Am I an Alcoholic?

Are you finding yourself asking “Am I an alcoholic”? Is your answer is yes, than you most likely have already answered your own question. While doctors and researchers do define alcoholism quite clearly as a disorder that affects normal everyday living, the only factor you yourself need to consider when trying to answer the question is this one: are you drinking more than you would like? If you again have answered “YES” then there are steps that can be taken to ameliorate the situation.

In the first place, your problem is not something you are facing a lone. In fact, over 75% of Canadians drink alcohol, and a large number in this group might answer the above questions in a similar manner to you. Despite what many people think, alcohol can have real addictive properties that can affect our bodies physically, even beyond the obvious drunken effect we get when consuming the beverage.

So if you have decided based on the above questions and other research and professional opinion that you are an alcoholic, the most important thing to do is to seek out the help of a doctor or professional organization such as Alcoholics Anonymous. For most people, this association will utilize a simple 12-step program to help you get back on track and away from the stigma of being an alcoholic. The system offered by this group is one of the most biggest anti-drinking campaigns out there, and you can get more information at their website. Just as their website states, “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions”. It’s that simple – all you need to do is WANT to stop, and you will have people there to help you through the tough times ahead.

As you probably already know, the internet is full of resources and ideas to help you with your alcoholism. Because for some people 12 steps does not work wen it is too serious. They will need a longer term alcohol treatment in Canada. If you have answered the question “Am I an alcoholic?” in the affirmative or even really considered the question, it is highly recommended that you seek out either a doctor’s help or a professional organization. But, if you decide to make the change by yourself, remember friends and family will likely be more than happy to help you change your life, so be patient with them and let them help you through your transition.

Deciding whether or not you an alcoholic is really only the tip of the iceberg as far as quitting drinking is concerned. If you have wondered if the amount of alcohol you consume is too much, then it probably is and you should either cut back right away or find someone to help you cut back. With so many resources at hand, all that is required is for you to make the decision.

 ^{References:
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000126
http://www.aa.org}