Alcoholism takes on many forms, so not everyone fits the typical stereotypes of an alcoholic. That leads many people to wonder, “Am I an alcoholic?” This question is common if a few drinks lead to many more than you can remember. In this guide, Atlanta Detox Center is helping you answer that question by outlining the signs of alcoholism and providing you with alcohol addiction treatment program options.

Alcohol Abuse versus Casual Drinking

If someone has a few drinks now and then, they might wonder if they are an alcoholic. However, if you do not develop an addiction or dependence on alcohol, then chances are that having a few drinks with friends or wine with dinner is not harmful. If you have a pattern of drinking excessively and ignore the negative consequences of your drinking, then this could signal a problem.

Statistics About Alcohol Use Disorder

Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuses and Alcoholism reveals that, during 2018, approximately 14.4 million Americans over the age of 18 had alcohol use disorder (AUD). Those statistics further indicate that 7.9% of those individuals received treatment during the previous year. We also learned that, during that same year, around 401,000 youths between the ages of 12 and 17 also suffered from AUD. Out of those youths, nearly 5.0% of them received treatment during the previous year.

Signs of an Alcoholic

It does not matter if you or a loved one is struggling with the use of alcohol. Knowing the signs of alcoholism are extremely helpful regarding getting treatment. These signs include the following:

  • Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from alcohol’s effects
  • Using alcohol is secret or drinking alone
  • Having strong cravings for alcohol
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
  • Inability to reduce alcohol intake despite wanting to do so
  • Putting alcohol use ahead of responsibilities
  • Driving or operating machinery while under the influence of alcohol

If you are suffering from any of these signs, you may want to look into an alcohol detox center in GA to help you overcome addiction.

Understanding Safe Levels of Drinking

For those who are wondering if you might be an alcoholic, you also might be wondering if there are safe levels of drinking. We learn about safe levels of alcohol consumption from Dietary Guidelines for Americans: 2015-2020 issued by the Office of Disease Control and Prevention. Those guidelines teach us that if a person drinks alcohol, it should be done in moderation. Moderate levels include one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men.

A standard drink is defined as one that has approximately 0.6 ounces (14 grams) of alcohol. This alcohol content breaks down into the following examples:

  • Beer: 12 ounces has 5% alcohol content
  • Malt liquor: 8 ounces has 7% alcohol content
  • Shots of 80% liquor or spirits: 1.5 ounces has 40% alcohol content
  • Wine: 5 ounces has 12% alcohol content

The Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

If you believe you have an issue with alcohol, one of the best ways of knowing for sure is if you are exhibiting signs of withdrawal. If you are trying to stop using alcohol, you might experience some or all of these withdrawal symptoms:

  • Depression
  • Difficulty with concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Nightmares
  • Shakiness or jumpiness

When these withdrawal symptoms appear depends on the individual, as well as their alcohol consumption. For example, they could show up within a few hours of abstaining, or within a few days. You might also find that the symptoms progressively worsen as the days pass.

How Atlanta Detox Center Can Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, you should not be experiencing these concerns alone. Now is the time to reach out for help and receive answers to the questions you need. Contact 470-450-2355 to learn more about our residential addiction treatment program and how we can help.

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