How Do I Know if I’m an Alcoholic? Warning Signs and Treatment Options

You’ve just gotten a promotion at work, and to celebrate, you and your coworkers go to the local bar’s happy hour. You get home and continue drinking by yourself and find yourself wondering if your drinking has gone beyond just a social, casual experience and breached into the area of being problematic.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has specific characteristics and warning signs that you can be aware of to help determine if your drinking is becoming a problem.

In this article, we will go over seven of the key behaviors that help identify alcohol use disorder and treatment options you, or a loved one, have as someone with AUD.

Table of Contents

• What Would Be Considered Alcoholism?
• Am I an Alcoholic? 7 Warning Signs
• Other Physical and Behavioral Symptoms That May Point To Being an Alcoholic
• Why It’s Important To Recognize the Signs of Alcoholism
• Am I Becoming an Alcoholic? What To Do if You Identify the Warning Signs in Yourself or a Loved One
• Start Your Journey of Addiction Recovery With Treatment and Support From Dove Recovery

Generally, alcoholism, alcohol addiction, and alcohol use disorder are terms used to describe alcohol dependency. Alcohol dependency is characterized by a physiological dependence on alcohol, an inability to control one’s drinking, and negative effects on one’s physical and/or social well-being. 

There is a stigma surrounding labeling someone as an “alcoholic” or an “addict.” This societal stigma may prevent someone from seeking the treatment they need. The term “alcohol use disorder” is the preferred terminology used to encompass the conditions of alcoholism and alcohol addiction. By identifying that someone has alcohol use disorder, we acknowledge that they have a problem/illness and that they are not the problem.

With many medical disorders, there are varying degrees to which a person may be affected. Alcohol use disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. It is also worth noting that alcohol use disorder is classified as a physiological brain disorder —the brain is physically affected by consistent alcohol misuse that may lead to relapse. 

The good news is that even though there are physiological changes that occur due to alcohol use disorder, treatment is possible even in severe cases. Dove Recovery is a comprehensive treatment facility in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to the rehabilitation of alcohol use disorder patients.

In a culture where drinking alcohol seems to be normalized, how do I tell if I am an alcoholic? There are seven warning signs to be aware of.

#1: Losing Control of Alcoholic Use

In the United States, the standard measurement for one (1) alcoholic beverage is any drink containing 0.6 fluid ounces/14 grams of pure alcohol. The size of the beverage will vary based on drink type. 

Typically, this will look like one of the following:

• 12-ounce can of beer
• 5-ounce glass of table wine
• 3-4 ounce glass of fortified wine
• 8-ounce can of flavored malt beverage or hard seltzer
• 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits such as vodka or rum
• 2.5-ounce glass of a cordial or liqueur

For males, consuming alcohol in moderation is limited to two drinks or less per day, and for females, it is one drink or less per day. It is worth noting that these numbers are for each day where drinking takes place and should not be based on an average over several days of drinking. 

Exceeding the recommended one to two drinks per day may be an indication that someone is losing control of the amount of alcohol they consume. This loss of control is a common warning sign of someone who may have alcohol use disorder.

#2: Using Alcohol Despite Knowing the Negative Consequences

Consuming alcohol, especially at high levels, can have significant physiological consequences.

Physically, people with alcohol use disorder are at risk for a variety of complications as a result of their alcohol consumption. Some of the bodily systems affected by alcohol consumption are the:

• Brain: Communication pathways may be harmed, resulting in a variety of neurological and psychological issues.
• Heart: Heart muscle and tissue may be destroyed, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Liver: Inflammation and fatty deposits can lead to cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fibrosis.
• Pancreas: Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) results from the production of toxic substances in the pancreas and may be caused by alcohol. 

Alcohol is also a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and is linked to a variety of different cancers.

People who suffer from alcohol use disorder may find themselves continuing to drink persistently and in excess despite recognizing the consequences of their alcohol consumption. Also, many AUD patients may already be experiencing the symptoms of prolonged alcohol use but, because of their addiction, may not be able to limit or stop their drinking even though they can already notice the effect it is having on them.

#3: Craving Alcohol

Cravings are defined as “a strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance” and are not solely limited to intense episodes. 

The concept of “craving” substances as they relate to substance use disorders has been examined closely in the last couple of decades. Cravings have always been part of substance addiction, but being able to quantify levels of cravings on a psychological and neurobiological level to use them in diagnosing substance use disorders has recently advanced.

Research into the cause of cravings is still being conducted. There are several main reasons why clinicians believe cravings occur. As studies and technology advance, it is likely possible for researchers to identify the source of cravings specifically. 

Most agree that those with alcohol use disorder have an overwhelming urge to drink because of one of two primary reasons: 

• The desire for positive effects: confidence, euphoria, numbness
• The avoidance of negative effects: withdrawals

There are other factors, such as loss of control of alcohol consumption and a preoccupation or hyper-fixation of the act of drinking, that contribute to cravings as well.

Craving alcohol for some, can be uncomfortable and cause significant distress to a person. Cravings can vary in severity and length. For some, the feelings associated with cravings can become severe enough that it affects daily life. 

#4: Increasing Tolerance

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) are two of the primary sources of criteria for diagnosing disorders. Both of these cite an increased tolerance as an indicator of alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol tolerance refers to a diminished effect of alcohol by repeated exposure. A person may notice their tolerance increasing when they consume the same amount of alcohol as usual but no longer experience the effects with the same level of intensity.

Unfortunately, since the effects are no longer as strong as desired, a person with alcohol use disorder may increase the amounts they consume in order to achieve the desired feelings from alcohol.

#5: Overlooking Responsibilities

When it comes to your daily responsibilities — going to work, maintaining your home, and putting effort into your social circle —  are you finding that alcohol is taking priority? Alcohol use disorder can affect your success and productivity in your daily life by causing you to overlook your responsibilities. 

Conversely, there is a common misconception that just because someone goes to work every day or is successful in certain areas of their life, then they don’t have an addiction, or their addiction is not problematic enough to seek treatment. 

Often referred to as a “high-functioning alcoholic,” someone who still manages to get up and go to work each day after frequent alcohol consumption may still be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Just because someone does not fit the stereotype does not mean they do not need treatment.

#6: Drinking First Thing in the Morning

Feeling the need to have a drink first in the morning can be a result of other symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Some may drink because they wake up with cravings for their beverage of choice. Some people have lost control over their drinking altogether and have a drink because they cannot control when and how much they drink. Some drink to avoid physical withdrawals.

Whatever the reason may be, drinking first thing in the morning is an indication that someone may be experiencing alcohol use disorder, especially if morning drinking is present with another sign of alcohol misuse. 

#7: Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone who consistently drinks high levels of alcohol then suddenly stops or dramatically decreases their alcohol consumption in a short period of time may experience any number of withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms happen because the neuroreceptors in a person’s brain have been decreased as a direct result of alcohol misuse. When a person suddenly stops drinking, these neuroreceptors are no longer inhibited and cause hyperexcitability in the brain.

The presence and severity of symptoms may differ by individual based on numerous factors such as:

• Age
• Gender
• Amount of alcohol consumed daily
• Pre-existing conditions

Withdrawal syndrome is diagnosed by a significant decrease or cessation of alcohol consumption after prolonged alcohol use and the presence of two or more physical symptoms (not otherwise attributed to another disorder) within a few hours or up to a few days after the cessation of alcohol.

Some of the common signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome are:

• High pulse rate
• Profuse sweating
• Hand tremors
• Insomnia
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Hallucinations (auditory, visual, tactile)
• Anxiety
• Grand mal seizures

If you or a loved one are seeking to treat your alcohol use disorder and wish to stop drinking, it is essential to consult with a trained medical professional to assess the severity of your addiction before stopping any substance without monitoring. Some withdrawal symptoms may resolve on their own within 48–72 hours. However, some, if not controlled, can lead to permanent severe complications or even death.

Alcohol addiction is one of the hardest addictions to quit. Dove Recovery can help ensure that your treatment and recovery occur in a controlled, safe manner. One of the ways this is done is by a carefully monitored cessation of alcohol to control the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

The DSM-5 standards for diagnosing alcohol use disorder encompass the seven warning signs discussed. However, the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder can present themselves in other ways.

Some additional signs and symptoms of excessive alcohol use are:

• Strain in romantic relationships
• No longer going out or putting effort into your social life
• Financial problems due to increased spending on alcohol
• Engaging in high-risk or dangerous behaviors
• Being involved in violent crimes either as the perpetrator or victim
• Declining work performance
• Becoming secretive about behaviors associated with drinking
• Increased anxiety and feelings of guilt or shame

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder is a crucial part of the treatment process. Knowledge is power that comes from being aware of the signs of AUD. Detecting the symptoms early can help lead to intervention and establishing a treatment plan. When it comes to substance use disorders, the sooner you can get treatment, the better. 

One of the common ways people with AUD seek treatment is through facilities dedicated to treating addictions. Dove Recovery is an alcohol rehab in Columbus, Ohio, that specializes in treating alcohol addiction with a team of supportive and seasoned professionals dedicated to the patient’s care and success.

If you or a loved one find yourself relating to any of the warning signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder, deciding to get help is the first step towards recovery. 

If you are concerned about a loved one and their alcohol consumption, find a time to discuss your concerns with them when you are both in a clear state of mind. Trying to find a calm moment may be difficult with someone who misuses alcohol, but this may be easier to do earlier in the day before they have consumed large amounts of alcohol. 

Also, be prepared for pushback. Your loved one’s reaction may be one of defensiveness or denial. Remaining consistent and goal-focused may help guide the conversation towards treatment. It is also recommended to find help through a professional who is trained in supporting families of those with alcohol use disorder.

If you have decided to seek treatment for yourself, know you have many options in care. There are 24-hour hotlines you can call, contact your primary care physician, or reach out to a loved one.

Treatment centers that offer care for substance use disorders may be an excellent place to start your recovery journey. 

Treatment centers such as Dove Recovery offer comprehensive care services including:

• Ambulatory detox and withdrawal management
• Outpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization treatment
• Counseling services
• Family therapy and support 

Alcohol use disorder can have detrimental effects on the patient but also greatly affects their loved ones and those around them. While AUD is a severe condition, it can be treated. Those who have a history of misuse of alcohol can go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives in recovery.

Dove Recovery in Columbus, Ohio, is ready to support your journey in treating AUD. The Dove Recovery team is comprised of trained staff members who prioritize their clients' recovery by finding the best way to support each individual’s path to recovery.

If you or a loved one are in need of alcohol use disorder treatment, reach out to us today to get help.