According to research gathered by the Florida Institute of Technology, “alcohol is the most widely used drug in America.” And while not everyone abuses alcohol, it likely affects at least one person in your life. Quite simply, it needs to be faced—approximately 80,000 Americans dies of alcohol abuse each year. How can you tell if you or someone you know has an alcohol problem? Here is a list of signs*:
*Note: While this is not a complete list of possible signs of alcohol abuse, it is fairly comprehensive and provides a great starting point if you are trying to pinpoint potential symptoms of alcohol abuse in your own life or that of a loved one. Its purpose is to give you an idea of what possible signs of alcohol addiction are. For a more thorough analysis of possible alcohol abuse symptoms, you should seek care from a medical professional.
It is important to set goals. If you want to stop drinking or reduce your amount that you’d like to drink is something you need to analyze. These are important questions you need to answer before you can take practical steps to realize your goals.
Admitting you have a problem is a huge step, and an important one, as this is the first step to recovery. So what can you do next? What specific action steps can you take to help with your alcohol addiction?
One of the first steps that you can take to limit your alcohol consumption is finding a new hobby. If you’ve committed yourself to quitting, there will be a lot of time spent on contemplating alcohol deprivation. In order to counteract this, you should take up an old hobby, such as running, playing tennis, or basketball. Alternatively, you can use this as an opportunity to start a hobby that you would like to take up—this is the perfect time to do so.
It is important to stay strong. Alcohol is everywhere; you will likely be exposed to social gatherings where drinking is present. Even if you take steps to avoid these situations, sometimes you can’t avoid them. Try to avoid gathering where heavy drinking may take place and instead do something productive.
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, seek professional treatment. There is only so much you can do on your own; if you find it difficult to stop drinking; it’s time to ask for help. There are accredited individuals who are qualified to deal with your situation. These professionals have dealt with many other cases like yours and who can help you to become sober.
