10 Signs You May Have a Drinking Problem

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One of the biggest indicators that you may have a drinking problem is that you’ve already taken the step to search for articles with titles like this one on the internet. It can be a scary idea to face, but that’s the first step toward getting the help you need. The following ten signs are common indicators of a drinking problem. Individuals with a drinking problem don’t always experience all of these signs, but they often experience a few that become noticeable when drinking starts to play an unhealthy role in everyday life.

Signs of A Drinking Problem

  1. You think about drinking A LOT. You may have a drinking problem if alcohol is frequently on your mind, or if you plan your day around having time to drink.
  2. You hide your drinking. Having a healthy view of alcohol doesn’t require one to hide one’s drinking habits. If you feel like you need to cover up your drinking, that’s a sign of a problem.
  3. You drink whenever you face intense emotions. You don’t have a healthy relationship with alcohol when it is your main coping mechanism when you face stress, anger, or sadness.
  4. You frequently drink alone. Drinking alone is a telltale sign that you are self-conscious about the amount you’re drinking and feel more comfortable doing so alone, without fear of judgement.
  5. Binge drinking. This is generally defined as drinking excessively all at once, or more specifically, more than five drinks in less than two hours.
  6. Guilt. If you feel guilt associated with drinking alcohol, this may indicate that you aren’t approaching it in a healthy, moderate way.
  7. Are you always exhausted? You may have a drinking problem if your constant drinking is interfering with your sleep quality and you are fatigued all the time.
  8. Trust those around you. A sign of a drinking problem is if a friend, family member, or spouse confronts you about it being a problem.
  9. You set rules and boundaries for drinking, but you frequently break them. This is a sign you are losing control of your ability to drink moderately.
  10. You can never have just one drink. Once you start drinking, is it difficult to stop? This is a sign that you are not approaching alcohol with a healthy moderation.

Get Help!

Do any of these signs apply to you? If so, and if you feel like you’re spiraling more and more out of control when it comes to alcohol, don’t be afraid to get the help you need. Reaching out for help will help you own up to the fact that there IS a problem and allow you to take the first steps toward a sober life.

Consider A Sober Living Environment

If you are struggling to stay clean and sober, a sober living environment may be right for you. The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation offers men’s sober living residences in the beautiful coastal region of Charleston, SC.

Contact us today. We would love to talk to you about how we can help.