9 Warning Signs You Have a Drinking Problem

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 85.6 percent of people ages 18 and older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime. At this point, alcohol has been named the most commonly used addictive substance in America. Because alcohol is legal for individuals 21 and over, widely accepted in society, and so heavily advertised and promoted, it is important to be aware of the associated, and potentially life-threatening, health risks that alcohol abuse can cause. If you are concerned about your drinking or wondering if you have a problem with alcohol, consider the following warning signs that you may have a drinking problem.

9 Warning Signs You Have A Drinking Problem

Because alcohol is legal and largely accepted by society, discovering if you have a drinking problem may feel confusing. Alcohol is a multi-billion dollar industry, and those numbers only continue to grow. Due to its wide availability, legality, and societal acceptance, alcohol yields a very high rate of addiction. An estimated 95,000 people die annually from alcohol-related causes, making it the third-leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Common warning signs you have a drinking problem may include:

Frequently craving alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Drinking to the point of vomiting or blacking out
Unsuccessful attempts to moderate, control, or stop drinking alcohol
Self-isolation
Drinking in secrecy
Attempting to hide the amount of alcohol being consumed
Neglecting responsibilities in order to drink
Financial, relational, physical, emotional and/or legal consequences in relation to drinking alcohol

How To Get Help For A Drinking Problem

If you suspect that you or a loved one has a drinking problem, it is important to promptly seek help. Luckily, there are many resources available to help people stop drinking and enter recovery, and millions of people around the world are living fulfilling, sober lives today. One option that is free of charge, easily accessible, and open to everyone, is Alcoholics Anonymous. Millions of people are successfully maintaining sobriety through this 12-step group, which provides an extensive network of support. There are meetings available all over the world, as well as online. For more information, check out www.aa.org.

Another option when seeking help for a drinking problem is going to rehab. One of the great benefits of rehab is that it removes a person from the environment of their drinking, and separates them from the responsibilities, stressors, and triggers of everyday life. Rehab can be expensive, and an inpatient program will require full-time attendance, but many rehab facilities accept insurance or offer other payment plans. Some also offer scholarships to those in need who could not otherwise attend.

To get more information on a specific rehab’s options, you can contact each facility individually to speak with one of their specialists. Another option is to call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, which can direct you to facilities and resources in your area.

Oasis Recovery Can Help

Alcoholism can affect anyone. It does not matter where one is from or what type of alcohol they like to drink. If you or a loved one is currently living with alcoholism, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include: