Am I an Alcoholic if I Drink Every Day?
It’s a common ritual among adults to indulge in an alcoholic beverage after a long day. For many, this may even be a daily occurrence. If you fall into the latter category and are wondering if having a drink every day makes you an alcoholic, we’re here to help clarify when this habit has gone too far.
If you need a safe space to stay sober, our sober living environment at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation may be right for you. Contact us and learn how we can help.
Drinking in Moderation
Generally, having one or two evening beverages on a daily basis does not indicate alcohol abuse—that is, if you’re pouring your drinks correctly. Many people tend to over pour. For instance, if your usual nightly cocktail contains three or more shots, this would not be considered a single drink, and might be indicative of increased tolerance to alcohol. It is recommended that women should have no more than three drinks in a day, while men should have no more than four drinks per day.
You may be wondering why having a tolerance to alcohol is so bad. After all, you don’t feel intoxicated, so why does it matter?
The fact is, you’re still consuming the same amount of alcohol as another person who feels the effects after a few beverages. Even though you don’t experience a buzz, you’re still exceeding the recommended number of drinks you should have in a day, which may put you at risk.
Levels of Alcohol Abuse
There are three levels of alcohol abuse: mild, moderate, and severe. The number of alcohol abuse symptoms you are experiencing is what defines what category you fall into:
- Mild alcohol abuse is present when you experience two to three symptoms
- Moderate alcohol abuse is present when you experience four to five symptoms
- Severe alcohol abuse is present when you experience six or more symptoms
Some symptoms of alcohol abuse are as follows:
- When your alcohol consumption interferes with your work, schooling, family, and other responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite being aware of its negative effects on your career, relationships, and responsibilities
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving, having unprotected sex, committing crimes, or fighting
- Requiring more and more alcohol to feel the same level of intoxication
- Trying to quit drinking multiple times, but being unable to stop
- Drinking more and longer than you’d planned
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when you stop drinking
If you fall into any of the above alcohol abuse categories, it’s likely time for you to quit drinking.
Consider The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
If done in moderation, you are not necessarily an alcoholic if you drink every day. However, if you fall into any of the above alcohol abuse categories, you should consider seeking professional assistance, especially in severe cases. A sober living environment will allow you to get the help you need in a supportive, understanding community. To learn more, reach out to The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation to discover how we can help.
