5 Signs I Knew I Had a Drinking Problem

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.

To learn more about my personal experience with this treatment, click here.

Now, I want to share some insights to help others recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder – 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 5 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. I often found myself making excuses to drink, even when I had planned to take a break.

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. I frequently minimized how much I was drinking when talking to friends and family, and I often drank in secret to avoid judgment.

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. I noticed that my productivity at work and my relationships suffered because I often felt too unwell to fully engage.

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. I found myself with hangovers more often than not, and I developed elaborate recovery routines to get through the day.

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. I often drank much more than my friends and felt a constant need to ensure there was always enough alcohol available.

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. 🙌

Learn more about the Sinclair Method here.

Cheers,

Katie