of alcohol-related depression.
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5. Getting in Dangerous Situations
Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and can impact your decision-making. Getting into risky or dangerous situations while drinking is a major warning sign to reassess your relationship with alcohol. Don’t wait for something bad to happen before you decide to get help for your drinking.
6. Having Relationship Issues Due to Alcohol
Heavy drinking can be a contentious issue for your family and friends. Your family and friends may be concerned about your drinking itself or have problems with your behavior while you’re under the influence. If alcohol is interfering with your interpersonal relationships, this may be a sign of a larger issue.
7. Feeling Unable to Stop
If you’re concerned about your alcohol use but can’t bring yourself to make a change, it may be time to seek outside help. Maybe you’ve experienced legal issues from drinking, such as getting a DUI and facing SR-22 DUI penalties, but you’re still finding it hard to stop. Accepting that you have a problem with alcohol and exploring treatment options for alcohol addiction can get you back on the right track.
Take Control of Your Drinking
Whether you had a wake-up call moment or are simply ready for a change, you have the power to control your drinking habits. The team at SR-22 Adviser can help support your journey by offering affordable SR-22 insurance, empowering you to get back on track after a DUI. Reach out to our partner for a quote today.