Ah, alcohol. It’s the life of many parties and the social glue in numerous gatherings, especially for us Brits. But how do you know when a casual drink has drifted into the danger zone?
A cheerful Euro summer with pints abound is just around the corner. But hold on to your beer mugs! Experts have flagged six warning signs that might suggest it’s time to reconsider your drinking habits. Don’t worry, you don’t need to hit all six; even one is worth considering. Let’s dive into it.
Poor Decision Making
Whether it’s walking home drunk, picking a fight, or buying stuff online you don’t need, if you’re repeatedly making unwise choices fueled by booze, it’s a sign. Sobriety therapist Patrick Fox validates this, saying, “If alcohol has become the reason you do or don’t do something, then it’s an indicator that it’s time to review your relationship with it.”
You’re Not Functioning at Your Best
Feeling sluggish, barely scraping by at work, and just overall sub-par? You might have normalized feeling hungover, losing sight of what it feels like to be truly well. Psychotherapist Laura Drane warns that this could lead to a vicious cycle of ‘drinking to feel better,’ exacerbating the problem.
You’ve Noticed Health Problems
Alcohol can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. Navin Khosla, pharmacist at Now Patient, shares that alcohol can disrupt the balance of ‘good’ bacteria in your intestine, weakening your immune system. It can also slow down brain processing, leading to negative thoughts and low moods.
You Struggle to Call Time on the Party
One tell-tale sign? Not knowing when to stop. While your friends might call it a night after a few drinks, you find yourself drinking until you’re plastered. This lack of moderation is a red flag that should not be ignored.
Relationships Are Taking a Hit
Let’s be brutally honest: Excessive drinking can strain your relationships. From lowered sex drive to drunken arguments, booze impairs your judgement and problem-solving skills, making a bad situation worse.
Necking Your Drink
If you’re always the first to finish your drink and then start eyeing others’, it’s worth self-reflecting on your drinking habits. Guzzling down your drink to chase that buzz might feel good now, but it’s a fast track to trouble.
Please remember: Only a medical professional can diagnose alcohol dependence. If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, book an appointment with your GP. And hey, always drink responsibly.
If you want confidential advice and support, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 11am-4pm).
