If you’re asking yourself, am I an alcoholic? the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no response. You may be surprised to learn that many different factors can contribute to whether or not you are an alcoholic, including your age, gender, and family history of alcohol abuse. It can also depend on how much alcohol you consume on a regular basis and whether or not you use other drugs in addition to alcohol. Private rehab can help you cut your addiction and get your life back on track.

Physical Signs

The fact that you’re asking yourself if you’re an alcoholic is probably a good sign in itself. Other physical signs are more severe than increased anxiety or irritability: weight loss, nausea and vomiting, tremors, dilated pupils, and insomnia are all warning signs of liver failure, cirrhosis, and other long-term effects of heavy drinking. Just because these physical signs occur doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic—many people experience them after one or two bad nights out with friends. However, it’s a good idea to discuss your drinking habits with your doctor if you’re concerned about your long-term health; for alcoholics, there is no clear line between healthy and heavy consumption.

Emotional Signs

As with other addictions, people who suffer from alcoholism often turn to their drug of choice as a way to deal with negative emotions and feelings. In fact, alcohol actually changes brain chemistry, causing a rush of dopamine—one of our feel-good chemicals—to be released in response to any event that produces pleasurable feelings. Those suffering from alcoholism will sometimes abuse alcohol when they are feeling lonely or anxious; some also use it to mask their problems at work or home. As a result, you may notice them turning to drink more and more frequently during difficult situations in order to avoid facing those issues.

Behavioral Signs

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers a few behavioural signs to look for when deciding if you or someone you love is abusing alcohol. A person can be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder if they display at least two of these behaviours over a 12-month period: Drinking more or for longer than intended. Needing a drink in order to get through the day. Wanting a drink so badly that it causes anxiety and problems at work, spending time with friends, or in other important areas of life. Missing important social events like weddings, birthdays and vacations because they were drinking too much before. Sometimes it is only detox and a drug rehab centre that can help.

Recognizing Addiction

One of the first signs that you may have a problem with addiction is if people in your life are openly telling you to slow down. Because alcoholism is a disease, many alcoholics don’t realize they have a problem until others confront them about it.

The best thing to do is speak to an alcohol rehab to see what your options are.