While it’s tough to recognize alcoholism in others, it may be even tougher to identify it within yourself. Before you can begin the necessary alcohol rehab treatment in Springfield, OR, you need to answer the question, “Am I an alcoholic?” Only when you determine the answer will you be ready to get the help you need for addiction.
Is it Difficult to Abstain from Alcohol?
If you find it challenging to say no to another drink, then you might be able to answer yes to this question. Many alcoholics find that they drink every day. On the days that they don’t drink, they find their normal routine to be a struggle.
Is Your Tolerance for Alcohol on the Rise?
You may be an alcoholic if you notice an increased tolerance for alcohol. This means that while three or four drinks may have been enough a few months or years ago, you now tend to drink five or six in order to feel the same effects. Alcohol tolerance rises for alcoholics, and this can be a clear indication that something in your life needs to change.
There are many types of alcohol tolerances, including functional, acute, and learned. Studies on tolerance show a genetic factor leading to the rise of alcohol dependency and alcoholism. Whatever your case may be, increased consumption of alcohol contributes to serious health consequences.
Do You Arrange Your Life to Accommodate Alcohol Consumption?
As you ask yourself, “Am I an alcoholic?”, be sure to think not just about the amount or frequency of drinking. Also question the importance you place on procuring and then consuming your next drink.
Someone without a drinking problem might say yes to a glass of wine at the end of the day. An alcoholic, however, might speed through a work meeting and then veer straight to the nearest bar for a drink. People who only socialize in settings with alcohol may also be hesitant to admit that it’s the alcohol, not the friends, that they look forward to seeing on a regular basis.
Have You Ever Struggled With Withdrawal or Cravings?
Another way to determine whether or not you’re an alcoholic is by identifying withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Cravings are strong, psychological and physical feelings that highlight your body’s dependence on alcohol.
Withdrawal from alcohol might take place as few as eight hours after your last drink. It can manifest itself through migraines, nausea, temperature regulation issues and a general feeling of being unwell. These withdrawal symptoms only go away with the next drink, making them a clear sign of alcoholism.
Do You Ever Feel Guilt or Shame as a Result of Drinking?
Many alcoholics feel a profound sense of shame or guilt as a result of their drinking. This may be more likely if individuals put off their careers, their partners or their families in order to accommodate their drinking. While this can be unpleasant, keep in mind that addiction treatment programs in Portland can help resolve these issues and these feelings.
Am I An Alcoholic? Help at Crestview Recovery
If you’re an alcoholic, or you struggle with alcohol abuse, treatment is a necessity. At Crestview Recovery in Oregon and Washington, you can access the right tools and resources needed for sobriety. The Eugene alcohol addiction treatment center and other Oregon rehab centers offer a variety of programs including:
- Men’s and women’s alcohol rehab in Eugene
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) in OR
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family, group, and individual counseling
- Trauma therapy in WA
To start living the life you deserve, call 866.262.0531 today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
