Could you have a problem with alcohol?
Let’s look at the line between social drinking and problem drinking
Alcohol is a fact of life in western culture. We drink at weddings, funerals, after work, while on dates, while watching sports events, and at many other times. We do it to relax, connect, celebrate, and enjoy the taste. It’s a rite of passage.
For many people, it’s a normal part of life.
So when does social drinking become a problem?
It’s hard to pin point exactly when alcohol consumption becomes problematic.
It’s not useful to say “you shouldn’t have more than X drinks per day or per hour” because everyone’s tolerance is different. One person may have four drinks in an evening and be perfectly fine while the other is passed out.
Cultural differences may also play a part in what’s considered socially acceptable drinking. In some countries, it is common to have a glass of wine with dinner every night!
A more useful way to know when enough is enough is to look at what social drinking looks like.
Social drinker drink only occasionally and only in certain social settings.Social drinkers typically stop drinking before they are drunk.The friends and family of social drinkers don’t worry about them or question their drinking habits..Drinking rarely, if ever, results in a social drinker doing or saying something that social drinkers regret or don’t remember.Social drinkers don’t think about alcohol. It’s just not an issue.Drinking rarely, if ever, results in a social drinker getting into trouble with the law or other people.Typically, social drinkers don’t spend more than can afford on alcohol. Social drinkers don’t finish other people’s drinks.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Uh, oh!” maybe you are on the edge of a problem. Or maybe you’re in full blown alcoholic territory.
Maybe it’s time to slow down.
Or maybe drinking just isn’t for you at all.
We all know that excessive drinking creates mind, body, and spirit issues. It can leave you feeling depressed, guilty, shameful, lonely, and isolated.
Overtime, alcoholism can damage your liver, lead to heart disease, several types of cancer, and stroke. It can also impair sleep and interfere with your libido!
The biggest reason to let go of addiction is that it doesn’t solve the core issue. The latest research suggests that addiction is related to wanting to feel connected. That makes sense, doesn’t it?
We drink to lower inhibitions to get closer to people. Maybe we succeed short term, and maybe we don’t, but if we don’t address the insecurities and skill deficits that created the loneliness in the first place, it just becomes a revolving door of disappointment and self-destructive behavior.
The “Let It Go Now”Community Can Help With That
Join Us. You’re Welcome.
We offer community support and as you let go of the things that aren’t working and gain skills that do.