Many people come to see me because they or someone they love has told them they have a drinking problem. Such labels as ‘alcoholic’ or ‘addict’ are commonly used bringing into question, what is an addict or alcoholic? In my opinion, unless you are physiologically dependent, it really doesn’t matter what label you get so I prefer not to label anyone. Instead, I just ask the question, is alcohol a problem for you?
If alcohol is negatively affecting any part or parts of your life such as your work, your relationships, your legal status, your emotions or mental state, your recreational activities (you are not doing them or those you choose center around drinking), or you are having financial difficulties as a result of your drinking, then you may need help.
So what if you think it is not affecting any part or parts of your life? Maybe only your partner or family member believes you have a problem.
If that is the case, there are many people that fall into what I think of as the gray area of problem drinking. These are the daily to several times per week drinkers of small quantities with bouts of increased use. For example, one to two glasses of wine per night with one to two days per week where more than that is consumed. The one to two glasses of wine can be replaced with one to two bottles of beer per night with one to two days per week where more beer is consumed. Anymore than these two amounts clearly puts you out of the gray area and into the problem drinker.
If you are still in this gray area, then there are several questions to consider. Does drinking allow you to numb yourself, shut down, or disengage from life? If so, drinking is most likely a problem. I do believe that there is a distinction between numbing and enjoying a glass of wine or a cold one. Another important question to ask is how do you feel when you don’t have access to your alcohol? If you feel significant discomfort, then more than likely alcohol is a problem. If alcohol is a problem or you want to discuss the gray area of your drinking, let the therapists at Goodman Therapy help you further investigate this issue for you. In addition to meeting with you alone, we also offer a substance abuse group for 25 dollars per session and a free initial meeting to help you determine what you need to do about your drinking.
For more information, please contact Goodman Therapy at 661-932-8200 or 323-839-9874. You may also email: Donaldgoodman05@aol.com.