Do I have an alcohol addiction?

Last updated: October, 2025

Alcohol addiction rarely starts suddenly; it develops quietly, shaped by habits and reinforced by the body’s own chemistry until dependence becomes visible through clear clinical signs. Recognising early changes in behaviour or mood is the first step toward understanding whether alcohol may have become a problem.

How to Know If You’re Addicted to Alcohol

Alcohol addiction, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is diagnosed based on behavioral patterns and physical dependence.

The criteria we use to inform a diagnosis are easy to understand, and many of them are applicable to alcohol use disorder and any other addictions: changes in the addict’s attitude towards alcohol, physical and mental symptoms, and the impact it has on their behavior and relationships.

While each case is unique, early signs of alcohol addiction often include:

• Strong cravings for alcohol
• Mood changes, perhaps becoming irritable or depressed
• Difficulty controlling consumption
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
• Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not consumed
• Increased tolerance over time

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol consumption

Addiction can start subtly, but alcohol consumption can be a key indicator of a bigger problem. An individual might feel that alcohol is needed to relax, socialise, or enjoy simple activities, such as watching sports, a meal out or just relaxing, until moderation feels impossible. Over time, tolerance increases and more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effect, and stopping becomes harder.

Physical Symptoms

The body often gives subtle warnings before the mind recognises there may be a problem. These signs don’t always mean someone is addicted, but they can show that alcohol is beginning to have a stronger influence on their wellbeing.

Common physical symptoms include:

• Increasing tolerance: needing more alcohol than before to feel relaxed or “normal.”
• Physical dependence: feeling uneasy, shaky, or irritable when alcohol isn’t available.
• Ongoing discomfort: sleep disruption, fatigue, or digestive issues like nausea or heartburn.
• Changes in appearance: facial redness, dark circles, or neglecting small self-care routines.

When alcohol use is reduced or stopped, temporary withdrawal symptoms can also appear:

• Tremors or shaking hands
• Excessive sweating, especially in the morning
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleep disruption or insomnia

While these sensations can be uncomfortable, they are treatable and manageable with professional support. Recognising them early offers a chance to understand what’s happening and take steps toward recovery.

Emotional and Psychological Signs

Alcohol addiction often alters how an individual perceives stress, reward, and self-control. Emotional responses become tied to drinking, and alcohol gradually replaces healthier coping mechanisms.

Addicts may experience fluctuations between relief and guilt, confidence and shame, or calmness and irritability, and relief only after drinking again. This emotional rollercoaster reinforces dependence.

Behavioral and Social Changes

An addict, or people close to them, will also notice changes in behavior. Addicts frequently attempt to hide their addiction, deny the problem, or lie about their consumption.

As alcohol becomes the main priority, it can negatively affect decision-making, sleep patterns, and emotional regulation. People may isolate themselves, struggle to meet responsibilities, or experience conflicts with loved ones. Financial problems or legal issues, such as driving under the influence, are also common indicators that the problem has escalated.

These changes don’t happen overnight. They often build slowly, until both the person and those around them realise how much alcohol has begun to shape their lives.

Self-Assessment: Questions to Ask Yourself

These questions are not a diagnosis, but they can help identify early indicators that deserve professional attention:

• Do you often drink more or longer than intended?
• Do you experience mood changes when not drinking?
• Have you tried to cut down but couldn’t?
• Do you hide alcohol use or feel guilty about it?
• Has drinking affected your job, studies, or relationships?
• Have friends or family expressed concern about your drinking?

If several of these apply, it may indicate early signs of alcohol dependence. Seeking professional support can help you understand your situation and take the right steps toward recovery.

Why a Professional Assessment Matters

Self-reflection is important, but only a professional can confirm a diagnosis.
At Hacienda Paradiso, therapists use both medical and psychological criteria to get an accurate understanding of each case and create a personalised treatment plan during a free consultation.
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This process may include:

• A detailed interview about your drinking patterns
• A physical examination and blood tests
• Psychological evaluation to identify co-occurring conditions

What is alcohol addiction treatment?

Recovery from alcohol addiction is a lifelong process. The goal of treatment is not just to detox a patient, but to prepare them to live in a world where alcohol use is common and often an integral part of social life and culture.

Treatment at Hacienda Paradiso has three broad stages: detox, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment that explores medical, psychological, and social factors. Detoxification is medically supervised to ensure safety and comfort, followed by individualized therapy that helps clients rebuild coping mechanisms, address underlying trauma, and re-learn how to experience life without alcohol.