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When people feel stressed, it’s not unusual for them to unwind with a cold beer or a glass of wine. The effects alcohol has on the mind make it a popular choice during difficult times. It isn’t easy to recognize when this seemingly harmless act becomes a problem. Because the signs are not always apparent, the professionals at our drug and alcohol treatment center in South Plains have come up with a list of key signs to help you determine when casual drinking becomes a drinking problem.

How to Define Alcohol Abuse?

When people think about alcoholics, they usually picture heavy drinkers. In other words, people who drink a lot and drink frequently. While this image is correct in some cases, even a light drinker can have a problem. It is considered a problem when alcohol drastically impairs your judgment and ability to function (mental and motor skills).

As a result, a good way to determine if you have a problem is to look at how alcohol impairs you more than how frequently you drink. When you have a problem, you will notice that your life is being affected on a physical, emotional, and economical level.

Nevertheless, how frequently you drink is another way to define alcohol abuse. The frequency of drinking may not be the only factor, but it is still important. Before you pick up another drink, think about your alcohol tolerance and whether it has recently increased. Ask yourself if you are spending more time drinking and recovering from the effects of alcohol than you did in the past.

Casual Drinking, Problem Drinking & Alcoholism

When people discover that even light drinkers can have an alcohol problem, all the other definitions can get blurry. What differentiates a casual drinker from someone who has a problem? First, let’s look at the common habits of a casual drinker.

• You only drink on occasion
• When you drink, it’s usually with friends or with a meal
• You drink responsibly (i.e., you don’t get drunk)

When people have an alcohol problem, their drinking habits change. For example, they frequently drink alcohol, and when they drink, they almost always go over their limit. They make poor choices when they drink and usually regret it afterward.

Now that you know the difference between casual drinking and problematic drinking, let’s look at the difference between these and alcoholism.

As you may have guessed, having an alcohol problem and being an alcoholic are two different things. In general, people who have alcohol problems can quit drinking excessively on their own. They may benefit from one of the treatment programs we offer at More Life Recovery Center in South Plains, but often, they can take control of the problem themselves before it gets out of control. We recommend applying the following steps:

• List all the reasons why you need to cut back or quit drinking
• Create a goal to drink below the recommended guidelines for your age and gender
• Keep track of your drinking
• Only drink socially

People who have an alcohol problem do not have a dependence on alcohol or a compulsion to drink, such as people who struggle with alcoholism. People who struggle with alcoholism are fully aware of the negative effects alcohol has on their lives, but they are unable to quit. People who struggle with this disease may experience some or all of the following signs of alcoholism:

• Drinking alone or hiding when they drink
• Developing alcohol cravings
• Experiencing a lack of interest in activities that once excited them
• Continuing to drink despite physical, emotional, and economical problems
• Inability to quit drinking

In many cases, they will also experience withdrawal symptoms when they go without drinking for extended periods. Symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Restlessness

If this describes you or someone you love, we recommend reaching out to a professional at More Life Recovery Center. We integrate multiple approaches to helping clients fight the disease of addiction. We offer individualized substance abuse and mental health treatment services in a safe, comfortable environment.

Contact More Life Recovery Center

There is a difference between casual drinking, problematic drinking, and alcoholism. Understanding where you stand is integral in receiving the necessary treatment. If you are experiencing the signs of alcoholism, contact our drug and alcohol treatment center. We are available 24/7 at 1 (888) 825-8689.

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