If you’re struggling to control your alcohol intake, you’re likely asking yourself, “Am I an alcoholic?” In recovery, there’s an old saying that if you suspect you have a drinking problem, you probably do. Of course, that’s not always the case. It is best to get a professional diagnosis for any health issue, including substance use disorders. But if you’re willing to question your behavior, you’ve already taken a critical step on the road to recovery.
People who drink in a healthy manner don’t drink for the sole purpose of getting drunk, and they don’t question their own behavior. If you’re asking yourself, “Am I an alcoholic?” call Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.294.5306. We provide a safe, gradual, medically supervised withdrawal process to begin your alcohol addiction treatment program.
What Is Alcoholism?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an individual must meet with at least two of the criteria below within the last 12-month period:
- The inability to reduce alcohol use despite the desire to do so
- Expending a lot of personal resources, such as time, energy, and money, in order to obtain, drink, and recover from alcohol use
- Using alcohol for longer periods and in larger amounts than intended
- Not fulfilling responsibilities at school, work, or home due to alcohol use
- Continuing to use alcohol despite problems linked to its use
- Strong desires and cravings to use alcohol
- Avoiding recreational, social, or occupational activities that you once enjoyed because of alcohol
- Needing to drink increasingly larger and more frequent amounts for the desired effect
- Drinking alcohol in dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating machinery
- Continued drinking even after experiencing physical or psychological problems related to alcohol use
- Continued drinking even after experiencing social problems and negative personal interactions related to alcohol use
If two or more of the above criteria describe your relationship with alcohol, you are encouraged to seek treatment for a substance use disorder.
Testing for Alcohol Addiction in Jupiter, Florida
There is no single definitive test to self-diagnose alcoholism. But there are several reliable screenings online that can help you better understand your alcohol use. Cravings, loss of control, physical dependence, and tolerance are often cited as the four symptoms of alcohol addiction.
The CAGE test also uses only four criteria for self-diagnosis:
- C – Cutting Back: Have you ever felt the need to cut back on your drinking?
- A – Annoyed: Are you annoyed when people criticize your drinking?
- G – Guilty: Do you feel guilty about your amount or frequency of drinking?
- E – Eye-Opener: Do you ever think about drinking alcohol first thing in the morning as an “eye-opener” or to help a hangover?
Answering yes to just two questions on this simple test is considered significant. But that alone does not mean you are an alcoholic.
Another helpful approach for self-diagnosis is to attend a 12-Step meeting of Alcoholic Anonymous. You don’t need to speak, only listen. If you hear someone else telling a story that is significantly similar to your own, consider it another indication that your alcohol use has gotten out of control.
Along with diagnostic tests, examining how alcohol use has impacted your life and the lives of those you love is equally valuable. It’s challenging to take a candid assessment of your habits. However, if you’re already asking, “Am I an alcoholic?” then you may be ready for an honest look in the mirror.
Seek Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Evidence-based treatment programs that include safe, medically supervised detox can be very successful in helping people recover from substance use disorder. If you need help with alcohol addiction near Jupiter, Florida, call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306. Our staff of compassionate professionals will take you through the detox process step-by-step and help you find the support you need for a new life without alcohol.
