It’s okay to have a drink or two a few times a week, some say. Others believe that drinking daily is not a problem. The key question to ask here is, when does social drinking become alcoholism? For those who are at risk of an alcohol use disorder, there is no number of drinks that can make it okay.
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When Is Alcoholism a Concern?
For those who are facing DUIs, missing work, and finding it hard to get through the day without drinking a bottle of liquor, it is clear that an alcohol addiction rehab center in Northern IL, like our program is the right first step. For other people, though, this is not always an easy decision.
There is a fine line between social drinking and alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, many people don’t know they’ve crossed it. So, when does social drinking become alcoholism? Here are a few typical signs you may see or experience yourself:
- Are you drinking so much that you are forgetting portions of your day?
- Do you drink with friends to drink or because you want to spend time with friends?
- How much do you drink? Social drinking is only safe when it is minimal. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, occurs when a person consumes four or more drinks in a single day or over the course of a week, more than 14 for men. For women, those numbers are three a day or seven a week.
- Do you use alcohol as a way to manage frustrations, stress, and anxiety?
- Do you binge drink, which indicates you are drinking a significant amount of alcohol in one sitting, that puts you at risk of becoming drunk?
If you answered yes to these questions, you are at risk for alcohol substance abuse. Social drinking doesn’t take up your time or mind space during the course of the day. You would have no problem not drinking in these situations. If you’re drinking because you feel you have to, that’s different.
Alcoholism and Withdrawal
One key way to know when does social drinking become alcoholism is to consider instances in which you do not drink. Consider a time when you went out for dinner with friends and didn’t drink. Did you feel the pang of wanting to drink? Do you look at the alcohol menu numerous times? Do you spend more time thinking about the drink or your friends?
Now, consider a day when you are not with your friends. Do you crave alcohol? Do you find yourself needing a shot after a long day, every day? If so, this could also indicate a substance use disorder.
Getting Help for Alcoholism Is Critical
No matter when it becomes alcoholism, if alcohol is impacting your quality of life, relationships, and physical health, it’s time to get help for it. Through a men’s addiction treatment center or a women’s addiction treatment center, you can learn more about the options to help you. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we also offer a DUI rehab program that may help you to get back on track.
Choose from partial hospitalization for serious addictions or our outpatient treatment services for those who are able to continue to work and remain alcohol-free. The key to remember here is that sobriety is an option for most men and women who are no longer just socially drinking.
Are You Facing Alcohol Use Disorder? Get the Help You Need Today
Alcoholism is not something you can easily control, but you can get help for it. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center in Crystal Lake, Illinois, we offer the treatment options you need to move beyond your addiction and to get back to a healthy lifestyle. If you’re asking, “when does social drinking become alcoholism,” you probably need help today.
If you or your loved one could be at risk for alcoholism, contact our team at 855.786.1978 for immediate help and guidance.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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