How do you know if you're an alcoholic?

Answer 1

Alcoholism can sneak up on a person very easily. Some people are actually allergic to alcohol and they may get cranky, aggressive or depressed. If you need alcohol to have fun. If you can't go to a party without drinking alcohol and still have fun. If you can't go without a drink for a week or more then you are heading in that direction. If alcoholism runs in the family then be careful! It ran in my family and I seldom drink nor does my brother. It comes down to a choice!-If you are not already drinking alcoholically. A description of Alcoholism from a renowned Dr. specializing in the Treatment of Alcoholism basically described Alcoholism as. A allergy of the body which once alcohol is consumed a craving beyond mental control to continue drinking develops. Coupled with a mental obsession that drives the alcoholic back to drink with a series of lies that the alcoholic believes to be true. Example- I'm only going to have a couple, It will be different this time, and I can quite if I want to. Trust me it is not a choice of a sane and sound mind.
Here are Alcoholics Anonymous's (AA's) twelve questions to help you answer that. You'll find comments and more information at the link below.

1 - Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

2 - Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking-- stop telling you what to do?

3 - Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?

4 - Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?

Do you need a drink to get started, or to stop shaking?

5 - Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

6 - Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?

7 - Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

8 - Do you ever try to get "extra" drinks at a party because you do not get enough?

9 - Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?

10 - Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?

11 - Do you have "blackouts"?

12 - Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

Answer 2

Involved answer: Visit a qualified counselor/health care professional for a screening or assessment interview. Answer questions honestly, don't pull punches. You will get an honest evaluation.

Simple answer: Think of the acronym WART "With alcohol repeated troubles". If you had a problem (money, job, relationships, health, etc.) one time when you drank, but never since, it was probably just an event - maybe you even learned from it and changed your behavior. If you drink and continue to experience problems that could be related to that drinking (including missing work because of hangovers, delaying paying bills while still buying your liquor or beer, and so forth) you are likely an alcoholic.