What Are the Signs of Alcoholism? Am I an Alcoholic?

There are many sources that will provide an alcoholism definition, but when it comes to answering the question, “am I an alcoholic”, the diagnosis can be a little more challenging. If you have difficulty with binge drinking, the inability to stop drinking once you have started, have suffered from alcohol poisoning, or experience other signs of alcoholism, you might be an alcoholic. Alcoholics Anonymous is never quick to pronounce anyone an alcoholic, but a quick self-appraisal using the following questions may help you to decide on your own:

1. Have I ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
2. Do I wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do?
3. Have I ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
4. Have I ever needed to have a drink in the morning or upon awakening to get my day started, or to stop shaking?
5. I am envious of people who can drink without getting into trouble?
6. Have I had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
7. Has my drinking caused trouble at home?
8. Do I ever try to get “extra” drinks at a party or other special event?
9. Do I tell myself I can stop drinking any time I want to, but keep getting drunk when I don’t mean to?
10. Have I missed days of work or school because of drinking?
11. Do I ever have “blackouts” from drinking too much?
12. Do I feel that my life would be better if I did not drink?

If you answered “YES” to 4 or more of the questions asked, you may have a drinking problem. The Tri-County Intergroup can help with recovery from alcoholism in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Morrisville & surrounding areas.

Where Can I Get Help & Learn How to Stop Drinking in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Wake Forest & Surrounding Areas?

If you have taken a look at your drinking and the answer to the question “am I an alcoholic” is yes, there is help available. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. A.A. meetings are specifically designed to help individuals learn how to stop drinking. The Tri-County Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous can assist by helping you find literature and locate AA meetings in Wake, Warren & Franklin counties that can help you overcome your drinking problem. If you need immediate assistance, please contact our helpline number 24 hours a day.

What Should I Expect at an AA Meeting in Raleigh & Beyond?

There are many misconceptions about what Alcoholics Anonymous in Raleigh NC and across the world does and does not do. A.A. does not promote religion or offer religious services or retreats, make medical or psychological diagnoses or prognoses, solicit members, keep attendance records or case histories, follow up on or try to control its members, provide nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, or any medical or psychiatric treatment, provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money, or any other welfare or social services, join “councils” of social agencies, provide domestic or vocational counseling, or provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, or employers, etc.

Various different types of meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are available in Raleigh and nearby areas of the Triangle including women’s meetings, men’s meetings, LGBTQ+ meetings, young people’s meetings, meetings for atheists and agnostics, beginner’s meetings, and more. Closed Meetings are limited to those with a desire to stop drinking while Open meetings can be attended by friends, family, and others in the community whether they are trying to learn how to stop drinking or not. Whatever type of meeting you decide to attend, A.A. is there to assist ANYONE with a drinking problem who is looking for a solution on how to quit drinking. The AA program, set forth in the Twelve Steps, offers alcoholics in Raleigh and surrounding locations a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.