Do I Have a Drinking Problem?

Alcoholism and drug addiction are progressive, fatal diseases. However, if the disease is recognized and treated properly, recovery is possible. The first step in treating alcoholism or drug addiction is recognizing that drinking or drug use has indeed become a problem. However, it can be difficult to assess whether or not there is a problem. Asking yourself these questions can indicate whether or not you have a drinking or drug problem.

1. Does your drinking or drug use cause problems?Often, when a person is suffering from the disease of addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, they will suffer consequences as a result of drinking or using drugs. These consequences can be legal, financial, or interpersonal (affecting your relationships with other people. When people continue to drink or use drugs despite these consequences, it is a sign that they have a problem drugs and alcohol. The negative social, emotional, financial and relationship consequences are a reflection of the dangers of alcohol use.
2. Do you lie about drinking or using drugs or hide the evidence of alcohol or drug use from others?Addicts will often lie to family and friends about the frequency of drug or alcohol use and the amount of alcohol or drugs they use. It is also common for a drug addict or alcoholic to hide the empty liquor bottles or drug paraphernalia so that other people do not know how much they are using or drinking.
3. Do you ever make promises to yourself or others about your drinking or drug use that you can’t keep? Many times addicts and alcoholics will make promises to themselves or their loved ones about drinking or using drugs. “I promise to stop drinking on weeknights” or “As soon as I finish this stressful project, I will quit using drugs.” Addicts and alcoholics then break these promises even though they really meant what they said when they made the promise. The compulsion to drink or use drugs is just too great.
4. Do you ever drink or do drugs in the morning to cope with withdrawal or a hangover?Using drugs or alcohol to cope with the effects of drugs and/or alcohol is a sign that you have a problem. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, you are likely physically addicted to the drug or drink.
5. Do you avoid people who don’t approve of your drinking or using or places where it is not acceptable to use or drink? People who have a problem with drugs or alcohol will usually try to surround themselves with others who drink or use drugs as well. They avoid people who do not use drugs and drink or people who will judge them for the excessive drug or alcohol use. Addicts and alcoholics also frequently lose interest in activities that do not involve drinking or drug use. Isolation is very common in people who have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
6. Do you need increasing amounts of drugs or alcohol to feel the same effects? Increasing tolerance of drugs and alcohol is a sign of addiction.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol.