Am I Addicted to Alcohol?

The question is deceptively brief. Just five simple words. But the answer can be life changing: Am I addicted to alcohol?

For millions of people in the United States, the answer to this question is yes. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 14 million adults in the U.S. met the criteria for alcohol addiction in 2019.

The good news is that alcohol addiction is a treatable condition. The bad news is that many people who have become addicted to alcohol don’t get the care they need.

Answering the question, “Am I addicted to alcohol?” takes you one step closer to a healthier future.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is a chronic disorder where you can’t control your alcohol intake or usage frequency.

• The term “chronic” means that alcohol addiction is a lifelong condition. It is not a curable disorder, but when you get effective treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and regain control of your thoughts and actions.
• The word “progressive” means that if you don’t get help, the symptoms of alcohol addiction will become more severe over time. This isn’t a problem that will simply disappear if you ignore it.

Here are a few things that alcoholism is not: It is not a moral failure, a sign of low character, or evidence of insufficient willpower. 

Decades of awareness initiatives have improved public understanding of this condition, but certain unfortunate stereotypes – such as the ones alluded to in the previous paragraph – persist. Stigma is one of the many reasons why many people who develop alcohol addiction don’t seek the help they need.

By saying, “Yes, I am addicted to alcohol,” you show strength in facing a challenge, not a personal flaw. Instead, you’re acknowledging a challenge that you can overcome. It is a simple acknowledgement that you have a treatable behavioral health disorder, and that you have the courage to get the help that can significantly improve your life.

How Can I Tell if I Am Addicted to Alcohol?

To get an accurate diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (the clinical term for alcoholism), a qualified professional needs to evaluate you. The following 10 questions can help you determine if you should schedule an assessment:

1. Do you need alcohol to help you wake up in the morning or to get to sleep at night?
2. Once you start drinking, do you find it difficult to stop?
3. Has your alcohol use caused you to neglect personal or professional responsibilities?
4. Do you feel like you need alcohol to experience happiness or to cope with stress?
5. Do you become agitated, anxious, or depressed when you’re in a situation where you can’t drink?
6. Have you used alcohol in situations where it was clearly dangerous to do so, such as prior to driving or when taking medication?
7. Have you ever lied to your friends or family members about the amount and frequency of your drinking?
8. Has your drinking been a source of conflict with your partner, friends, or family members?
9. Have you tried to quit or reduce the amount of your drinking, but been unable to do so?
10. Have you ever thought, “Am I addicted to alcohol?”

No single symptom or experience is definitive proof that a person has alcohol use disorder. If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may be struggling with alcohol addiction or at risk of developing it.

What Are My Options for Overcoming Alcohol Addiction?

I have completed an assessment, and I know I am addicted to alcohol. What do I do now?

Depending on the nature and severity of your dependence on alcohol, your ideal course of treatment may involve one or more of the following:

• Detoxification: Commonly called detox, this short-term program helps you safely manage alcohol withdrawal with minimal distress. Experienced professionals provide both medical and therapeutic support.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient programs usually include several types of therapy, but they don’t have a residential requirement. When treatment is not in session, you can return home or to an alternative supported residence. Depending on your needs and goals, you might transition to outpatient care after inpatient rehab or start treatment directly at the outpatient level.
• Support groups: Maintaining recovery from alcohol addiction is a lifelong effort. During treatment, you can discover the value of shared support within the recovery community. You can also learn how to develop an effective personal support network. This may involve joining 12-Step meetings, attending SMART Recovery events, or engaging in other activities to support your sobriety.

Begin Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in Southern California

Sanctuary Treatment Center provides multiple levels of personalized care for adults who have become addicted to alcohol. We also provide customized treatment for clients whose struggles with alcohol are accompanied by certain co-occurring mental health concerns. If alcohol addiction has disrupted your life or the life of someone you care about, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.