Alcoholism is a terrible addiction that affects many people. Many reach out to alcohol as a means of dealing with depression, sadness, anger, and issues in their lives. Some people are not even aware that they have issues with alcoholism. Due to that, treating the addiction is impossible until the person stops living in denial and admits they have a problem.
It is vital to raise awareness about alcoholism, and with that in mind, we want to talk more about it. We want to help those in trouble to understand when social drinking becomes a problem. Here are eight warning signs you should look out for.
1. Hangovers are a part of your daily routine
Have you recently noticed that you have hangovers every day? Whether it is in the morning or evening, you can't seem to recover from the effects of excessive drinking. Your mood is changing; you have foggy memory, headaches, and the urge to vomit. Furthermore, it often happens that you are grumpy when communicating with people.
These are all common symptoms of hangovers. If you notice that this has become your routine, there are high chances that you have a drinking problem. Try to notice these patterns. They can repeat from two to three days every week to even every day in more severe scenarios.
2. It becomes hard to take a break from drinking
When people drink too much, spending a couple of days without liquor becomes harder and harder. Some people start drinking because of issues they are going through, and some take alcohol to have fun. Whatever your reason is, try to take a break from drinking, even for a week. Try to break your drinking routine and see how it feels.
If you notice that it becomes hard not to drink when you usually do, that is an obvious sign of alcoholism. Your body is used to alcohol, and you will start to feel the effects of not taking it. This is a common situation with any addict who tries to break from their hurtful habit. Whenever you feel like you could use a drink, try drinking water or a fruit smoothie instead. This is not a cure for alcoholism, but it will at least satisfy the thirst until you seek help.
3. Controlling your drinking becomes mentally exhausting
People often do notice that they have a problem with excessive drinking. They try to stop or reduce the intake of alcohol, but it becomes too mentally exhausting to keep up and control the drinking. If this is happening to you, it would be wise to look for professional assistance. You are aware that you have a drinking problem and need help to battle it.
There is no shame in looking for help. In fact, people who ask for help show more courage than others. They are not afraid to admit they have a problem and don't know how to deal with it. That kind of positive attitude will help you beat your addiction more efficiently because you are not in denial.
If you want to take a break from drinking and relax, go on a trip with a couple of friends. Tell them not to let you drink and to help you enjoy the vacation and relax in a stress-free environment. See if that helps and if not, immediately seek professional assistance.
4. You are drinking more than people around you
If you are in an early stage of alcoholism, it might become hard to notice that you have a drinking problem. The alcohol has not yet trapped your body and mind, but it may happen soon without you even realizing it.
One sign that you have a drinking problem is if you notice that people around you don't drink as much as you do. We are not talking about when you go out for a drink with friends but in general. This includes any happening, event, or occasion. Start watching people around you. If you keep reaching for alcohol more often than them, it might be when social drinking becomes a problem.
5. It's not a party if there is no alcohol included
This is a mindset that most alcohol addicts have. If you take a couple of drinks while at a party, that may make things more fun. Also, some drink to feel more confident in social interactions. However, if you start noticing that you cannot have fun if liquor is not included, that is a sign of concern.
Social events might last for a couple of hours. If there is no alcohol, you might feel either bored, or you might even start to panic on a subconscious level. Alcohol must always be accessible because you want to take it when you feel the urge.
6. When others ask about your drinking habits, you lie
People around you might notice your drinking habits. If they ask you how much you drink on average and you lie to them, that means you acknowledge on some level that you have a drinking problem. This way, you are not only lying to them but also to yourself.
Another common symptom is if you keep secret stashes of alcohol or throw away alcohol bottles before anyone notices they are empty. Keep in mind that people around you mean well. Do not lie to them. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, let them know.
As experts in addiction treatment at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center say, even if they are not able to help, just sharing this with someone will get you one step closer to quitting one day.
7. You think about alcohol every day
Once you start thinking about alcohol on a daily basis, you have a severe problem. This usually happens after some time of excessive drinking.
Your body gets used to constantly digesting alcohol, and you start craving it as soon as you are not drinking. Your mind cannot stop thinking about the next opportunity to have a drink.
8. Your drinking habits are severely impacting your daily life
If you cannot get things done because of how much you drink, it is necessary to seek professional help immediately. Drinking can seriously affect your personal life and professional career. Furthermore, it will affect your health. On top of that, you might hurt your friends and family and even ruin relationships with them.
Learn to recognize these signs and immediately seek help
Just experiencing one of these symptoms does not mean you have a drinking problem. Nevertheless, even if it's just one symptom, you should not take it lightly. If you notice that you have more than one symptom on this list, seek the immediate help of a professional. When social drinking becomes a problem, it may affect all spheres of your life. Get your drinking problem under control before it becomes too late.
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