Overview
How to Determine If I have a Problem with Alcohol? Alcohol rehabilitation Florida reports that If the effects of alcohol or your drinking is causing issues related to work, home, legal or socially, it is a problem in your life. Additionally, if an individual excessively has thoughts of drinking or makes several unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking, it is likely that the individual has a problem with alcohol. Moreover, David Kolker, M.S.W., of Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida states, “If an individual has lost control or the ability to adequately predict the quantity of alcohol they intend to drink once they start, this is indicative of alcohol abuse and dependence.” Finally, if risky behavior, i.e., driving while intoxicated, becomes a norm, the individual should be evaluated by a mental health professional or a member of Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida.
What are common signs and symptoms of Alcohol dependence and abuse?
Many signs associated with alcohol abuse and dependence and observed by alcohol rehabilitation Florida, are not outwardly obvious, given that individuals who have a problem with alcohol tend to hide their problem and suffer from extreme denial.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
How much is too much?
Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida reports that an individual can gauge whether they are drinking too much if any of the statements below are true:
1. A woman who has more than 7 drinks* per week or more than 3 drinks per occasion
2. A man who has more than 14 drinks* per week or more than 4 drinks per occasion
3. Older than 65 years of age and have more than 7 drinks* per week or more than 3 drinks per occasion
*One drink = one 12-oz bottle of beer (4.5 percent alcohol), one 5-oz glass of wine (12.9 percent alcohol) or 1.5 oz of 80-proof distilled spirits.
What is heavy drinking?
Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida reports that a person can gauge heavy drinking based on the following statements:
- A female who has more than 3 drinks every day or 21 drinks per week
- A male who has more than 5 drinks every day or 35 drinks per week
What is risky Behavior associated with Alcohol?
Risky behavior associated with alcohol is illustrated by the following:
- Drink and drive, operate machinery or mix alcohol with over-the-counter or prescription medicine
- Don't tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are a regular drinker
- Are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant and drink at all (even small amounts of alcohol may hurt an unborn child)
- Drink alcohol while you are looking after children
- Drink alcohol even though you have a medical condition that can be made worse by drinking
What are the signs of habitual drinking?
The signs of habitual drinking, reported by alcohol rehabilitation Florida are as follows:
- Utilizing alcohol to relax, relieve anxiety, or go to sleep
- Be more comfortable in social situations using alcohol
- Avoid thinking about sad or unpleasant things while drinking
- Socialize with other regular drinkers
Have I developed alcohol dependence or addiction?
Alcohol has become a dependence or addiction if the following are true:
- Can't stop drinking once you start
- Felt the need to cut down on your drinking
- Have tried to stop drinking for a week or so but only quit for a few days
- Fail to do what you should at work or at home because of drinking
- Feel guilty after drinking
- Find other people make comments to you about your drinking
- Felt annoyed by criticism of your drinking
- Have a drink in the morning to get yourself going after drinking heavily the night before
- Can't remember what happened while you were drinking
Additional Signs and Symptoms of an issue with Alcohol
- Accidents, i.e., car accidents or falls
- Anxiety directly related to drinking or lack thereof
- Being unusually suspicious while drinking
- Blackouts/memory loss
- Loss of relationships or friendships as a result of alcohol
- Depression associated with drinking
- Getting driving tickets while under the influence of alcohol
- Insomnia or problems sleeping
- Loss of self-esteem or self-worth
- Missing work due to over-indulgence
- Trembling hands
- Trouble having erections (men)
- Vomiting
What Causes alcoholism and what are the risk factors associated with alcoholism as reported by Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida?
What are the Causes of alcoholism?
Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida reports that Alcoholism is a brain disease and is frequently present in families generationally. Men seem to be more at risk than women. Some drinkers use alcohol to try to relieve anxiety, depression, tension, loneliness, self-doubt or unhappiness.
Treatment
Why should I quit?
According to alcohol rehabilitation Florida, quitting is the only way to stop the problems alcohol is causing in your life. It may not be easy to quit. But individual’s efforts will be rewarded by better health, better relationships and a sense of accomplishment.
What do I need to know about alcohol abuse treatment and recovery?
The decision to stop using alcohol or other drugs is very important to your health. Alcohol Rehabilitation Florida suggests that individuals speak with their doctor if they have decided to quit. He or she can guide your treatment, help you find support and monitor your condition as you recover.
How do I stop?
Behavioral suggestions from alcohol rehabilitation Florida are as follows:
- Commit to quitting. Once you decide to quit, you can make plans to be sure you succeed.
- Get help from your doctor. He or she can be your biggest ally. Alcoholism is a kind of disease, and it can be treated. Talking with your doctor or a counselor about your problems can be helpful too.
- Get support. Contact Alcoholics Anonymous, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence or the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Call for information about local treatment programs and to speak to someone about your alcohol problem. They will give you the tools and support you need to quit. Ask your family and friends for support too.
Other Organizations that can help
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Women for Sobriety
- SMART Recovery
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Al-Anon/Alateen
- National Association for Children of Alcoholics
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Students Against Destructive Decisions
Mothers against Drunk Driving Partnership for a Drug-Free America
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