Is Daily Drinking a Sign of Alcoholism?

Nowadays, you have probably come across one or two articles concerning the “health benefits” of a small glass of alcohol every evening. While doctors have proven that a little glass of wine and a shot of liquor or spirits can, in fact, prevent heart problems and dementia down the road, you probably still have reservations about consuming booze. For the people who have always been consuming a glass of alcohol on a daily basis for years, though, this situation can become a little unnerving. Is daily drinking a sign of alcoholism? Let’s take a closer look and find out.

Unwinding with Booze

According to a report in Men’s Health, Dr. George Koob explains that having one alcoholic drink every night is not necessarily a red flag for alcoholism or any type of signal for rough waters ahead. Ultimately, medical science has not fully determined the risk factors surrounding a daily drink of booze. Nevertheless, Koob mentions several limitations to this nightly drink:

• Only consume a standard drink (14 g of pure alcohol, which correlates to 12 fl oz of beer, 5 fl oz glass of wine, and 1.5 fl oz of hard liquor)
• Do not exceed 14 drinks in one week

Dependence vs. Addiction

On that note, how can you tell if you are suffering from alcoholism or dependence/chemical attachment? Dr. Koob explains how feeling anxious or irritated after forgetting a nightly drink is not a sign of addiction. Remember that dependence and addiction are co-occurring but are not the same condition. In fact, people can technically become “dependent” on nearly any activity.

As an example, Koob demonstrates how people can become dependent on a routine dinner at 7:00 p.m. each night or eating popcorn during a Friday night movie at home, and will be irritated if they are late for this routine.

Nevertheless, you should understand that alcohol is much different than popcorn. You can easily get addicted to this substance, even if you have established a nightly routine.

Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism  

Alcohol withdrawal can easily be one of the most frightening aspects of healing. During the course of the recovery process, you will suffer from minor to severe symptoms that may include night sweats, hallucinations, fevers, anxiety, and sadness, but always remember that you can find the strength to overcome these problems. However, you must always seek medical attention when you have decided to cut ties with alcohol, as the withdrawal process can be notoriously dangerous. Never attempt to do this without the supervision of a trained specialist.

If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.

If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.