7 Subtle Signs That You’ve Got a Problem with Alcohol

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. As the month comes to a close, we want to remind our readers that there are signs, often discounted, that a person may have a drinking problem. Problem drinkers generally show several signs together and that is where their friends and families should be concerned:

1. You Vow to Quit Drinking but Don’t

Many people who drink alcohol have found themselves in an difficult or embarrassing situation at some point. if you have the same experience over and over and cannot seem to break the pattern, this is a problem.

2. You’re Chronically Late

For some people, being late is just their normal way of life. Watch to see if this is a departure from the norm or if it is increasing.

3. Your Social Life Revolves Around Drinking

Comments like “Let’s meet in the bar before dinner” or “Let’s start the evening with drinks at my place” or “No alcohol? What fun is that?” could signal a problem.

4. You Hold Liquor Better than in the Past

Developing a certain tolerance to alcohol can increase alcohol consumption.

5. You End Up in Risky Situations

Drunk driving can be considered the biggest and most widespread risky behavior while drinking. Other situations may include injuries resulting in trips to the ER, unsafe sex, showing poor judgment and even job loss, financial ruin, criminal acts or prison time.

6. You Have Personality Changes

Have friends mentioned how different your personality is when you are drinking? Look for extreme shifts in personality.

7. You Experience Memory Loss While Drinking

You may find someone fishing for information the day after drinking or saying something like: “Did I do anything embarrassing last night?” To be clear: a person is not conscious when they pass out, but they are conscious when they blackout. They can continue to party and not have any memory of it the next day.

There are a number of treatment options that can lead to recovery.

At our luxurious, private center, you can dive into your questions about your alcohol intake, discuss the roots of your drinking or learn how your mental health can affect your drinking habits. You’re more than a patient to us; you are a person who chose to make Cliffside Malibu a part of your recovery family. Call (855) 403-5641 to schedule an appointment.