Have you been wondering lately if you might actually have a problem with drinking? Alcohol addiction or over-indulging in alcohol is common in American life. If you’re not sure where you fall on the spectrum, but suspect things might be getting out of hand, here are some ways to tell if you should start thinking about cutting back.
1.You’re thinking about your next drink.
Are you planning your day around your next drink? Do you find yourself checking off the tasks you need to complete before you can relax with a drink? If you find yourself scheduling your commitments with your next drink in mind, you might have a problem.
2.You hide your alcohol/lie about how much you drink.
You have bottles hidden from the people you live with, or even from yourself. You lie about how much you drink. These are signs of a more serious problem.
3.You experience memory loss when you drink.
Maybe you’re not blacking out, but you might be forgetting about some things you said or did until you’re reminded the next day. Did you forget about your late-night Amazon shopping? Did you get a text back from someone you don’t even remember texting? Did you download some music that you would never listen to sober? We’re all forgetful sometimes, but it’s a problem if you notice consistent memory loss every time you drink.
4.You chug or gulp your drinks.
If you’re not savoring the flavor of your drinks that means you’re probably chasing the buzz rather than taste. Non-problem drinkers don’t do this.
5.It’s getting in the way of work.
Are your sick days starting to add up? Have you missed phone calls, deadlines, or meetings? Are your coworkers starting to notice your performance slipping? If you’re consistently hungover on the job and you’re realizing your productivity is affected, it might be time to think about getting help or cutting back.
6.You drink alone.
If you find yourself often drinking alone, it’s time to admit you’re not just a social drinker anymore. Many people use alcohol as a “social lubricant”. If you’re not being social then there’s another reason you’re drinking.
7.You can’t relax without your drink of choice.
Is that glass of wine or beer the first thing you reach for when you’re feeling anxious? Try a different technique. If you can’t relax without the booze, that’s definitely a problem.
These are just a few signs of alcohol abuse. If you think you might have a problem talk to your doctor or do an online search for a hotline or help service to call. They’re all over and you’re not alone with this problem. WebMD says that up to 30% of Americans have struggled with alcohol abuse at some point.
Just kidding....Kira is a writer, actor and suburban housewife and mother. Her mantra is "If I can't do it from the couch, is it really worth it?"
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