The partying life may be a classic aspect of going to college, but it can often lead to college students developing alcoholism at an early age. Of course, binge-drinking and partying responsibly are dangerous no matter what, but if you feel that you’re making a habit of drinking even beyond normal socializing, it’s important to assess whether or not you have a problem. Some warning signs may include: drinking when you’re alone, drinking before and/or after you go out to drink with friends, or needing a nightcap in order to go to bed.
Addressing the problem
Choosing to address your problem isn’t dumb at all. What matters is that you’ve recognized a problem in your life–one that, if left unaddressed, can cause you serious harm. “Common” and “normal” are two different things, and while you may know others who drink alone, it is very much a warning sign of alcoholism.
We don’t wish to rub anything in, but it’s important to reiterate just how dangerous drinking can be. Alcohol is one of humanity’s deadliest habits, and while it can have its benefits in small doses, it is also an addictive substance that kills nearly 90,000 Americans annually. You are far from alone in finding yourself unable to control your drinking: around 17% of men and 8% of women will become dependent on alcohol in their lifetime. Remember: alcoholism is a disease. This isn’t your fault, but it is up to you to fix it.
Seeking help
So what can you do? If you have admitted you have a problem, then you’ve already taken a major step. But that step is only that–one step. For your awareness to begin to help you, you need to translate it into action. That means curbing your drinking and, most likely, giving it up entirely–studies show that complete abstinence is the best way to control alcoholism. This won’t be easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
We strongly recommend that you seek professional help. You can begin with the on-campus resources that your school provides, or you can look for a psychologist or therapist beyond the confines of your campus. You may want to consider speaking to one who specializes in substance abuse.
A twelve-step program and/or support group like Alcoholics Anonymous can also be a big help. Having others to rely on and keep you accountable is a proven way to make overcoming addiction easier.
You may also want to consider rehab. Rehab is a powerful tool in combating substance abuse, say providers at an addiction treatment center Florida. By taking you out of your usual environment and isolating you from the substance you’re addicted to, rehab can give you a fresh start. Rehab facilities are also staffed with experts, and stints at rehab may include therapy sessions, group discussions, and more. Your health insurance might be able to make rehab an affordable option for you.
The hard truth
This may sound extreme to you, but you need to confront your dependence on drinking. Speaking to a counselor, psychologist, or therapist is essential, and other steps are likely to be necessary as you seek to reign in this problem. Addictions of this sort never go away, but they can be controlled. We wish you all the luck in the world, and hope you can create a healthy and fulfilling life free of alcohol’s grasp.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
