Do I Have A Drinking Problem?

When people think of a person who has a drinking problem, they usually will think of someone who drinks every single day, drinks and gets sloppy, drinks and starts slurring their words, drinks and gets sick, or drinks alone.  While these scenarios may be relevant to some who have drinking problems, a large percentage of alcoholics do not exhibit all of these behaviors.

Alcohol dependence or abuse may not be apparent to those who have a drinking problem.  Some may not even think that their drinking habits are to be of any concern.  The nature of the disease, however, is to tell you that you don’t have a disease. 

Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism.  The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious.  By keeping you from looking honestly at your behavior and its negative effects, denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships.

How Can I Tell If I Have A Problem?

There are a few ways to gauge your drinking habits to see if there’s a problem.  The CAGE test is a quick assessment tool that helps clinicians identify alcoholism signs in patients.  The CAGE test is comprised of four brief questions designed to detect alcohol abuse or dependence.  Answering yes to any CAGE question suggests a possible alcohol problem.  Answering yes to two or more questions indicates a high risk of alcohol abuse or dependence.   *(Note that CAGE questions are only guidelines – not diagnostic criteria).

CAGE Test Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt the need to Cut down on alcohol consumption?
  2. Are you Annoyed when people question your drinking habits?
  3. Do you feel Guilty about your alcohol use?
  4. Have you ever used alcohol as an Eye opener (drink or shot) in the morning to recover from a hangover?

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has also devised a self-assessment intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs to find out more about alcoholism. 

Some examples of the questions asked are:

  • Do you drink heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure or have had a quarrel with someone?
  • Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable is alcohol is not available?
  • Are you more in a hurry to get your first drink of the day than you used to be?
  • Have you been having more memory “blackouts” recently?
  • When you’re sober, do you sometimes regret things you did or said while drinking?
  • Have any of your blood relatives ever had a problem with alcohol? 

To take the full test, click here.


Please note that these self-assessments are intended only to provide insight into possible drinking problems and alcohol dependence or abuse.  These self-assessments are not to be used as criteria in diagnosing someone as alcohol dependent.  Rather, these self-assessments can be used to determine if further steps need to be made. 

If you answered ‘yes’ to the questions above, you may have a problem or may start to be having a problem.  If your drinking or a loved one’s drinking is becoming a concern, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center can help.  By scheduling a Clinical Evaluation, our licensed professionals will conduct a thorough analysis of your circumstance and provide you with objective results related to your individual needs.

You don’t need to deal with this alone. 

Call us today:  (602) 535-6468

LGBT Community & Addiction

Although addiction does not discriminate against race, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion, the LGBT population is more susceptible to falling victim to the disease than the heterosexual population.  Why?  Some studies show that because of previous and current traumas in their lives surrounding bullying, stigma, and self-esteem, this population may turn to mood and mind altering substances for relief.

 

Many avoid care because of perceived or real stigma and discrimination by health care providers and institutions, as well.  Studies also show that many gay individuals will use alcohol and/or drugs for sexual purposes.  Many gay men, when they become sober, will have to learn not only how to be in social settings without alcohol and/or drugs, but also how to have sex without being under the influence.

 

The need for specialized LGBT addiction treatment in the community is obvious.  That’s why at Stonewall Institute Treatment Center, we are fully trained to treat LGBT clients.  Our agency delivers both community and internal education/training to raise awareness on LGBT issues.  Our priority is to make our LGBT clients feel as welcomed and as comfortable as possible as we embrace the distinct needs and positive attributes of LGBT clients.  We are a Safe Space that anybody, regardless of sexual orientation, will feel safe and welcomed at.  With us, nobody will render judgement, nor will anybody discriminate against you.

 

Our 10-week Intensive Outpatient Program will help you establish a solid foundation for achieving and maintaining a meaningful life of sobriety.  The group program emphasizes that regardless of personal background: be it sexual orientation, gender identity, race, economic status, or religious background, everyone shares the commonality of addiction.  

 

For just 3 nights a week, we’ll help provide the structure, guidance, and support you need to develop the skills that can keep you on track.  This life-long journey starts with the courage to face your vulnerabilities and embrace your potential.

 

Call us today, we will help get your life back.

 

(602) 535-6468

 

 

Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Treatment

Stonewall Institute offers an excellent alcohol and drug intensive outpatient treatment program where most major insurance is accepted.  This treatment program can make a real difference for someone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse.  Never before has there been such a great need for premier treatment programs, especially now that the Surgeon General of the United States has declared that substance abuse has reached epidemic proportions.  It is time for each and every one of us to consider all treatment options available.

Considering Outpatient Treatment

Depending on the individual’s needs, outpatient treatment can be an excellent means of obtaining substance abuse recovery help.  It is an option that offers intensive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention skills and psychoeducation, while allowing the recovering individual the opportunity to meet his or her life’s obligations with support.  It is perfect for someone unable to take off time from work or school.

Studies show that outpatient treatment can be quite successful for those in recovery. The advantages of outpatient treatment vs. inpatient treatment are the benefits to allowing a patient to continue to live at home, and in some cases, work and attend school.  While inpatient treatment removes those struggling with substance abuse from an environment that may have contributed to the development of drug or alcohol addiction to begin with, outpatient treatment provides a way to more accurately test the efficacy of ongoing treatment while a patient remains amidst those very triggers.  In this way, it could more accurately assess the coping mechanisms of the person in recovery while continuing to provide them with intensive periods of support.

In addition, outpatient treatment challenges a patient to seek out and utilize sources of support in their home environment, such as in finding local self-help groups or other recovery mentors in the neighborhood that can help guide someone down the path of recovery.

The Aftercare Option

As an aftercare option, the transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment can be jarring, and the substance abuser in recovery will need the support of the community where he lives, works, and belongs.  In addition to addressing the problems of addiction, the intensive outpatient treatment will also be able to accommodate and treat those with mild to moderate co-existing medical or mental health conditions.  Real-life issues experienced by an individual in early recovery can be processed and therapeutically managed by attending an IOP group several days a week.

Stonewall Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program is an evidence-based program utilizing the most proven therapeutic methods.  These small groups take place in an upscale office environment and are facilitated by Master’s level licensed substance abuse counselors.  Individual focus and mutual respect are maintained.  This is an LGBTQ-affirmative program where all are welcomed.

Substance abuse is a complicated issue, potentially impacting all areas of one’s life–work, health and interpersonal relationships.  Hopefully, at some point, a person in the grip of drug or alcohol addiction will reach out for help.  If you or someone you love needs help, call Stonewall Institute at 602-535-6468 today.

Welcoming Drug and Alcohol Rehab AZ

Stonewall Institute offers a welcoming drug and alcohol rehab in Arizona.  Located in Phoenix, no other AZ drug and alcohol treatment program can provide so much help with dignity and respect that is also affordable.  As an intensive outpatient program, you don’t have to give up your daily obligations to get the chemical dependency treatment you deserve.  Call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit www.stonewallinstitute.com

Substance Abuse Treatment Arizona

Stonewall Institute offers the best AZ substance abuse treatment program you can find.  Their alcohol and drug rehab uses evidence-based protocols to help teach sober coping skills and relapse prevention.  Call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation and check out their website at www.stonewallinstitute.com.

Best AZ Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Stonewall Institute is best Arizona alcohol and drug rehab you can find.  It offers a drug and alcohol treatment program that addresses issues that accompany addiction and substance abuse.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol or drugs during this holiday season, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule an appointment for a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com

AZ Alcohol and Drug Treatment That Works

Stonewall Institute offers AZ alcohol and drug treatment that works.  Staffed by AZ licensed drug counselors, this IOP offers the best alcohol and drug rehab in Arizona.  If you need help with alcohol abuse or have issues with drug use, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit www.stonewallinstitute.com

 

Best AZ Drug Rehab

Stonewall Institute is the best AZ drug rehab offering drug addiction treatment in an intensive outpatient programPrescription drug abuse has skyrocketed, and drug overdoses have become common.  It’s time to treat opioid abuse with compassion and evidence-based practices.  Call 602-535-6468 to schedule your drug and alcohol evaluation and get started in your path to recovery from addiction today.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com

AZ Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Stonewall Institute is the premier AZ alcohol and drug rehab.  Their unique intensive outpatient program offers small groups in a respectful and nonjudgmental environment.  If you or a loved one needs help with drug abuse or feels they may have a drinking problem, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com.

Nonjudgmental Alcohol Abuse Treatment Arizona

Stonewall Institute provides nonjudgmental treatment program for alcohol abuse.  If you or someone you love suffers from the stigma of alcohol abuse, this is the place to call for an alcohol treatment program that is respectful and empathetic while being evidence-based.  The intensive outpatient program allows our clients to meet their life obligations while getting real treatment for drinking problems.  Call 602-535-6468 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com