A glass of Prosecco among girlfriends. A wet-happy party with Hugo and Gin Tonic. A beer for dinner. A punch at the Christmas market. Alcohol is part of our everyday life. We enjoy it, it's alright. But the transition to alcohol addiction is insidious. As many as 12% of Austrians (one in eight) have problematic alcohol use, which doctors even classify as "alcohol abuse". Another 5% of Austrians are already talking about alcohol addiction. The correct handling of alcohol does not allow for blanket statements. For example, you are not an alcoholic until you need an Achterl when you get up. Even those who only drink in company and treat themselves to a glass of wine only for dinner can be addicted to addiction.
The right way to handle alcohol: How do I know if I'm addicted to addiction?
But how can you tell that you have an alcohol problem? Sometimes you feel it yes, but in the self-denial you usually bring it to the championship … We have therefore summarized the most important warnings of alcohol addiction.
1. There is a family bias in terms of alcohol
Is the tendency to alcohol abuse hereditary? Science has been speculating about this for years. In fact, clinical evidence is increasingly emerging. In addition: Who had to make alcohol abuse in the family or similar traumatic experiences, may have a greater addiction risk. But it can also come to coinage. Anyone who experiences a parent tipping off problems with alcohol may later show a similar pattern.
2. You drink regularly
You are not the first to get alcoholic if you drink almost unconsciously each time. If you drink alcohol at regular intervals, your body and mind will get used to alcohol and addiction will develop. Experts recommend not to drink daily. It should be two to three non-alcoholic days a week – better even more.
3. You institutionalize the "functional drinking"
Alcohol is considered a luxury food. But if you no longer drink the glasses of wine because it tastes good to you, but because it fulfills a function for you, then you should question this critically. Check for yourself if you make one of these statements more often:
- "The glass of wine helps me to come down a bit after the hectic day."
- "I need the gin, so I can sleep better then."
- "I have to pre-heat before a party, otherwise I'm not in the mood …"
4. You are asking for alcohol
Of course you are looking forward to the dinner and the wine. Or the Gin Tonic with her friends, the Amaretto Sour in the bar. That's not unusual. But if you always feel a strong desire for alcohol and notice that your thoughts are always revolving around it, then you should be listening.
5. You develop an alcohol tolerance
Your body gets used to it when you drink alcohol on a regular basis. This is also the reason why a certain number of birth counts in each person has different effects on behavior and well-being. A tolerance development is a symptom that your alcohol consumption is borderline …
6. You have withdrawal symptoms
Also, your body reacts with significant withdrawal symptoms, if you are prone to alcohol abuse. Trembling, sweating, nocturnal cramps or nausea are signs that you should take seriously. Of course, all of this is not a clear diagnosis that you tend to be addicted to alcohol. If, however, you find that your relationship with alcohol has exceeded a limit, you should seek professional help. The Federal Ministry of Health offers you with the manual alcohol first information on the subject.