Drinking in moderation in our society is socially acceptable. Go to a sporting event and you will see major beer companies as sports teams corporate sponsors and their commercials are all over television. Most cities have several clubs or bars in them that serve alcohol. It’s a pretty common outlet for Americans while out having a good time. However, social drinking is quickly turning into an alcohol addiction for some people. For every thirteen people, one will suffer from some form of alcohol dependency, which is about seven percent of the population and more than 90,000 people die yearly in the states from alcohol related deaths.

How to Know if You Have Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is not a clearly defined disease. It can affect anyone, of any age really, from teenager to elderly. It doesn’t target one race more than another. Because of these things, diagnosing alcohol addiction is not always easy, however, there are several indicators that a problem may be occurring. The first red flag is that alcohol begins to take over your life. That can be as simple as too many missed days at work or buying alcohol is different stores so people can’t see how much you buy.  This could also include worrying about whether you have enough alcohol at home for a weekend or an evening. When at social events, people with alcohol addiction usually switch drinks thru the night, to try and avoid drinking too much or using one drink to get drunk. People with the addiction even go as far as sneaking drinks when no one is watching.

Problems Associated with Alcohol Addiction

A gambit of problems can occur with alcohol addiction. Relationships begin to suffer because the substance becomes more important. Cases of domestic violence are reported more often. Those are some of the most common problems that occur. People with alcohol addiction have the biggest problem of not being able to stop drinking once they start. Other times, they do try and quit, but it only ends up lasting a few days. Guilt accompanies drinking, ordinary household chores start getting neglected, blackouts from drinking too much happen and often, someone else ends up getting hurt.

Alcohol addition is becoming a very destructive and serious epidemic in the United States. Most people who have the addiction do not even realize that they have it. Relationships and careers begin to suffer and suddenly, alcohol takes over one’s life. If you recognize these symptoms in any close friend or family member, please talk to them about getting help. There are many help options out there so social drinking doesn’t end up becoming an alcohol addiction.

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