The year is 2020. I’m pretty sure liquor stores have made out like a bandit post-pandemic due to the thousands of Americans turning to alcohol as a primary coping skill through this time. But at what point does “fun”, “casual” drinking become a problem that is negatively impacting your life? This can also go for the casual drug use, too. We’re not here to judge.
The following questions are based off of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM); a fancy name for the big book of what it takes to be diagnosed with something.
We’re not here to throw labels around, and we are by no means looking for you to diagnose yourself. But, if you feel like you answer “yes” to most of these questions, maybe it’s time to reflect on your drinking/drug use, and if it is truly aligning with what you want to do and who you want to be.
For the sake of continuity, we’re going to use alcohol in the questions below. But feel free to substitute whichever substance of choice you’d like to reflect on;
- Do you often drink alcohol in larger amounts or for a longer time than you initially intended?
- Have you tried to cut down or reduce your alcohol intake, but find it is unsuccessful?
- Do you spend a great deal of time engaging in activities surrounding alcohol; obtaining it, using it, and then recovering from it?
- Do you find you have strong cravings to use alcohol?
- Is your alcohol use interfering with your social activities or your job?
- Are you giving up other important things or activities in order to engage in activities involving alcohol?
- Is your alcohol use causing problems or discussions in your romantic relationship?
- Are you drinking in hazardous situations? (IE, drinking and driving, drinking on the job, etc.)
- Are you continuing to use alcohol, despite knowing physical or psychological problems caused by it? (IE, liver problems, sleeping problems, depression, etc.)
- Do you have an increased tolerance for alcohol? (IE, you used to be able to drink a 6-pack per day, and now you drink a 12-pack and feel quite similar)
- Do you experience withdrawal the days or times that you are not drinking? (shakes, nausea, headache, etc.)
Are you feeling like you or maybe a close friend or family member fall into far too many ‘yes’ answers from above? Help is out there. Alcohol and other drugs do not have to take over your life and prevent you from getting everything you deserve in this life.
You can always contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. Or you can seek a therapist or substance use clinic that specializes in this area.
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