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While many of us enjoy a tipple after a long day and it's an unproblematic choice, for some people there may be something more sinister beneath the surface.
Becoming dependent on alcohol often creeps up on drinkers and can be hard to spot before it's too late.
Considering that what's 'normal' to drink looks different for everybody, it's easy to get lost in conversations about units and percentages and just assume everything is alright.
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With some struggling with impulse control, or even using alcohol as a crutch to feel more outgoing or manage their emotions, it's important that everybody knows how to spot the warning signs of alcohol dependency - especially when it comes to signs you didn't even know about.
As well as struggling with limits, an alcohol problem can also present itself in the form of being preoccupied with the thought of a drink, as well as not being able to stop even when it's causing issues in your life.
For example, if you're more prone to arguing when drunk and it's causing you problems in your relationship, but continue to drink anyway.
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Binge drinking is also considered to be a precursor to a problematic relationship with alcohol.
In the UK, this is defined by the NHS to be 'drinking heavily over a short period of time', and is also thought of as 'drinking to get drunk.'
There are various signs of alcohol dependency, according to Mayo Clinic.
What are the warning signs of alcohol misuse?
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you're drinking
- Wanting to cut down on how much you drink and/or making unsuccessful attempts to make it happen
- Spending a large portion of your time drinking or recovering from alcohol use (having a hangover)
- Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
- Failing or struggling to keep up with responsibilities at work, school or home due to drinking alcohol
- Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it's causing or exacerbating physical, social, work or relationship problems
- Spending less time on social and work activities and hobbies in favour of alcohol
- Using alcohol in unsafe environments, such as when driving or swimming
- An increased tolerance - needing more to feel drunk
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can include nausea, sweating and shaking, when you don't drink, or opting to drink in order to avoid these symptoms
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What are the effects of alcohol misuse?
Accoring to the NHS, abusing alcohol can cause many negative effects on your mind and body.
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Short-term effects include reckless behaviour, losing your possessions and even alcohol poisoning.
Long-term effects include:
- heart disease
- stroke
- liver disease
- liver cancer
- bowel cancer
- mouth cancer
- breast cancer
- pancreatitis
- damage to the brain, which can lead to problems with thinking and memory
When to seek help for alcohol misuse
It's imperative that you speak to a healthcare professional if you start to feel as though you drink too much alcohol or that your drinking is causing problems in your life.
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You should also consider reaching out to a mental health professional or helpline if you feel as though drinking is impacting your self-worth or frame of mind.
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous will also be able to help.
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
Topics: Alcohol, Food and Drink, Health
Kya Buller