13 Signs of Alcohol Addiction: Insights from a Former "Alcoholic"

I secretly struggled with alcohol addiction for almost 10 years until I discovered the Sinclair Method (TSM) and began using naltrexone. This treatment was truly life-changing and allowed me to regain control over alcohol and fully heal from my alcohol dependence. 

Now, I want to share some insights to help others recognize the signs of alcohol addiction – and let you know you're not stuck where you are. There are effective, evidence-based treatments like TSM that can help you to reduce or stop drinking alcohol – privately from the comfort of home. 

Here are 13 signs that might indicate a potential issue with alcohol:

1. Difficulty Taking Breaks from Drinking If you find it challenging to take breaks from drinking, whether for a day, a week, or longer, it might be a sign of addiction. Constant thoughts about drinking and a strong desire to consume alcohol during these breaks are red flags.
2. Dishonesty About Alcohol Consumption Being dishonest with yourself or others about how much you drink is a common sign. This can include not tracking your drinks, buying large quantities of alcohol to avoid counting, and sneaking drinks behind others' backs.
3. Negative Impact on Daily Life Alcohol consumption starts to negatively affect your life. This could manifest as frequent hangovers, low energy levels, and not following through on commitments because you don't feel well from drinking.
4. Hangovers on a Regular Basis When hangovers become a regular part of your life and you develop specific routines to cope with them, it indicates a deeper problem. Managing daily responsibilities while hungover can be a sign of dependency.
5. Drinking More Than Others Noticing that you drink more than those around you at social events is a significant sign. Feeling anxious about whether there will be enough alcohol available can also indicate addiction.
6. Preference for Alcohol at Social Functions Preferring to attend social gatherings where alcohol is present and avoiding events where drinking is limited or absent can be a sign of addiction. A strong desire for alcohol at every social function points to dependency.
7. Lack of Peace Around Alcohol Constantly thinking about drinking, planning your alcohol consumption, and worrying about running out of alcohol shows a lack of peace and control over drinking habits.
8. Questioning Your Relationship with Alcohol Frequently wondering if you're drinking too much or questioning your relationship with alcohol is a sign of potential addiction. Those with a healthy relationship with alcohol rarely question their drinking habits.
9. Struggling to Control Drinking Having difficulty stopping after a few drinks and constantly trying but failing to moderate alcohol consumption are strong indicators of addiction. Feeling like yourself only when drinking also suggests dependency.
10. Developing Rituals for Hangover Recovery Creating specific rituals and routines for recovering from hangovers is a sign of dependency. This indicates that hangovers are frequent enough to necessitate planned recovery methods.
11. Anxiety About Alcohol Availability Feeling anxious about whether there will be enough alcohol available at social gatherings can be a sign of addiction. This anxiety often stems from a fear of running out of alcohol and not being able to consume as much as desired.
12. Craving Alcohol and Romanticizing Drinking Experiencing cravings for alcohol and often thinking about drinking, such as romanticizing the idea of an evening drink, suggests a psychological dependence on alcohol.
13. Failing to Control or Moderate Drinking Repeatedly trying to control or moderate drinking but finding it difficult despite strong willpower and numerous attempts. This indicates a loss of control over alcohol consumption.

These were all signs I noticed in hindsight while healing from my alcohol use disorder through naltrexone and the Sinclair Method. I hope this helps you recognize if you see yourself in one or more of these signs and encourages you to have hope. Abstinence-only methods are not the only treatment option for problem drinkers. Science-based methods like naltrexone and the Sinclair Method have existed for decades and have helped many people reduce their drinking or stop altogether. The great thing is, you can become empowered over alcohol and choose the goals that are right for you. 🙌

Cheers,

Katie