In a culture where it seems like everyone drinks a lot, how do you know how much is too much? You may be adamant that you do not have an alcohol problem but maybe loved ones have expressed concerns? Because you do not fit the profile of an alcoholic, you may be assuming that you could not possibly be addicted. However, remember that alcoholism can affect anyone. There is no blood test to diagnose the problem; the only way to know for sure is, to be honest with yourself and look at your drinking habits.
Ask yourself the following questions to be sure:
- Have you experienced blackouts or gaps in memory after drinking?
- Do you often drink alone or try to hide how much you’re drinking?
- Do you feel unwell—hungover, anxious, or flat—when you’re not drinking?
- Have you started neglecting responsibilities or losing interest in things you used to enjoy, like work, family time, hobbies, sports, or socialising?
- Do you avoid events where alcohol won’t be available?
- Do you need to drink more than you used to to feel the same effect?
- Have you engaged in risky or dangerous behaviour while drinking, like driving, unsafe sex, or fights?
- Are you struggling with relationship issues connected to your drinking—conflict, distance, or breakdowns in communication with your partner, family, or friends?
- Have people close to you expressed concern about your drinking?
- Have you told yourself you’d stop drinking—maybe even meant it—but found that you couldn’t?
- Do you experience physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when you’re not drinking?
- Have you ever found yourself drinking even after promising yourself earlier in the day that you wouldn’t?
- Does drinking feel like it controls your time, your thinking, or your decisions?
- Do you ever lie about or minimise how much you’re drinking?
- Have you hidden alcohol to avoid being questioned or judged?
- Do you avoid evening events at your child’s school or community activities because you’ve been drinking—or worry that once you start, you won’t be able to stop?
- Do you ever feel ashamed or embarrassed about your drinking?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may like to contact us for help.