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Chances are, if you are asking the question, "Am I an alcoholic?", then you probably are. Alcoholism is the only disease that has the ability to tell you that you don't have it. It is a disease of obsession and deceit. Most people don't think about being an alcoholic unless they are, in some way, obsessed with the consumption of alcohol.

Do you plan your drinking? For example, do you plan how many drinks you are going to have at a social gathering? People who drink normally usually don't try to figure out how many drinks they are going to have before time. Often a couple of drinks are plenty for them.

Do you start drinking before a party so that you will be more comfortable? If you drink to feel comfortable, you may have a problem. The frequency of drinking prior to a social engagement can be telling. If you have drunk a couple of times to feel more comfortable, maybe you are ok. If it is a frequent occurrence then you might want to consider trying to discontinue it. If you have difficulty not drinking before parties or other social situations, you might want to consult a professional or someone who has experience in alcoholism.

Do you feel uncomfortable with social gatherings that do not include drinking? If you think that the only way that you can have fun in a social situation is when alcohol is involved you may have a problem.

Do you ever feel remorseful after drinking? Do you ever do things that you wouldn't normally do sober? People who are not alcoholic may have these situations in their lives a few times but if it is on a fairly consistent basis, you may need some help. Many people say things that they don't mean when intoxicated because they are less inhibited. Once again, frequency becomes an issue.

Do you black out on a regular basis while drinking? Normal drinkers don't usually have black outs.

Has your consumption of alcohol affected your life adversely? Have you lost relationships because of drinking? Jobs? Have your finances been affected? After a night of drinking have you ever said to yourself that you will never drink again, only to find yourself, upon feeling better thinking that you can "handle it"?

These questions can help you come to a decision as to whether you are or are not an alcoholic. After all, alcoholism requires that you decide whether or not you are an alcoholic. If you don't believe you are, then it is very difficult to get help for the condition. So in essence, you must diagnose your own condition.

Alcohol will continue to tell you that you don't have a problem as you continue down the path toward death, jails or other institutions. But if you are tired of being sick and tired, there is hope. You don't have to live in the abyss of human despair. Many people have continued to recover from alcoholism by attending Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a "one day at a time" approach that has had amazing success with those suffering from the disease of alcoholism. You don't have to live in alcoholism any longer. You are not alone.

Learn more about this author, Jules Willis.
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