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Overview
For millions of alcoholics, just taking the first step to fix the problem can be daunting. They wonder where to go, who they can talk to, if they are really an alcoholic. One thing you should do if you're concerned about the amount you drink is to find the signs of alcoholism. The following will help you identify the signs and get help so you can improve your quality of life.
Alcoholics Screening Test
AlcoholScreening.org has a free, online test they give to determine if you have an excessive drinking problem. Following are some of the signs you should watch out for.
1. Once you start drinking you are not able to stop.
2. You fail to do what is normally expected of you because of alcohol.
3. You need a drink in the morning to get started.
4. You're unable to remember what happened the night before.
5. You've hurt yourself or someone else as a result of your drinking.
Types of Alcohol Treatment
If you believe you're an alcoholic and want help, there are various types of alcohol treatment programs. One type is in-patient alcohol treatment. If you've had an excessive drinking problem for years and have already tried other programs without success, this could be the way to go. Another option is out-patient treatment. This type of treatment can be helpful for someone who has a less severe alcohol problem. It can also be a helpful transition for someone who has just left an in-patient program. A Christian-based alcohol program can also be considered by those who want to draw help from their faith.
Alcoholics Anonymous
One of the best-known Christian-based alcohol treatment programs is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA.org). According to AA's literature, the only requirement to join is the desire to stop drinking. It has an estimated membership of 1.25 million people in the United States alone and over 50,000 branches. AA functions on the principles of the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly known as the Twelve Step Program. Most of its members conduct themselves using these 12 principles.
Non-Twelve Step Programs
If Alcoholics Anonymous is not for you, there are other programs that could work. The American Council on Alcoholism has compiled a list of alternative, non-Twelve Step programs to help people who want to treat alcoholism. Its website, ACA-USA.org, supplies a list and guide to finding these other programs.
Get Help
If you're reading this article and find yourself concerned about your alcohol consumption, take the alcohol screening test to see if you are an alcoholic. If you believe you are an alcoholic, get help. There are plenty of programs out there and one of them will be right for you. Do something before you end up hurting yourself or someone you love. Alcoholism is nothing to be ashamed of. According to the Alcoholics Anonymous Fact File, one in 13 people have a drinking problem, so you are not alone.
