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Hope for Alcohol Addiction: Knowing the Signs

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Here are the signs of alcoholism you need to know.

- Posted on Apr 20, 2018

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol-related deaths are one of the most preventable causes of death, with nearly 100,000 people impacted a year. Still, there is hope: alcoholism is treatable and with support can be managed.

If you're wondering whether you or a loved one is dealing with alcoholism or alcohol abuse, here are just a few signs that the NIAAA offers to help you decide if you need help:

Drinking alcohol even when it increases depression, anxiety or other health issues
Drinking or the aftereffects of drinking impact your ability to work, sleep or go to school
Drinking or the aftereffects of drinking impact your relationships with family and friends
Drinking increases risky behaviors that cause you or others harm (driving while intoxicated, operating machinery, swimming or other illegal behavior)
Trying to cut back or quit drinking doesn't work
The effects of alcohol wearing off are nausea, sweating, shaking or other signs of withdrawal.

Only a doctor can diagnose alcoholism or alcohol abuse, but if any of these signs seem familiar, resources like NIAAA and Alcoholics Anonymous have been helping people get treatment for decades.

If you don't have signs of alcoholism or alcohol abuse, the NIAAA recommends drinking in moderation (no more than 2 a day) or not at all, depending on your family's medical history and your own. Find more hope for addiction and recovery on Guideposts.org.

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One Day at a Time

Take life one day at a time. There's no need to finish everything all at once. Avoid a hectic day and just breathe.

Let Go and Let God

Under stress? Let it all go and believe in the power of God. He will guide you to your path and lift your burdens.

First Things First

Once your main priority is finished, everything else can come after.

Progress Not Perfection

It's okay not to be perfect -- the most important thing is that you've made progress. Whether it's at work, school, or with the family progress comes before perfection. Rome wasn't built in a day!

This Too Shall Pass

Battling an obstacle or an issue in your life? It will pass, everything does. Don't let it bother you.

Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Be grateful for everything in your life. If you're optimistic, life's hurdles will come with ease.

Just for Today

When you think about what you want to do just for today

Go to Any Lengths

The sky's the limit! We all have the ability to achieve our ultimate goal by doing whatever it takes.

Easy Does It

There's no need to put pressure on yourself. Take life one stride at a time and you'll be surprised at the goals you have accomplished without the stress.

Let It Begin with Me

Taking care of yourself is the biggest priority.

Live and Let Live

You should tolerate the opinions and behaviors of others so that they, in return, wil tolerate yours. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.