It’s tempting to tell yourself that you’re not an alcoholic because you don’t drink every day or have physical withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink.
But that’s overlooking the fact that there’s a continuum of alcohol use, ranging from true safe drinking (more on that in a bit) to full-blown alcoholism. With that said, here are five clear signs that you may be drinking too much.
1. You’re Always Tired
Sure, alcohol can help you fall asleep quickly, but it’s also known for blocking REM sleep, which is the most restorative type of sleep. What’s more, drinking can aggravate breathing problems and result in extra trips to the bathroom.
2. You Drink Every Single Day
Technically speaking, you could drink every day and still fall within established safe guidelines (no more than three drinks on any given day or seven drinks a week for women, no more than four drinks on any given day or 14 drinks a week for men). But most daily drinkers consumer more than one or two drinks a night. Either way, it’s a good idea to designate at least one alcohol-free day a week.
3. All of Your Plans Revolve Around Alcohol
If going to a baseball game always means four beers and going out to dinner always means a bottle of wine, that can be a red flag. Do you ever get together with friends for coffee? Can you watch a movie at home without sipping on a scotch? Alcohol abuse can creep up on you. Before you know it, you can’t have fun without drinking.
4. Those Closest to You Seem Concerned
If your family or friends suggest that you should cut back a bit, try to listen to what they’re saying—instead of getting defensive. Most people don’t make such comments lightly and, chances are, they’ve seen something that makes them believe your life would be better if you drank less.
5. You’re Googling “Signs of Drinking” Too Much
That little voice inside your head can be quite wise. If you feel like you’re drinking too much, then you may be drinking too much for you—even if your drinking falls within safe drinking guidelines.
What To Do Next?
Give it some thought and decide what you feel is a safe and healthy amount for you to drink. Then, plan to cut back over a period of time. If you currently drink three drinks a night, for example, start next week by drinking one less day a week. Then, keep moving forward from there.
Write down your plan—and what you actually end up drinking. If you repeatedly set limits and fail to keep them, that’s a sign that you need help accomplishing your goals. It’s not a sign that you’ve failed—or that you’re a bad person. It’s just a sign that you need a hand getting back on track.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Denver
At The Raleigh House, we take a whole-person approach to recovery. That means we don’t just get the alcohol out of your system. We work with you to help you recover psychologically, mentally, spiritually and socially as well. Rehab isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about getting your life back. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the alcohol addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
