Let’s face it, “getting off your face drunk and high is healthy,” said no one ever.  Okay, maybe it’s been said, but likely not taken seriously. There’s nothing wrong with occasional drinking or drug use when it’s done recreationally, but how do you decide if you’re starting to cross the line? Like, how can you determine if you’re going overboard and causing irreparable damage around you and, more importantly, how do you know if you personally have a drinking or using problem?

While there is no tried and true way to legitimately identify anyone as an alcoholic or an addict because the answer isn’t black nor white, there are some telltale signs. 

Here are a handful of common alcoholism symptoms to look out for:

• You experience frequent temporary blackouts and short-term memory loss when you’re drinking
• You choose drinking over other important obligations 
• You try and hide your drinking from friends and loved ones
• You frequently find yourself drinking alone
• Your friends and family members are concerned about how much you drink
• Your interpersonal relationships are suffering as a direct result of your drinking
• You often drink more than you intended
• You frequently get into trouble with the law because of your drinking (e.g., DUIs, drunk in public, etc.)
• You are always hungover unless you’re drinking

And here are some common drug addict symptoms:

• You feel like you need to use drugs regularly. Maybe it’s become a daily habit, and perhaps you feel the urge to use several times per day.
• Drug use consumes your thoughts to the point where you can’t concentrate on anything aside from your next high or your next fix
• You’re spending money on drugs when you can’t really afford it 
• Over time, you begin to need more and more of the drug to feel its effects
• You’re beginning to do things for drugs or while you’re on drugs that are completely out of character for you (e.g., stealing, cheating on a spouse, acting violently, etc.)
• You neglect your responsibilities in favor of getting high
• You’re beginning to experience struggles in your relationships as a result of your drug use
• Your friends and family are worried about your drug use 
• You continue to use drugs despite adverse consequences in relation to things like work, romantic relationships, and your health

It probably goes without saying that prolonged excessive drinking and drug use can have many damaging consequences on your health and in your personal life. The best way to avoid the damage is, of course, not to drink or use drugs in the first place. Another option is to just slow down if you’re experiencing negative consequences. Hey, no problem, right? We all know, however, that this is much easier said than done, particularly for addicts or alcoholics. 

If you have a drug or alcohol problem (or both), the first step toward getting better is to recognize this. You also must actually want to change. If you do, indeed, recognize that you have a problem and you’re ready to make some positive changes, but you can’t seem to give up on your own, know that there is help out there. Addiction and alcoholism are global epidemics that affect millions of people every year, and many of those people choose to get help at some point in their lives with successful results. Help can come in the form of a good rehab with a reputable long-term recovery plan, drug and alcohol counseling, or 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. 

At the end of the day, you’re the only one who can identify whether or not you truly are an alcoholic or an addict and decide whether or not you’re ready to get help. Know, however, that you’re not alone and that there is a better way out there. 

Kembali Recovery Center can Help

If you or someone you know and love is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, please get in touch with us. Our counselors are available to answer your questions and concerns. We’re gearing up for 2021 with safety protocols and will be welcoming back clients as soon as Bali re-opens.