By Stephanie O’Brian, EdS, LPC
The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging there is one. For many, this is the most difficult step. It requires not only humility and courage but also self-awareness (which can be hard to come by if you are struggling with an alcohol addiction). But how do you know if you have an alcohol problem?
The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging there is one.
One of the critical elements to bear in mind when determining if you have an alcohol use disorder is that you may not have as unhealthy of a relationship with alcohol as others, so you believe you are “OK.” Like many diseases, you can have a mild, moderate, or severe case.
When you have signs of an alcohol problem, it is easy to compare yourself to the severe cases and feel you do not have an issue. It’s critical to remember mild and moderate cases of alcohol addiction are what lead to severe cases (and sadly, sometimes lead to death).
You may feel shame about your relationship with alcohol. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many environmental, social, psychological, and genetic elements to your response to alcohol. Among the many risk factors linked to alcohol use disorders, some are in and some are out of your control.
At The Meadows Texas, we care deeply for those struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Our staff has the training to help you get better, and the belief it is possible. If you have signs of an alcohol problem then we encourage you to complete our alcohol addiction questionnaire. Though this exercise isn’t meant to take the place of a diagnose, answering honestly can help you become more aware of any problem areas. Again, self-awareness is always step one.
Do You Have a Problem With Alcohol?
- I have difficulty following through with my obligations due to alcohol.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- I find myself drinking even when the situation isn’t safe for me.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- I have to drink more than I used to in order to feel the same buzz.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- When I go longer than normal without drinking, my body and/or mind feel “off.”
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- I always end up drinking more than I intended.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- I really struggle to quit drinking. I find it difficult to even drink less.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- A lot of my time is spent drinking (and recovering from drinking).
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- I have missed some important moments in my life due to drinking.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- Despite suffering consequences from my drinking, I continue to drink.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
- I get cravings for alcohol.
- This is definitely not me.
- I really don’t feel like this is me.
- I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so).
- Yes, this is definitely me.
If you answered “Yes, this is definitely me” to two or more of these questions, or “I think this may be me (or my friends/family may think so” to three questions, we encourage you to reach out to your medical provider for further discussion. The purpose of this quiz is to serve as a communication tool for you and your doctor, as well as help you become more aware of alcohol addiction signs,
Help is Available
Maybe you are one of many who’ve sought help before, and it didn’t stick. Alcohol use disorders are like cancer: Sometimes it comes back despite best efforts to remove it. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports chronic relapse is common with alcohol use disorders.
The NIAAA also suggests treatment be tailored to each person, which is why we at The Meadows Texas work hard to provide this. Whether it’s alcohol or substance abuse, a mental health condition or a combination of these, we are here to help you on your road to healing, hope, and recovery in a way best suited for you.
Reach out today to learn more about our programs and research-backed treatment approach. There is always hope.