Drinking problems can pop up in different ways for different people. Sometimes, it’s a little harder to see in some people than it is in others.
That said, it’s always important to figure out a better way when there’s any semblance of a problem. The first step is knowing that there is a problem and coming to terms with that fact. We’re going to look at signs you have a drinking problem in this article, giving you some insight into what may be a red flag lurking around the corner.
Let’s get started:
1. Routine Drinking
The first sign that things could take a turn for the worse is that you’re drinking routinely every day. If it’s just a habit to reach for a beer or glass of wine, it might be time to take a second and think about why you’re doing it or if it’s a good idea to do so.
Even if there isn’t a huge underlying reason for your drinking habit, establishing regularity with it can lead to a dependency that you didn’t ask for.
2. Excess Whenever You Drink
Another thing that can be concerning is if you find that you’re drinking to excess often. If you have a hard time stopping when you start, that’s an indication that you might have an issue.
Sure, there are times when drinking to excess can be enjoyable for some people. Doing so once or twice doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong. That said, if it’s a regular thing for you, you could have an issue bubbling.
3. Neglect of Responsibilities
Next, a clear red flag is that you’re avoiding your responsibilities in order to get drunk. Whatever the thing that you’re not doing is, doesn’t matter. It’s the fact that you’re sacrificing the quality and integrity of your life for the experience of being drunk.
That’s an issue no matter how you swing it.
4. Concern from The People Around You
If the people in your life are asking if you’re doing alright with drinking, that’s something to take seriously.
Many times, we neglect the red flags in our private lives because it’s tough to admit to ourselves that there’s an issue. When others around you start noticing, though, that’s an indication that there are serious problems and it’s time to reflect.
5. Withdrawals
When we use a drug to excess, we often feel withdrawals.
It’s the same with cocaine, nicotine, heroin, and more. Alcohol will give you withdrawals if you don’t use it for a period of time after having consumed it regularly for a while. When your body needs alcohol to feel normal, there’s an issue.
6. Coping
Another sign that there is an issue is that you’re using alcohol to deal with any stressful situation in your life.
You might experience anxiety about something then immediately feel like you want a drink. Those two things are related. That’s your brain seeing a route out of the painful experience and into substance use.
7. That Fact that You’re Reading This
Being curious about whether you have a problem doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem. That said, your search reflects the fact that you think there could be an issue, and maybe the drinking isn’t serving you well.
If cutting out drinking or changing your relationship to it would improve your life, it might be a good idea to consider finding alcohol treatment services.
Are There Signs You Have a Drinking Problem?
There may be more signs you have a drinking problem that we didn’t address in this article. We’re here to help you get to the bottom of it and try to make the proper steps forward.
Explore our site for more ideas and insights into substance abuse and how you might try to kick the habit and lead a healthier life.
