Most people have enjoyed an occasional drink, whether it’s a beer at a ball game, a glass of wine while dining out, or a champagne toast at a wedding or other special occasion. But for some people, having a drink or two is more than just an occasional thing. Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of substance abuse, and millions of people and their families are affected by excess drinking.
There are a number of factors that determine whether or not a person is at risk for developing a drinking problem. Some of these include:
• Genetics. Many experts believe that alcoholism can in part be explained by genetics. A family history of alcoholism can be a result of learned behaviors as well as a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction.
• Mental health. People with mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or others may be at a higher risk. Often times, people turn to alcohol to help them cope with their depression or illness.
These is no definitive answer regarding diagnosis of alcoholism. As a general rule, however, many health professionals will agree that if a person’s drinking is causing problems in their relationships, jobs or school life, or their ability to function in society, they have an alcohol abuse problem.
Some of the warning signs of alcoholism include:
• Feeling guilty about your drinking or lying to others about going to bars or the frequency with which you drink.
• Feeling out of control when you drink, like you can’t stop at one drink
• Turn to drinking to help cope with stress, depression, or other problems in life
• Friends and family members express concern with your drinking
• You miss work, school, or shirk other responsibilities because of your drinking
Recognizing there is a problem with alcohol abuse is the first step to getting it under control. Fortunately, there are many programs and treatment centers available for alcohol addiction.
