Drinking is a commonly accepted social activity. Alcohol is available at most social events, corporate events, retreats, and restaurants. How can you find the line between appropriate social drinking and drinking that is considered excessive?
Here are eight signs that you should seek alcohol treatment for professionals and executives.
You Have Driven Under the Influence
If you have gotten behind the wheel of a car past the legal limit, it shows that you are willing to risk legal trouble or an accident for the sake of drinking.
Health Problems
If you have existing health problems that are worsened by alcohol use or you have an illness that is caused by alcohol use, it is far past time to speak with an addictions counselor and consider rehab.
Relationships Have Been Negatively Affected
It is a red flag when friends and family express concern. People who are looking out for your best interests are not going to invent an imaginary problem. Additionally, being under the influence often comes with a diminished ability to control actions resulting in anger, frustration, and poor treatment of the people you love.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings
When you stop drinking and your body reacts negatively with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches, that’s a definite sign of physical dependence. Intense cravings are also a sign of dependence. This is often why people try and fail to stop drinking on their own.
Employment Problems
As a professional employee or executive, it is easy to feel pressured to pretend that you have control. However, if you have missed work, been reprimanded by your employer, missed deadlines, or left coworkers hanging, your addiction is affecting your livelihood.
You Hide or Lie About Drinking
Many feel ashamed of the amount they use or get frustrated with hearing the same criticisms, so they go out of their way to hide the frequency and amount of their consumption.
You Make Drinking a Priority
Part of the addiction involves prioritizing your addiction. It takes up your time, energy, and money. You spend time thinking about it and finding ways to feed it.
A Coping Mechanism for Mental Illness
People with symptoms of mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or trauma sometimes use alcohol to quiet their minds and feel better. According to research, people with mental illness are highly likely to self-medicate by abusing alcohol or other drugs.
Working in a professional environment where appearances are important can leave you feeling ashamed and compelled to repress and ignore critical issues. Alcohol treatment for professionals and executives is an important service that should be encouraged so people receive necessary help.
Source
Drinking Levels Defined by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
Drugabuse.com on the co-occurrence of mental illness and substance abuse: https://drugabuse.com/mental-health-drug-abuse/
