{"id":3992,"date":"2022-12-27T04:20:54","date_gmt":"2022-12-27T04:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/?p=3992"},"modified":"2023-01-13T14:58:48","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T14:58:48","slug":"do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Have a Drinking Problem? A Template for Identifying Alcohol Dependency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It&#8217;s almost universally agreed upon that an alcohol dependency can have negative impacts on your life. However, what is less agreed upon is what actually constitutes an alcohol dependency or drinking problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think you might have an alcohol dependency, you may benefit from having a template that you can work through to establish whether you might have a drinking problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important step to solving an alcohol dependency is identifying it. So, follow along with The Alcohol Coach to learn more about how alcohol dependency is identified and what the next steps should be for anybody that is working through alcohol dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6635fccaa46ef\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6635fccaa46ef\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Definition_of_Alcohol_Dependence\" title=\"Definition of Alcohol Dependence\">Definition of Alcohol Dependence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Overview_of_Warning_Signs_Symptoms_of_Alcohol_Dependency_or_Alcohol_Abuse\" title=\"Overview of Warning Signs &amp; Symptoms of Alcohol Dependency or Alcohol Abuse\">Overview of Warning Signs &amp; Symptoms of Alcohol Dependency or Alcohol Abuse<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Physiological_Signs\" title=\"Physiological Signs\">Physiological Signs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Psychological_Signs\" title=\"Psychological Signs\">Psychological Signs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Social_Signs\" title=\"Social Signs\">Social Signs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Diagnostic_Criteria_for_Alcohol_Dependency\" title=\"Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Dependency\">Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Dependency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Other_Criteria_Used_by_Medical_Professionals\" title=\"Other Criteria Used by Medical Professionals\">Other Criteria Used by Medical Professionals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Questions_to_Ask_Yourself_to_Help_Determine_if_you_Have_an_Alcohol_Dependency\" title=\"Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Determine if you Have an Alcohol Dependency\">Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Determine if you Have an Alcohol Dependency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#FAQs_About_Alcohol_Dependency\" title=\"FAQs About Alcohol Dependency\">FAQs About Alcohol Dependency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Reserve_Your_Masterclass_Place\" title=\"Reserve Your Masterclass Place\">Reserve Your Masterclass Place<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Solving_Alcohol_Dependency_Through_Positivity_Motivation_Self-Empowerment\" title=\"Solving Alcohol Dependency Through Positivity, Motivation, &amp; Self-Empowerment\">Solving Alcohol Dependency Through Positivity, Motivation, &amp; Self-Empowerment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/do-i-have-a-drinking-problem-a-template-for-identifying-alcohol-dependency\/#Lets_Recap\" title=\"Let&#8217;s Recap\">Let&#8217;s Recap<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definition_of_Alcohol_Dependence\"><\/span>Definition of Alcohol Dependence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing the definition of alcohol dependency is not the same as knowing how to determine whether you have it, but it&#8217;s a start. Knowing how the broader community defines alcohol dependency could be helpful in giving you the tools you need to overcome alcohol dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overview_of_Warning_Signs_Symptoms_of_Alcohol_Dependency_or_Alcohol_Abuse\"><\/span>Overview of Warning Signs &amp; Symptoms of Alcohol Dependency or Alcohol Abuse<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know a bit more about how alcohol dependency is typically defined by experts and the community, let&#8217;s talk about what some of the warning signs and symptoms are of someone that has alcohol dependency. Knowing these can help you to identify alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder faster and thus, treat it with your chosen method sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this section, we are going to take a look at what some of the common warning signs are and what category they fit into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physiological_Signs\"><\/span>Physiological Signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Increasing tolerance to alcohol, resulting in needing more and more to get the same effect<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating and nausea when not drinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased need for alcohol, drinking more or for a longer period of time than you intended<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychological_Signs\"><\/span>Psychological Signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that previously provided pleasure &amp; gratification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worsening depression or anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change in sleeping habits<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_Signs\"><\/span>Social Signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Experiencing relational conflict as a result of the need to drink alcohol and conventional &#8220;alcohol addiction&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pursuing activities with others who drink excessively and making bad drinking habits or binge drinking your sole recreational activity<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diagnostic_Criteria_for_Alcohol_Dependency\"><\/span>Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Dependency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Separate from the actual symptoms and side effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism that you might feel if you have a dependency on alcohol is the diagnostic criteria from the APA. This will give you some medical insight into what healthcare professionals are looking for when they evaluate someone for alcohol dependency or a problem with alcohol use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diagnostic criteria according to the American Psychiatric Association&#8217;s DSM-5:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Increase in the amount of alcohol consumed over time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty controlling drinking once started (having a problem drinking too much)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or abstain from drinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining and using alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ongoing use despite negative physical &amp; psychological consequences<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Criteria_Used_by_Medical_Professionals\"><\/span>Other Criteria Used by Medical Professionals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The APA is not the only institution that has guidelines for evaluating individuals for alcohol dependency. Here are some guidelines that are used by other health professionals around the glove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Engaging in risky behaviors while intoxicated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiencing health problems related to drinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neglecting responsibilities at work, home or school due to excessive alcohol intake<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Questions_to_Ask_Yourself_to_Help_Determine_if_you_Have_an_Alcohol_Dependency\"><\/span>Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Determine if you Have an Alcohol Dependency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, it may be useful to have a bit of a conversation with yourself to determine if you have an alcohol dependency. This requires asking yourself questions that may be difficult to answer honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Do you find yourself drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever tried to reduce or stop drinking and been unsuccessful?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Has anyone expressed concern over how much or often you drink?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few questions that could help you determine if you have an alcohol dependency. If you answer yes to any of these, or if you feel like alcohol is taking over your life, it is important that you seek help from a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_About_Alcohol_Dependency\"><\/span>FAQs About Alcohol Dependency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcohol-dependence-drinking-problem-secondary-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3994\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcohol-dependence-drinking-problem-secondary-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcohol-dependence-drinking-problem-secondary-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcohol-dependence-drinking-problem-secondary-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcohol-dependence-drinking-problem-secondary-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcohol-dependence-drinking-problem-secondary.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is considered alcohol dependency?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alcohol dependency is defined as having a physical or psychological need for alcohol and an inability to control its use. It is considered a severe form of alcohol abuse and can lead to many physical and mental health complications. Being able to &#8216;control&#8217; it sometimes when you really, really try isn&#8217;t a get out clause here. Ultimately, if you are reading this, it is highly likely that you have a problem with alcohol and however that is labelled, it needs fixing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are there any treatments available for people with alcohol dependency?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, there are several treatments available for people with alcohol dependency. These include medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Depending on the individual\u2019s situation, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are there any warning signs of alcohol dependency?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, some of the common warning signs of alcohol dependency include increasing tolerance to alcohol, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, increased need for alcohol and drinking more than intended. Other warning signs include changes in sleeping habits, neglecting responsibilities due to excessive drinking, engaging in risky behaviors while intoxicated, and experiencing health problems related to drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background:radial-gradient(rgb(30,179,212) 5%,rgb(18,63,78) 100%)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\" id=\"reserve-your-masterclass-place-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reserve_Your_Masterclass_Place\"><\/span>Reserve Your Masterclass Place<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-small-font-size\">3 Steps To Get Your Power Back &amp; Solve Alcohol Problems<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 has-custom-font-size is-style-fill jeffbutton\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/masterclass\/\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#bc7f34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reserve<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is there any way to prevent alcohol dependency?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, the most effective way to prevent alcohol dependency is to avoid drinking altogether. However, if you do decide to drink, it is important to be aware of your limits and not exceed them. Additionally, it is important to seek help if you start having difficulty controlling your drinking or experience any of the warning signs of alcohol dependency mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solving_Alcohol_Dependency_Through_Positivity_Motivation_Self-Empowerment\"><\/span>Solving Alcohol Dependency Through Positivity, Motivation, &amp; Self-Empowerment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel that, after going through the evaluation criteria, you certainly have an alcohol dependency, then it is definitely in your best interest to work with The Alcohol Coach to solve your alcohol dependency. The Alcohol Coach works with individuals to solve alcohol dependency gradually through a tested and proven program that focuses on positivity and empowerment instead of labels and shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this way, individuals that go through the program are able to enjoy a higher degree of success than other programs due to their increased willingness to continue with the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lets_Recap\"><\/span>Let&#8217;s Recap<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alcohol dependency is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on an individual\u2019s life. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and warning signs so that you can seek help if necessary. There are several treatments available, including medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Additionally, The Alcohol Coach works with individuals to solve alcohol dependency gradually through a tested and proven program. With the right help, it is possible to solve alcohol dependency and take back control of your life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have a drinking problem? Examine our steps for identifying a drinking problem. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3993,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3992"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3992"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4111,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3992\/revisions\/4111"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}