While all teen drinking is problematic, discerning between mere experimentation and the onset of a significant issue can be challenging. If you find yourself questioning, “Am I an alcoholic?” it may indicate that alcohol is beginning to adversely affect various aspects of your life. To evaluate whether you might be facing a problem, take the time to delve deeper into understanding the signs and symptoms associated with alcoholism. It’s possible that alcohol addiction treatment will be necessary. Call us today at 877.466.0620 to learn more.
Signs of Alcoholism
Many people don’t know what to look for when it comes to alcoholism. Others merely haven’t thought about it. However, it’s pretty easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. If you’re asking yourself, “am I an alcoholic,” look for the following in your life:
Regular Cravings for Alcohol
If you frequently find your thoughts consumed by a desire for alcohol, it may indicate a dependency on the substance. Whether this dependency manifests as a physical need or a psychological craving, it serves as a warning sign that you may be progressing towards an addiction. It’s crucial to recognize such patterns early on to address and overcome this potential challenge effectively.
Increase in Risky Behaviors
Alcohol use can lower inhibitions, leading to a state where individuals might find themselves more open to engaging in activities they would typically consider risky or unsafe. These behaviors, often emerging due to the influence of alcohol, can serve as warning signs that one’s alcohol consumption may be escalating beyond a manageable level.
Strained Relationships with Friends and Family
Maybe you’ve found yourself gradually drifting away from your old friend group, feeling more drawn to the camaraderie of new acquaintances in social drinking settings. Alternatively, it’s conceivable that your family recently discovered your drinking behavior, leading to heightened conflict and unease within your household.
If the consequences of your alcohol consumption are seeping into your personal connections and affecting the dynamics of your relationships, it could be a pertinent moment to reflect on and reassess these emerging patterns of behavior.
Abandoning Hobbies and Extracurriculars
Often, when teenagers begin to increase their alcohol consumption, they may gradually neglect their involvement in sports and other extracurricular activities. If socializing with friends over drinks starts overshadowing their once cherished passions and hobbies, it might be beneficial to pause and reflect on the underlying reasons driving this shift.
Days Wasted to Hangovers
If you find yourself spending all day on Saturday and Sunday in bed, recovering from the night before, it could indicate an issue. Consistently drinking to the point of making yourself ill is a behavior that can have detrimental effects on your health and well-being. It’s crucial to be mindful of how alcohol consumption impacts your overall quality of life and seek support if needed.
Am I an Alcoholic?
If you find yourself pondering the question, “am I struggling with alcoholism?” and realize the answer is yes, know that a trusted adult will be there to guide you toward the assistance you require. Whether it’s seeking support from a parent, teacher, guidance counselor, or another influential figure, reaching out for help is a courageous and wise decision that can positively impact your journey towards recovery.
Alcoholism Treatment at Destinations for Teens
Destinations for Teens is renowned for its compassionate, holistic approach to alcoholism treatment. In fact, this treatment can meet the unique challenges faced by adolescents. With a team of dedicated professionals and a serene environment conducive to healing, it stands as a beacon of hope for teens and their families on the journey to recovery.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program to help teens get their lives back. We provide a wide range of treatment programs, including the following:
- Substance abuse treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- Anxiety treatment program
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
If you’re asking yourself, “am I an alcoholic,” we can help. Give Destinations for Teens a call today at 877-466-0620.