How do I know if I am an alcoholic?

Alcoholism is an addiction. Having cravings and the inability to stop once you start are signs you have an addiction. I think you know you have a problem or you wouldn't be asking here. Get some help regardless of what your husband says. Alcoholism isn't necessarily defined bywhen, how much, or how often you drink. Many alcoholics hold down a full time job and for all outward appearances don't show they have a drinking problem. They don't binge 24/7 or necessarily drink every day. My father was like that as was his brother and my cousin. Like you, they had cravings and once they started drinking they couldn't stop. --------------------------------------… Signs and symptoms Before treatment or recovery, most people with alcoholism deny that they have a drinking problem. Other indications of alcoholism and alcohol abuse include: * Drinking alone or in secret * Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink * Not remembering conversations or commitments, sometimes referred to as "blacking out" * Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned * Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure * Feeling a need or compulsion to drink * Irritability when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available * Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car * Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal" * Having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances * Building a tolerance to alcohol so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel alcohol's effects * Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — if you don't drink People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms as people who are dependent on alcohol. However, alcohol abusers don't feel the same compulsion to drink and usually don't experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they don't drink. A dependence on alcohol also creates a tolerance to alcohol and the inability to control your drinking. If you've ever wondered if your own alcohol consumption crosses the line of abuse or dependence, ask yourself these questions: * Do you need a drink as soon as you get up? * Do you feel guilty about your drinking? * Do you think you need to cut back on your alcohol consumption? * Are you annoyed when other people comment on or criticize your drinking habits? If you answered yes to two or more questions, it's likely that you have a problem with alcohol. Even one yes answer may indicate a problem.

It sounds to me like you are definitely alcoholic. I did weekend drinking for most of my life and a few years ago I just stopped. I just got tired of all that goes with it and stopped. It wasn't hard for me, but I know it's hard for most people to stop. You simply have to come to the realization that it doesn't help or solve anything and you will have a much better life without drink. I know I do. I'm glad I stopped and hope you will, too.

Talk to a proffesional psychologist, they will give you their opinion and advice.

I think that if you can't go a single day without a lot of alcohol, then you are an alcoholic. Don't let you husband tell you that you can't go to a meeting. If you want to talk with someone, then call a hotline and find a meeting near you.

u dont have to drink first thing in the morning or drink 24/7 to be an alcoholic. I think you already know you have a problem by asking this question. Go and see your doctor, he'll either give/change your medication and maybe refer you for councilling. I think you need to talk about the rape. All the best

some people just know..if you have a drink and cant stop...theres a signal

If you're that worried just stop...if you have a hard time stopping you are an alcoholic.

It doesn't matter that your cravings for alcohol is defined as alcoholism. Reading between the lines, it's clear to me that you believe you have a problem -- the first step, but not the only step to solving the problem. You need a resolution to your problem. The starting point should be your doctor.

If you can stop for 3 weeks without one drink you are not an alcoholic. If you can't then you are.