The acceptance of drinking is widespread. However, this is a perfect example of unhealthy behavior that looks as if it is perfectly normal. Due to the social acceptance of drinking, it can be difficult to recognize an alcohol addiction is happening. However, if you're suffering from alcohol addiction, you’re not alone. There are signs of addiction that you can recognize when the drink starts to take you. Noticing these signs helps you determine whether your drinking is turning into addiction or if you’re at an unhealthy risk level.
Millions of individuals across the world experience some level of problematic drinking, but a drinking addiction is not something that happens overnight. When you initially start drinking, you may find yourself having a drink or two here and there. However, when the consumption gets out of control, the risk of addiction or a substance use disorder intensifies.
The first step towards recognizing that the drink is taking you is knowing the signs and symptoms of the stages of addiction. If you notice a pattern between your behavior that mimics those signs and symptoms, it might be time to reach out to someone that can help you before the dependence turns into an addiction.
Drinking begins with the stage of general experimentation. The experimentation may occur with friends and family members or in social outings. General experimentation usually starts with the first drink you have or where you first learned it was accepted behavior.
Typically, the experimental stage is found in young adults who attend parties or social events. However, experimentation can happen at any time throughout life. It usually presents itself in a social outing where alcohol is a primary activity. Occasional drinking can lead to the second stage, known as tolerance.
Once you pass the initial stage of experimenting, you may be more inclined to move past the occasional drink. It may even become a staple in your life. The frequency of drinking starts to increase to a point where it happens more than once or twice a week.
When you increase your drinking, you build tolerance. You may start drinking for various reasons, using it as an excuse to get out of the house, alleviate stress, eliminate boredom, or combat emotional difficulties. There is a major difference between a moderate drinker and a regular alcohol user.
A moderate drinker will have a drink every so often or with a good meal, while a regular alcohol drinker will do so with much more frequency. This is the point where that person becomes more susceptible to developing an addiction. Once you pass the tolerance level, or your drinking starts increasing, you progress into the next stage.
Excessive drinking can lead to uncontrolled drinking problems. When someone drinks excessively, it becomes a habit-forming activity in daily life. This is when the drink fully starts to take you.
During this stage, you drink more frequently, for reasons such as relationship issues, changing friends, or social discomfort. Your drinking may even become something it is hard to live without. This stage brings many difficulties and problems. You may notice you are in this stage if any of the following signs exist:
If you notice any other signs mentioned above, the drink may have already taken you, and you may find yourself dependent on alcohol. Dependence starts forming during the excessive drinking stage, where drinking has become a regular habit.
You may understand you have the signs and symptoms, but you no longer can control your consumption. You may even feel that you no longer want to drink for only small social outings or with the occasional meal, but rather for physical and psychological needs. If you're at a point in time where alcohol seems to be a priority in your life, it may be time to go to get treatment for your alcohol addiction.
When drinking starts to impact you physically and emotionally, you may be unable to control your impulse to drink. Your dependence on alcohol may even become an addiction. Individuals who experience alcohol addiction may drink however and whenever they desire. However, there’s hope. NorthStar Transitions can help you recognize and understand addiction, both with drinking and other substances. We understand the different stages of drinking and the physical, emotional, and physiological tolls that they have on your body. We know the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder and how to help you recognize them in your own life. NorthStar Transitions can teach you how to prevent drinking from taking over your entire life. If you or someone you love thinks that the drink is starting to take you, or you're at an increased risk for alcohol addiction, then reach out to our compassionate team now to get help at (303) 558-6400.
