Am I An Alcoholic Quiz
If you or a loved one answered yes to most of the questions below, you should consider seeking help.
- How often do you drink alcohol per month?
- How often do you drink 5 or more drinks in one sitting?
- Have you tried to stop drinking but were unsuccessful?
- How often do you drink more than you originally planned to?
- Do you have cravings or urges to drink?
- Has school or work performance been affected by your drinking?
- Have you engaged in risky behavior because of drinking? (driving, etc.)
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking?
When a person asks themselves, ‘do I have a drinking problem?’ There are several factors that come into play. Understanding if you or a loved one has a drinking problem is crucial to getting the necessary help.
Alcohol use disorder can end up taking over a person’s life. While a person may feel like they have their drinking under control, certain behaviors will tell a different story. A person’s social, academic, professional, and physical well-being can be affected by excessive drinking on a frequent basis.
Alcoholism – The Statistics
Alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD) continues to be a problem for millions of Americans every single year. In a 2017 report, 26% of people over the age of 18 reported drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in the past month. That same year, 14.1 million adults were found to be suffering from AUD. Over the past few years, these numbers have continued to increase.
Alcohol use disorder can be extremely destructive and in some cases, dangerous. It’s important to be able to identify if there is a problem and take the next steps to a better life. Granite Mountain BHC offers many options and resources for you and your family.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcoholism occurs when a person is extremely dependent on alcohol, so much so that it causes various health and social problems. Alcohol use disorder is the official diagnosis term for the condition. AUD can end up causing several symptoms when a person stops using alcohol. This creates a cycle of alcohol use and worsened performance at school, home, and work.
Warning Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcoholism
Drinking is widely accepted in our society and while having a few drinks on occasion is okay, excessive drinking can cause several issues in the short and long term. It’s important to know the warning signs associated with alcoholism. If you or a loved one is exhibiting these signs, they may have an alcohol problem. Warning signs include:
- Drinking in secret
- Mood swings and irritability
- Feeling guilty about drinking
- Choosing to drink over certain responsibilities
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities
- Drinking even if it’s causing problems at home, at school, financially, or physically
- Being unable to control how much a person is drinking
- Withdrawal symptoms (from alcohol)
- Drinking early in the morning
If you notice these signs in a loved one, it’s important to get help sooner rather than later. Some of the negative effects of AUD and alcoholism can end up taking over a person’s life. In some cases, a person may adopt risky behaviors such as drinking and driving. Don’t wait until it’s too late, let Granite Mountain help today!
Risks of Alcoholism and AUD
Alcoholism and excessive alcohol use can end up causing both short-term and long-term risks. When a person is frequently under the influence after heavy drinking, they are open to several risks.
A few short-term risks of AUD include:
- Violence/fights
- Injury or death (accidents, falling, drowning, burns, etc.)
- Disorders in people who are pregnant (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, stillbirth, etc.)
- Sexual behavior (which can lead to several sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy)
- Alcohol poisoning (which can be fatal if a person doesn’t get help)
Long-term effects of AUD include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer (liver, breast, throat, etc.)
- Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems
- Memory problems
- Financial and employment problems (which can affect a person’s family as well)
- Weakened immune system (which can lead to further sickness)
The Difference Between A Heavy Drinker and An Alcoholic
A person may ask themselves, do I have a drinking problem? While the symptoms mentioned above can give a good answer to that, it’s also important to know what type of drinker a person is. Heavy drinking is how much a person drinks every week. Heavy drinking is typically considered having around two drinks a day (for men) or having more than one drink a day (for women).
Another term that is typically present in cases of AUD or alcoholism is binge drinking. This refers to drinking in excess in a short period (typically during the day). This could be having 5 or more drinks in two hours.
While heavy drinking has its short-term effects, it is not the same thing as being an alcoholic. This can be seen when a person stops drinking. A person who drinks excessively will benefit quickly from stopping their drinking. However, those diagnosed with AUD or alcoholics will have a much harder time as they have become dependent on drinking. With this being said, becoming sober is achievable and a better life if possible with the help from professionals.
Treatment Options for Alcoholism and AUD
There are several different options available at rehab centers like Granite Mountain. We understand that each case of alcohol addiction is different, that’s why we cater our options with you and your loved ones in mind.
Typically, addiction treatment begins with detoxification, which is a process that purges the body of toxic substances (alcohol and drugs). This process is best done under medical supervision to avoid any complications. After the detox process is done, a person then moves on to more individualized treatment.
Outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment is what many people resort to after detox. Inpatient programs allow a person to stay at a rehab center for some time. Outpatient treatment programs allow a person to live at home while attending weekly sessions with a therapist or a group. Those recovering in an inpatient or outpatient program have access to:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention programs
- Addiction resources
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Addiction counseling
Granite Mountain BHC is Here for You
After taking our am I an alcoholic quiz, you may be wary of what to do next. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Health Center, we make the process smooth and accessible for you and your family. Don’t wait to get the help you need, give us a call today and let us help you towards a better life for you and your family.
