Today we're tackling a tough but important topic: how to know if your relationship with alcohol has become problematic. It's not always easy to spot, especially in a community where drinking is often a big part of socializing. 

Here are some signs that might indicate you're veering into problem territory:

• You often drink more than you planned

• You've tried to cut down but couldn't

• Hangovers are interfering with your work or personal life

• You've given up activities you enjoy because of drinking

• You find yourself craving alcohol

• You've done risky things while drunk (like driving)

• You keep drinking despite it causing problems in relationships

Alcohol Use Disorder: Do you have it?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is the clinical term for what we often call alcoholism or alcohol addiction. It's diagnosed based on a set of criteria, and it exists on a spectrum from mild to severe.

You might have AUD if, in the past year, you've experienced at least two of the following:

1. Had times when you drank more or longer than intended

2. Wanted to cut down or stop drinking but couldn't

3. Spent a lot of time drinking or being sick from drinking

4. Experienced strong urges to drink

5. Found that drinking interfered with taking care of your home or family, caused job troubles, or school problems

6. Continued drinking even though it was causing trouble with family or friends

7. Given up or cut back on activities you care about in order to drink

8. Gotten into situations while drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt

9. Kept drinking even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem

10. Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want

11. Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms

The more criteria you meet, the more severe the AUD (and more urgent it is to get help).

I Think I Have a Problem. Now What?

First off, breathe. Recognizing you have a problem is a huge step, and you should be proud of yourself for facing it. Here's what you can do next:

1. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional

2. Consider joining a support group (more on this below)

3. Look into treatment options (we'll cover these too!)

4. Be honest with trusted friends or family members

5. Start tracking your drinking to understand your patterns and triggers

Treatment Options for Sapphics

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating AUD, but here are some options that have worked for many in our community:

1. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy can be super helpful. Look for an LGBTQ-affirming therapist who understands our unique challenges. If you have trouble finding such a therapist in your area, our team of savvy sapphic psychologists can help point you in the right direction. Just shoot us an email!

2. Support Groups: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is well-known and available all over the US. In Los Angeles and other big cities, the womens' meetings tend to be queer friendly and full of sober sapphics. There are also LGBTQ-specific groups or organizations like SMART Recovery that offer secular, science-based support. An easy way to find sapphic-friendly meetings in your area and track your recovery progress is through an app called Pink Cloud (available in the app stores, check it out).  

3. Medication: Did you know that there are actually new prescription meds that can help reduce cravings or make drinking less pleasurable? Ask your doc about options like naltrexone or acamprosate.

4. Outpatient Programs: These allow you to get treatment while still maintaining your daily life. These can be helpful to really jumpstart making a change.  And if you want even more support, you can find that too! Check out www.findtreatment.gov to search for LGBTQ-friendly alcohol treatment programs and services in your area. It's as easy as putting in your zip code and then checking the filter for LGBTQ under Special Programs and Groups Offered. 

5. Holistic Approaches: Holistic therapies work to restore balance by connecting mind and body. They seek to remove some of the underlying causes of alcohol dependence by helping people become aware of and take responsibility for the way they feel, think, and act. Many find success combining traditional treatments with holistic approaches like meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture.

Remember, recovery isn't about perfection. It's about progress and finding what works for you. You've got this, and you're not alone. Our community is strong, many of us are in the same boat, and we've got your back.