Am I An Alcoholic? How to Tell If You Have an Addiction

Does the question “Am I an alcoholic?” pop into your mind occasionally?People have been struggling with alcoholism for ages and although they have been using alcohol for tens of thousands of years, the earliest recorded abuse of alcohol dates from 7,000 BCE (pre-Mesopotamian empire), so we can imagine that thousands upon thousands of people have been questioning whether they are an alcoholic or problem drinker over that period of time.Learn common signs that you might be struggling with alcoholism.

6 Levels of Alcohol Use

As a person moves up in levels, it becomes more difficult to return to a prior level. Alcoholics have a loss of control caused by the alcohol, not the person. The abuse of alcohol is not a choice for an addict.

1. Abstinence (no use of alcohol at all)

2. Experimentation (you drink just a few times to experience the effects of alcohol)

No pattern of use and very limited consequences, unless:

• • • • A large amount is used
      • An exaggerated reaction or negative side-effect occurs
      • A pre-existing condition exists
      • A genetic predisposition is present

3. Social and/or recreational use

1. • • Your use of alcohol is irregular or infrequent with no pattern of use
     • There is little impact on your life

4. Habituation (a definite pattern of use)

1. • • No serious consequences
     • This level is an early sign of loss of control (like drinking every Saturday regardless of other responsibilities)

5. Abuse

• • • Continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences

6. Addiction (significant loss of control over your drinking)

• • • Loss of control
    • Compulsive drinking
    • Craving for alcohol
    • Continued use of alcohol despite catastrophic consequences

After looking over the above levels of alcohol use, where do you think you are? Do you show signs of alcoholism?

Signs of Alcoholism

If you are still unsure, ask yourself some of the following questions…

• • • Do you drink every night or day?
    • Do you drink alone?
    • Do you lie to other people about your drinking?
    • Do you lie to yourself about your drinking?
    • Do you skip going places or keeping your commitments because of your drinking?
    • Has your drinking affected your job?
    • Has your drinking affected your finances?
    • Have people who care about you asked you to cut back on or stop your drinking?
    • Do you drink and drive?
    • Do you drink until you can’t remember what you have done?
    • Do you have to drink in order to not feel sick or bad when you wake up?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you likely have a drinking problem, but you are not alone. There is help available!

Detox from Alcohol

If you are looking for help because you are exhibiting signs of alcoholism, you may want to consider going into a detox center.Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous if you have been drinking for a long period of time, have been drinking large amounts or have any existing medical conditions and you should speak to a professional before you quit drinking cold turkey.

Get Help from Pacific Crest Trail Detox

Our facility at Pacific Crest Trail Detox is your first step to recovery. We offer a variety of coping mechanisms, support, and treatment solutions for people who want to quit drinking alcohol. No matter if you have mild or severe withdrawal symptoms, a medical detox program can help minimize discomfort and improve your safety.

Rehab at Oregon Trail Recovery

If you have already detoxed from alcohol, the next step for you may be some additional treatment.At Oregon Trail Recovery, we offer PHP, IOP, and OP treatment programs. These different levels of care are designed to help you gain knowledge about the disease of addiction, help you deal with any past trauma, and give you tools to use to help you cope with life without drinking.We offer support through group and one on one sessions, family support groups, and will introduce you to a sponsor and 12-step meetings that you will hopefully continue to communicate with after you complete the treatment program.In 1935 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded and currently has more than 2.1 million members worldwide. These are people just like you and I that have admitted they are powerless over their drinking and that their lives have become unmanageable. If that many people have found hope and strength from walking in the doors of AA, there must be something there for everyone.Building a support network of healthy recovery connections is important if you want to maintain long-term sobriety. You cannot do it alone.If you would like to know more about our detox program give us a call at (844) 692-7528 or if you would like more information about our treatment programs call us at (855) 770-0577. We are available 24 hrs a day and 7 days a week to answer your questions and get you help!