Whether it’s a birthday or just a simple get together with friends, we all like having a good party with the people we love. One thing that you will most likely find at parties these days are alcohol, which can usually be found in bucket loads. Having a casual drink will most likely not cause any harm (if you are a recovering addict, don’t drink at all) but what is too much? In this article, we are going to answer a question that may people ask themselves: am I an alcoholic or just someone who likes to party?
The Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Addiction
It’s important to understand that alcohol abuse and alcoholism are two completely different things. Someone who abuses alcohol will continue to drink despite seeing the damage its causing to themselves and the people around them. An addict however, is someone who cannot live without this narcotic substance and when it’s not available, will suffer withdrawal symptoms until they are able to drink again. In some cases, an alcohol abuser may not even become an addict, however the chances are that they will become dependent to it are much higher than someone who does not drink.
How to Determine if there is an Alcohol Problem Present
If you are wondering if you might have an alcohol problem, then answer the following ten questions honestly:
- Do you drink alcohol on more than one day in a week?
- Do you drink alcohol to deal with any stress or pressure you are experiencing?
- Are you struggling to complete your daily responsibilities due to your alcohol usage?
- Have you ever woken up with no recollection of past events after a drinking session?
- Do most of your friends and the people you spend your time with drink alcohol?
- Has anyone spoken to you about the amount of alcohol you drink?
- Have you ever gotten into legal trouble because of your drinking?
- Do you drink to experience the feelings of being intoxicated?
- Do you drink more than what you limit yourself to?
- Do you drink by yourself?
If you answered yes to more than 3 of these questions above, then it may be a clear sign that there is an alcohol problem present.
Alcohol Treatment
If you suspect that you or a loved one has an alcohol problem, get professional help sooner rather than later. Leaving an addiction untreated will only cause things to become worse as time goes on. You might have heard stories of people that have quit alcohol by themselves but let me tell you that this is the minority and downright dangerous as well. Nobody’s addiction symptoms will ever be the same, in fact some more severe than others. The withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced when trying to quit alone can be so severe that it may even lead to death, so we urge you to seek the help of medical and addiction professionals.
For access to the best private alcohol rehabilitation centres in South Africa, call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors find the best treatment to suit you or your loved ones every individual needs.