Does Drinking Alcohol Every Night Mean I am a Alcoholic?
Drinking alcohol every night may indicate a problem, especially if your consumption increases over time and you feel unable to go a night without drinking. If drinking is causing distress or impairing your relationships, work, or health, it’s time to consider seeking help.
Professional treatment can help you develop a healthier relationship with alcohol and get the support you need to recover. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you feel that alcohol use is starting to take a toll on your life.
Many people struggle with the adverse effects of alcohol and find themselves longing for help. That’s where Zinnia Health comes in. Our helpline, one of the hotlines for alcohol abuse, is available 24/7 to support you on your journey to recovery. Call us today at (855) 430-9439 and start your journey toward healing.
How Many Drinks a Night is Considered an Alcoholic?
There is no set number that determines whether someone is an alcoholic. Alcohol use disorder ranges from mild to severe, and factors such as age, gender, and genetic makeup can influence how your body metabolizes alcohol.
It’s important to pay attention to how much you drink each night and track any changes in your consumption over time. If you think you may be developing a drinking problem, speak to a counselor or therapist. They can help you understand your relationship with alcohol and provide the guidance needed to change it.
The Difference Between Moderate Drinking and Binge Drinking
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) classifies moderate drinking as up to two drinks for men and one drink for women daily.
Binge drinking is defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as the consumption of five (or more) beverages within a 2-hour period for men and four or more drinks in the same time frame for women at least one day each month.
It’s important to understand that there are different levels of moderation depending on age, gender, body weight, and other factors.
Pregnant women should not drink at all. The National Council on Aging states that those over 65 should limit themselves to no more than seven drinks per week, regardless of gender.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a single standard drink consists of 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits such as vodka or whiskey.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
NIAAA notes that millions of Americans suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic condition marked by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol and its damaging effects on physical and mental health. AUD is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to drink, despite the negative consequences it can have on one’s health and life.
However, AUD is not just about drinking too much. It’s also about how alcohol affects your body and mind.
Do You Have to Have Withdrawal Symptoms to Be an Alcoholic?
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, people who have a physical alcohol dependency may experience withdrawal effects when they suddenly cease drinking, including:
- Tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Queasiness
- Vomiting
- Migraines
- Unease
Those with psychological dependence may crave alcohol even if they don’t need it physiologically anymore. This type of dependency can be harder to break because there isn’t necessarily any physical symptom that needs treatment as there would be with physical dependence.
Problem drinking can be a slippery slope. While enjoying a beer or a glass of wine can be a social activity or a way to unwind after a long day, drinking can quickly become a problem. If you find that alcohol is negatively affecting your life, Zinnia Health can provide addiction treatment. Give us a call at (855) 430-9439 to take the first step towards a healthier, happier life.
What Are the Effects of Drinking Too Much Alcohol?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that heavy drinking can lead to a host of medical issues, such as:
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Poor nutrition
- Psychosis
Heavy drinking may lead to fatal accidental injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls.
Long-term drinkers also increase their risk for certain types of cancers, including mouth and breast cancer.
Heavy drinkers often suffer from depression due to their inability to control their consumption. Consuming large amounts of alcohol often leads to financial difficulties, as people may put buying alcohol before purchasing essential items such as food and clothing. This can easily lead to debt accumulation, which could result in legal repercussions if left unresolved.
Plus, heavy drinking may interfere with important events or gatherings with family and friends, potentially leading to heated arguments that linger for years without resolution.
As a consequence of this behavior, these individuals may be seen in a negative light by those around them, causing feelings of isolation.
Overall, excessive consumption on a regular basis puts individuals at risk of experiencing various physical, mental and social health issues that could be damaging both in the short term and long term.
How Do You Know if You Are an Alcoholic?
NIAAA states that signs of an AUD include:
- Cravings for alcohol
- Guilt after drinking
- Difficulty controlling consumption once started
- Needing more to get drunk than usual
- Avoiding social activities to focus on drinking
- Memory loss while inebriated
- Disregarding responsibilities due to drinking or hangovers
If any of these warning signs seem familiar, it is essential to get professional assistance immediately before the situation worsens and leads to serious physical and mental repercussions. Contact a medical professional or mental health specialist promptly so that you can initiate your healing process today.
Seeking Professional Help
It’s not easy to admit that you need help with alcohol addiction. Admitting you have an alcohol addiction is tough, but getting professional assistance can be the key to reclaiming your life and beginning recovery.
1. Detox
To begin a treatment plan, detoxification is often necessary. This entails ceasing alcohol consumption and giving the body time to rid itself of toxins. Medical staff will monitor your development throughout the detox procedure and supply medicine if needed.
Detoxing from alcohol can take several days up to two weeks, depending on how severe the addiction was before starting treatment.
2. Therapy
After detox, patients move on to therapy sessions with counselors or therapists who specialize in helping people overcome their addictions. These sessions focus on addressing underlying issues, such as depression or anxiety, which may have contributed to developing an addiction.
This study published in the National Library of Medicine notes that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for people suffering from substance use disorders as it helps patients recognize patterns of behavior that could lead them back into addiction again.
It also equips them with strategies for dealing with cravings when they arise outside of rehab.
CBT is just one example of the therapies available to those struggling with an alcohol addiction. Other therapy techniques that may be used include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, group counseling and others.
Alternative treatments for AUD can also prove helpful in recovery. Examples of these treatments could include yoga, meditation, art and music therapy or other holistic approaches such as acupuncture or massage.
3. Treatment Goals
The goal of any treatment is to help the patient find a long-lasting solution for alcohol addiction, so that they can start living their life in recovery and experiencing greater joy and fulfillment every day. With professional assistance, people can overcome AUD and take back control of their lives.
Many people struggle with alcohol addiction, and it can be challenging to break free from its grip. Fortunately, Zinnia Health is here to help. Our helpline is available 24/7, so you can reach out to us whenever you need assistance. Call us today at (855) 430-9439 to get started on the path to recovery.