In this article, I will explain how to recognize the early signs of alcohol dependence and what steps can help you maintain control.
The main difficulty with alcoholism is denial. Most people who are addicted do not consider themselves to have an alcohol use disorder, even though their inadequacy and craving for alcohol are usually clearly visible to those around them. However, it is essential to note that in the earliest stages of the disease, it is still possible to recognize warning signs and assess your condition yourself.
To begin with, it is essential to understand who exactly is at risk.
Risk factors
Alcoholism is insidious because there is no clear line between “normal consumption” and addiction. Moreover, even regularity in itself does not always mean illness: one person may allow themselves a glass of whiskey with dinner and remain normal, while another, with the same rhythm, risks becoming addicted. But the line is skinny.
And heredity plays a significant role here.
“If one of the parents had alcoholism, the risk increases significantly, and if it is the mother, the probability is especially high. Realizing this predisposition, a person should consider themselves at risk and limit their consumption to at least one glass of wine on holidays.”
In addition, personality also influences the likelihood of addiction. Alcohol is often used as a “remedy” for relieving tension and insecurity, but for people with certain traits, this way of coping with stress can be fatal.
"For example, men with pronounced aggression are more likely to become addicted, and women who are prone to anxiety and low self-esteem are more likely than others to try to gain confidence with the help of alcohol, and also become vulnerable. At the same time, aggressive men often deny their tendency to outbursts, just as alcoholics deny their own illness."
When consumption becomes a problem: the main symptom
How can you tell if regular consumption has turned into addiction? A clear indicator of addiction is consumption “despite” rather than for pleasure. This means that a person continues to drink despite the possible serious consequences:
- loss of work,
- morning headaches and tremors,
- severe family conflicts,
- financial difficulties,
- loss of friends and loved ones,
- children suffering from the behavior of a drunk parent.
According to the specialist, addiction develops gradually, but at some point, priorities shift: the opportunity to drink always becomes the primary focus. The person themselves can rarely recognize this turning point, so it is essential to listen to the opinions of loved ones.
Self-assessment: checklist
The narcologist suggests asking yourself a few direct questions:
- Have you ever had to drink in the morning to feel normal?
- Have there been situations when you planned to have one glass but ended up drinking a whole bottle?
- Have you ever broken promises because you were intoxicated?
- Has alcohol led to injuries or put you at risk of injury?
- Do your loved ones talk about your abuse?
Honest, positive answers help identify incipient addiction and prompt you to consider treatment promptly.
Prevention and treatment
Alcoholism is considered a disease that requires professional help. And this is the only way to treat it. The sooner a person seeks help from a narcologist, the higher the chance of returning to an everyday life.”
Prevention involves either completely abstaining from alcohol or exercising strict self-control and knowing when to stop. Meanwhile, engaging in sports, walking, active leisure activities, and traveling can help maintain sobriety.
Most importantly, there are many successful examples of people who managed to stop developing alcoholism in time. Some were able to recognize the situation in time and limit themselves due to their parents' past experiences. In contrast, others were helped by loved ones, and some independently determined a safe limit and stopped before reaching it.
“Everyone has their own path, but the general conclusion remains the same: the sooner the problem is recognized, the more chances there are to deal with it.”
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