Signs That You Might Have a Problem with Alcohol
Since the start of Covid, consumption of alcohol has increased. The pandemic brought on increased stressors, anxiety, and isolation for our entire population. People turned to alcohol as a way to relax and numb out from the current situation. It's normal to need some way to soothe and escape when life gets hectic, but these behaviors for a prolonged period of time can have negative consequences on people's lives.
Currently, there are more treatment options than ever before for individuals who are seeking help for alcohol or drug use.
Are you concerned that you or a love one might have a problem with alcohol? Here are some of the signs:
Drinking more than you plan to. Maybe you decided when you went out that you would only have one or two drinks, but you find that you can't stop
Drinking to the point of blacking out
Most or all of your social situations involve alcohol
Hiding your drinking from others, or hiding alcohol around the house
Your loved ones are bothered by your drinking, and if they mention it to you, you become defensive
You have tried to cut back on your own, but have not been able to
You’re unable to sleep without alcohol
You have to drink more to get the desired effect
This is not an exhaustive list, but if you have answered yes to several of these signs, you may benefit from alcohol counseling.
Anxiety and Depression Due to Alcohol Abuse
It's also common for people who are abusing alcohol to also experience depression and anxiety. During times of withdrawal, someone might feel restless, irritable and discontent. Or they may feel anxious as alcohol serves as a way to soothe people in times of stress and anxiety, and interrupts one's natural ability to practice soothing and coping without alcohol. Those who are abusing alcohol might feel guilty or shameful of their use, contributing to low self-esteem and depression.
Impact of Alcohol Abuse on the Family
Family members worry about their loved one who is abusing alcohol. They also experience anxiety and depression as alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction impacts the entire family system. Family members can also benefit from counseling as they experience their own guilt, shame and anger, and sometimes keep their loved ones alcohol abuse a secret for fear of judgement from others.
“I’m not that bad.”
You might be saying to yourself, “but I haven't had any serious consequences due to my drinking. I pay my bills, don't have any legal issues or DUIs, my job isn't jeopardy, and my health is ok.” All of these things may be true, but the disease of alcoholism generally has a slower progression than other drugs. This means that the longer you drink, the more likely you are to develop more serious issues due to your drinking. With that being said, addiction to anything is not characterized by the consequences or what you have lost, but instead the habituation of the activity, the biological and psychological changes you experience, and the physical dependence to the substance.
Treatment Works. Alcohol Counseling Can Help.
There are now more treatment options for alcohol and drug abuse. With online therapy now widely available, counseling can be accessible to more people than ever before. If you or a loved one have concerns about your alcohol use, help is available.
Counseling for alcohol use is effective. Whole Mind Therapy and Counseling provides personalized online drug and alcohol counseling, and can assist you in whatever you want to change or understand better. For the family, help is available for you as well. Counseling can be helpful to process your experiences if you have a loved one who is abusing alcohol or other substances.