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How to Be Careful With Booze:
4 Smart Steps
Drinking Can Become An Addiction ~ It’s very easy to go over the top
A glass of wine now and then can be a great way to unwind. But what if you’ve gone beyond the occasional glass of wine?
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There’s a big difference between the occasional relaxing drink and a habit that’s turning toxic. It can be difficult to tell when you’ve crossed the line.
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Be Careful With Booze: #1
Beware of The Fine Line
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Our culture promotes drinking. Yes, the dangers of drinking are often advertised. But not nearly enough when you consider how dangerous it is.
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Alcohol is more harmful than most illegal drugs! But drinking is made to look cool. Partying hard at college seems to be an accepted normal part of student life.
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Even in adulthood, there’s the unspoken pressure to drink. Drinking after work is a great way to get to forget the stresses of our jobs.
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The fine line between drinking too much and a real addiction can be a blur.
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Drinking several times a week is unhealthy. But drinking daily is when you really put yourself in danger. And the former can turn into the latter at an alarming speed.
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You can do self-assessments if you feel you might be drinking too much. (Chances are, however, that if you think you’re drinking too much, you probably are!)
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A comprehensive set of questions is available at The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. Consulting to your doctor is also recommended. After all, online questionnaires can only get you so far!
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Be Careful With Booze: #2
The After-Effects of Drinking
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If you drink a few nights a week, you will experience noticeable side-effects. Dehydration and fatigue throughout the day are the most common problems.
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Many people will attribute these side-effects to a simple hangover. But it could be the beginning of real damage to your body organs.
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Drinking affects every organ in the body. It can contribute to weight gain and heart problems. It can also lead to a loss of concentration and depression.
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Be Careful With Booze: #3
Be Brave: Take Action
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When you say “you need a drink”, do you mean you need to relax? Or do you have a vague feeling in your body that’s telling you that you need a drink? A discomfort that can only be solved with booze?
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At this point, it’s safe to say that a problem may very well be in its beginning stages, if it hasn’t developed already.
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You should reach out. Speak to a friend or a family member. This may be uncomfortable, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible. They may be able to help you cut down. (This could be difficult if they happen to be your drinking companions, in which case, you need to find people who don’t drink!)
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But if things get really tough, you should consider professional help. Places like Prescott House Alcohol Treatment Center are open to those looking for assistance in getting clean.
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The AA, Alcoholic Anonymous, is also great for help with kicking the habit.
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Be Careful With Booze: #4
Other Forms of Help
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Let’s say you spoke to a friend about your drinking problem. However, instead of helping, they dismissed your worries and encouraged you to keep drinking.
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It’s possible that they’re one of those “toxic friends” who you don’t actually need in your life. They probably have a drinking problem themselves.
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Knowing how to speak to a friend or family member about your drinking is crucial. Reach out for help. There are many people who have already been there and kicked the habit. They are usually understanding, kind and compassionate.
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