Many of us like a pint from time to time, often to wind down after a tricky day at work or to welcome the weekend in. However, more and more of us are also finding ourselves having problems with alcohol. After all, it is addictive.
The number of people struggling with alcohol and finding themselves in alcohol and drug rehab is on the rise, and while that is good in theory, as more people are stepping forward to get help, there are also many others that either aren’t getting the help they need, or perhaps don’t even realise they have a problem.
Recognising the signs is so important today, particularly if you are a drinker, so to help you spot if you perhaps need help, here are five signs that could suggest you have trouble with alcohol…
Your tolerance is growing
One of the first signs of potential alcohol trouble is developing a higher tolerance. If you find that you need to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effect that you used to get from a smaller amount, this is a red flag. Tolerance indicates that your body is becoming accustomed to alcohol, leading you to consume more to feel the desired effects. This can result in a dangerous cycle of increased consumption and dependency.
You’re neglecting responsibilities
Another significant sign of alcohol trouble is when drinking starts to interfere with your daily responsibilities. This can manifest in various ways, such as frequently being late to work, neglecting household chores, or failing to meet commitments and obligations. If you find that you’re prioritising drinking over important tasks or that alcohol is affecting your performance at work or in personal relationships, it’s a strong indicator that alcohol is becoming a problem.
You’re using booze as a coping mechanism
Using alcohol as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues is a serious warning sign. While it’s common to have a drink to relax occasionally, relying on alcohol to manage your emotions can lead to dependency. If you notice that you reach for a drink whenever you’re feeling down or stressed, it’s important to consider healthier coping mechanisms and seek support if needed.
You can’t stop!
A key sign of alcohol trouble is the inability to control your drinking. This might mean that you consistently drink more than you intended, find it difficult to stop once you’ve started, or regularly exceed the recommended daily or weekly limits. If you often promise yourself that you’ll only have one or two drinks but end up consuming much more, it’s a sign that your alcohol consumption is becoming uncontrollable.
You experience withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Withdrawal symptoms are a clear indicator of alcohol dependence. These symptoms can occur when you try to cut down or stop drinking and may include sweating, shaking, nausea, anxiety, and irritability. In more severe cases, withdrawal can lead to hallucinations or seizures. If you experience physical or psychological symptoms when you’re not drinking, it’s a strong sign that your body has become dependent on alcohol, and professional help may be necessary to safely manage withdrawal.
If you are struggling with any of the above, then that’s a clear sign that your relationship with alcohol isn’t healthy and that you should speak up and seek help. That may start by speaking to a family member, but getting support can be one of the most important life steps you make in order to get your health and lifestyle back on track.
