In English society, we are constantly pressured to drink. Often, our friends invite us to come and drink with them. Family functions like weddings, funerals, and Christmas usually involve drinking alcohol. Drinking might even be a requirement for your job, as you schmooze with clients. If you are worried that you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, it is important to talk with a doctor or other medical professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you make a plan to change your drinking habits, if necessary. If rehabilitation is needed and you are based in Virginia, reach out to alcohol rehab in Virginia for further evaluation.
Some people manage to drink on these occasions, but not lapse into an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Other people, though, are not able to do this. They find it difficult to keep drinking low or moderate amounts. They set limits on what they will drink and then drink way over those limits. Rehab visits sometimes ensue.
If you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, it is likely to affect every aspect of your life. You may be able to keep up the impression that you are doing well for a while, but eventually cracks will start to emerge.
This article will help you to figure out whether you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and what to do if this is the case.
1. How Do You Know if You Have an Unhealthy Relationship With Alcohol?
The first step is to ask yourself whether your drinking is causing problems in your life.
Do you drink more than you intended to on a regular basis?
As mentioned above, some people are fine deciding to go out for a couple beers, then heading home directly after. If you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, you may go out intending to do the same, but not get home without drinking eight beers. The result of this is that you may embarrass yourself, you spend too much money, and you probably feel awful in the morning.
Do you miss work or school because you are hungover?
A hangover is your body’s reaction to drinking too much alcohol. It includes symptoms like headache, nausea, and dehydration. If you are missing work or school due to these symptoms, then it is likely that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
Do you get aggressive when you drink?
Alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to poor decision-making. This can sometimes result in aggressive behaviour. If you find that you are getting into fights or behaving in a way that you would not normally when sober, then this is a sign of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
Do you black out regularly while drinking?
It is not uncommon for people to drink so much alcohol that they cannot remember what happened the night before. If this happens to you often, it may be indicative of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
Do you ever drink alone?
While there is nothing wrong with having a beer or glass of wine by yourself every now and then, if you find that you are regularly drinking alone, this could be a sign of a problem.
Do you ever drink to cope with negative emotions?
If you find that you are regularly drinking in order to deal with sadness, anger, or anxiety, this is a sign that your relationship with alcohol might be unhealthy.
2. What Are the Limits for Drinking Alcohol in the UK?
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that both men and women should not drink more than 14 units a week regularly. You should also spread your alcohol drinking over 3 or more days if you often drink as many as 14 units in any one week.
3. What Is the Difference Between an Unhealthy Relationship With Alcohol and Alcoholism?
While an unhealthy relationship with alcohol can lead to alcoholism, the two terms are not interchangeable. Alcoholism is a more serious problem that is characterised by a physical dependence on alcohol. This means that people who are alcoholic will experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop drinking. Alcoholism means that a person cannot fully function without alcohol.
4. How to Cut Down Alcohol Consumption
If you are concerned that you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your drinking:
- Set limits for yourself and stick to them.
- Avoid drinking in situations where you are likely to drink too much, such as at parties or when out with friends.
- Keep track of how much you are drinking and limit yourself to a certain number of drinks per week.
- Seek help from a doctor or therapist if you are having trouble controlling your drinking.
- Try to find other ways to deal with stress or negative emotions instead of turning to alcohol.
- Find other activities that you enjoy and make spending time with friends and family a priority.
- Avoid places where you are likely to be tempted to drink, such as bars or liquor stores.
- Get rid of any alcohol that you have at home so that you are not tempted to drink.
- Make a list of reasons why you want to cut down on drinking and refer to it when you are feeling tempted to drink.
- Find a support group or talk to a counsellor who can help you deal with any underlying issues that might be contributing to your unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
If you are worried that your drinking might be getting out of control, it is important to seek help from a doctor or therapist. There are many resources available to help you get your drinking under control and live a healthy life.
If you feel like you are addicted to alcohol, going to alcohol rehab center may be the best step that you can take. You can also go to recovery groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)
5. Getting Help For an Alcohol Problem
If you are worried that you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, it is important to talk with a doctor or other medical professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you make a plan to change your drinking habits, if necessary.
