How do I know if I am an alcoholic?

Question

I am a 24 year old female who will go out and drink with her friends but drink to the point where I don't know what is going on. I often want to find myself at the bottom of a bottle or two and sometimes do (although I have cut back a lot). I still want to drink all the time but I resist most of the time but I do go out with my friends and have fun. I just need to know if there is a way to know if you are an alcoholic or not. And does heredity have any affect on it? Any answers would be greatly appreciated!!! THANKS!!!!

Answer 1

Don't drink for a few days.  If you get the shakes, fever and nauseous.  It could be signs of dependency.  But you are young.  Alto of people your age are in college.  And havent got the "party" out of their system.  

Answer 2

heredity can mean that you're more likely to become an alcoholic.

generally, addiction means that you pursue your drug despite serious consequences. it seems like you're questioning your drinking of your own accord, which is a good step--try and get yourself some help before you find yourself in a really bad place.

Answer 3

1 - Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

2 - Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking-- stop telling you what to do?

3 - Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?

4 - Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?

5 - Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

6 - Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?

7 - Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

8 - Do you ever try to get "extra" drinks at a party because you do not get enough?

9 - Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?

10 - Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?

11 - Do you have "blackouts"?

12 - Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

If you can answer yes to 4 or more of these questions, then you may be an alcoholic.  Heredity does play a part (we learn behaviors as children) but you are the one in control of your life.  Just from what you wrote, it sounds like you have a problem.  Help isn't hard to find for alcoholism - just look up your local AA chapter.  It's easier than you think to beat an addiction.

Answer 4

You can make an appointment with an out-patient treatment or assessment center and they will give you a question and answer test. It is imperative that you are honest or you will have wasted your time and money.

From what you have said here, it sounds as if you probably are. People who are not alcoholic, usually don't question the possibility because it isn't an issue. Heredity plays a majore role in the disease manifesting.

Having fun with one's friends usually requires a sharp memory of events and going into the dead zone  (black out)isn't a strong argument for "fun" aside from the fact black outs is a true symptom of alcoholism.

I hope you will give this as much consideration as you would any health problem symptoms. Catching it early can help you avoid major heartbreak, behavioral changes and humiliation on down the road. Treatment isn't always the answer either. Catching yourself early, you may simply become sober through AA which is an incredible program that many of us use. I have for 22 years and staying sober. I have never regreted sobriety.

Answer 5

Alcoholism is not hereditary, but the environment you grew up in can influence your behaviour.

Some tips:

Try to do activities that don't involve drinking. Movies, sports games, bowling, mini putt, etc. Anything to reduce the temptation.

When you do drink, try alternating. For every alcoholic drink you have, have something like water, soda, juice, or a virgin cocktail. This will give your body more time to absorb and process the alcohol that you've already drank, which will give you a better idea of your limits.

Alcoholics Anonymous has some indicators of problem drinking in the link below.

Answer 6

Maybe u shud talk to your doctor and follow there advice

Answer 7

go to to a counseller

Answer 8

heredity only has an effect on how fast you get drunk (generally only a slight effect anyways) and at this point it doesnt make a difference because you already know how many beers it takes to get there. your an alcoholic if your to the point where your denying that your drinking too much or that it is having any effect. i personally dont think your an alcoholic because you choose when. an alcoholic just drinks all the time just to drink. its part of their life, not just a fun night out.  

Answer 9

well if you drink and get wasted every night than yes

Answer 10

Drinking a lot can be a sign of alcoholism.

Addiction is not fun. When it gets to the point that drinking is in no way fun for you anymore, but something you need. Then you are an alcoholic.

Otherwise, have some crazy nights every once and a while. Try to cut back. You can have fun when your buzzed too. The nights you can remember are usually the better ones!