Why Do I Drink So Much Alcohol?

Do you often take alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or are there unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use?

Do you spend a great deal of your time in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects?

Do you crave or have a strong desire or urge to use alcohol?

Does the recurrent alcohol use result in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home?

Do you continuously use alcohol despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol?

Do you give up on or reduce important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use?

Do you recurrently use alcohol in situations in which it is physically hazardous?

Do you continue to use alcohol despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or do you experience a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol?

Do you experience withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (when alcohol use has been heavy and prolonged and is then stopped or greatly reduced, with symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, and anxiety) or do you take alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a serious problem related to drinking alcohol. Your reasons to drink may be related to social activities, or because you really enjoy alcoholic drinks. Reasons for people to drink may also be related to relieve stress, peer pressure, or to lose inhibitions. Drinking in moderation is usually safe, but heavy and chronic alcohol use can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical health.

While it is unlikely that you have alcohol use disorder, you may be displaying a sign related to it. If your drinking pattern causes problems in your daily life, it may be important to talk with your doctor. Unhealthy alcohol is defined as alcohol use that puts your health at risk. Mild alcohol use disorders exist as well, and because the symptoms can escalate, early detection and treatment is very important. Maybe you don’t feel like you have a problem with drinking, but if people close to you are worried about you and ask you to seek help, please listen to them. They show they care about you and your health and it’s important to take that seriously.

Unfortunately, you are displaying several symptoms typically seen among individuals who have alcohol use disorder. Seeking medical attention is crucial. Drinking too much alcohol can damage your general health. It can have an impact on the vital centers of your brain. When your doctor suspects you have a problem with alcohol, he may find it necessary to refer you to a mental health professional. Treatment may include a brief intervention, individual or group sessions, and in worse cases an outpatient program or a residential inpatient stay. You may find it useful to participate in support groups, such as Alcohol Anonymous and Women for Sobriety. Your doctor can suggest a support group near you.