One of the reasons why alcohol addiction can be so difficult to treat is many addicts don’t actually realize they have a problem or they know they have a problem and mask it because they won’t want help “just yet.” Sometimes heavy drinkers may not be addicts at all; they simply drink more than is sensible when they do decide to imbibe (binge drinkers). Conversely there are many alcoholics who continue to live apparently successful lives (functioning alcoholics). These people may hold down responsible jobs, raise a family or participate in numerous community activities while still living with problematic alcohol use. Take a look at these common signs and symptoms of addiction to see if you or a family member possibly has a problem.

Is drinking getting you in trouble?

While many people will have nursed an occasional hang over or finished work early to go for a beer, in general their drinking does not adversely affect their working lives, ability to drive or financial stability. If you find you’re getting into fights after a night of drinking beers, are increasingly driving when you’re clearly over the limit or are engaging in criminal activity in order to fund your drinking, then it’s a problem – no question about it. If this sounds like you or a relative, alcohol rehab in New Jersey may well be the solution you need.

Is alcohol affecting your family life?

Do you ever find you don’t have time for your children or partner because you’ve been drinking or would prefer to be? Perhaps essential chores and important responsibilities get neglected due to being too drunk to bother or too blinded by selfishness to care. If people who matters to you are pointing out you’re drinking too much, doesn’t risk losing the people you love the most due to alcohol? Successful alcohol rehab in New Jersey is only a phone call away and could help you keep your family together and your life from falling down around the seams.

Do you lie about your drinking?

Are there bottles or cans hide in the house, garage, and the boot of the car or stashed away somewhere else? Is there always an excuse for “just one” or “one for the road?” Dishonesty about your drinking is almost invariably a sign of a drinking problem getting out of control. If you have to lie to the people you love about alcohol, then it’s time to decide what’s most important because inevitably the choice will be taken from you.

While you may not feel you’re drinking excessively or there’s an actual problem, if you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you could well have an addiction to alcohol which is only going to get worse without prompt treatment. Greater Essex Counseling Services New Jersey can provide the supportive therapeutic environment you need to get control of your addiction and turn your life around; don’t hesitate to get the treatment you need.