Do you ever worry that your relationship with alcohol has gotten out of hand? It’s hard to know where to draw the line when alcohol can be socially acceptable. Most people usually know deep down when they have a problem, but admitting it can be difficult.

If you are concerned about your drinking, here are ten signs that your drinking habits may have reached a new level, and know if you may need outpatient drug and alcohol rehab.

1. You drink every time you go out.

Drinking is something that many people do when they go out, but consider when and where you feel compelled to drink. If you’re drinking Bloody Mary’s with breakfast, cocktails with a movie, spiked eggnog when skiing, etc., you could have a drinking problem. You should be able to go out and enjoy yourself without drinking.

2. You lie about how much you drink.

When someone asks how much or how often you drink, do you tend to lie? If so, it’s probably because you’re ashamed about the quantity and frequency of your habit. People often lie to their doctors because they don’t want to get in trouble, but lying to friends and family is even more serious.

3. Your friends have told you to stop.

Have your friends mentioned that you should slow down your drinking or stop altogether? If so, they probably have a good reason for saying so. Maybe they feel you drink too much or get carried away when you’re intoxicated.

4. You have some blackout nights.

Some alcoholics blackout regularly because they want to forget about the world. This is a coping mechanism used to deal with stress and anxiety, but it’s not a healthy one. There’s nothing stress reducing about not knowing what you did the night before.

5. Your tolerance has increased.

Tolerance is a sign of dependency. When you drink on a regular basis, it’s going to take more and more to create a buzz. With the additional alcohol you’re consuming, you could face health problems, such as being overweight, eating a poor diet, and being less active.

6. You continue to drink more.

Your tolerance is increasing, as well as the amount you are drinking. Those one or two drinks you used to have to unwind have now turned into six or seven. This is a sure sign that your body is growing tolerant and your dependency is becoming more severe.

7. You talk about quitting, but can’t.

Have you considered seeking treatment at an outpatient drug rehab (Awakenings is located in Agoura Hills, California), but can’t bring yourself to do it? If you want to quit but can’t commit, you’re probably afraid to be without alcohol. It has become a way to deal with stress.

8. You use alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Many people drink alcohol to deal with stressful situations. Even though alcohol is used to “take the edge off,” it becomes a problem when you don’t deal with the things that bother you. When you reach for a drink, ask yourself what your motivations are.

9. You wake up with regrets.

Maybe you said something you didn’t mean to your spouse. Perhaps you blacked out and aren’t sure what you did at the work party. If you’re waking up with regrets, the alcohol is taking over and makes you say and do things you normally wouldn’t.

10. You’re neglecting your responsibilities.

Are you having trouble tending to your responsibilities? Things like paying bills and taking care of the house can easily move down the priority list when alcohol takes over.

If you are concerned that you have a drinking problem and need to find a rehab, contact Awakenings Treatment Center. It’s important that you are properly diagnosed, so we can move forward with a personalized treatment plan that addresses your goals. Contact us today.