Having a drink, or a few to unwind or socialize is legal and completely acceptable in today’s world.

But when does social drinking or drinking in general become a problem?  Many people don’t recognize that their drinking might be a medically diagnosed disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM).

The most current issue, the DSM-5 states that an individual who meets only two of the 11 criteria over a 12-month period receives a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).  According to the number of criteria met, the diagnosis can be categorized as mild, moderate or severe.

For a self-check of whether you might be diagnosed with AUD, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers the following questions to ask yourself.  In the past 12-months, have you:

• Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer than you intended?
• More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
• Spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over the aftereffects?
• Experienced craving — a strong need, or urge, to drink?
• Found that drinking — or being sick from drinking — often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
• Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
• Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?
• More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?
• Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
• Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
• Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating? Or sensed things that were not there?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions your drinking may be a need for concern.

A health, mental health, or substance abuse professional can conduct a more in-depth assessment to see if you might have Alcohol Use Disorder.

Whether your problem seems mild or severe, help is available, and treatment can help.

Gulf Breeze Recovery has experience in helping people who have problems with alcohol.  Offering residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient care, Gulf Breeze Recovery can help you find the best program to meet your individual needs.

Gulf Breeze Recovery strives to offer the best and most comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse treatment options in the country, with plans of treatment tailored to fit your individual needs.

If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of alcohol abuse or substance use and/or relapse, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: (855) 400-6190 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about their residential program, out-patient program, and intensive out-patient program.  These programs have helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace life.

The goal of Gulf Breeze Recovery is to allow you to live your life while changing your life.