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8 Telltale Signs and Remedies to Change Your Drinking Habit

There’s so much talk about how to stop drinking, tips to stay away from alcohol, and the dangers of alcohol. However, what people fail to realise is that you can only seek help when you acknowledge there’s a problem. No one thinks of cutting down alcohol consumption when they don’t even know that they are becoming or have become a drunk.

And yes, It’s easy to think you are safe because you stick to the daily recommended dose and keep it minimal each time you drink. But, you would be surprised to know that people have gone from a sip to a gallon within a twinkle of an eye without even realising it. Yes, you read that right. It’s that fast. 

So how do you tell that you are losing control of your alcohol intake? How can you tell it is time to change your drinking habit? Keep reading to find out.

1. Finding solace in alcohol

Look very closely at how you deal with stress and challenging situations. If you find yourself gulping down bottles each time you’re under pressure or stressed, then you are gradually losing control over alcohol and would soon become addicted.  As you would most likely increase the bottles each time stress increases, and the more overwhelmed you get, the more bottles you gulp down.

Remedy: Look for better and healthier coping mechanisms. It could be talking to someone or hanging out with friends. 

2. Inability to do away with alcohol

If you are in control of your alcohol intake and able to keep it minimal as you claim, then you should be able to easily let go of alcohol for as long as possible and be just fine. 

Now, if doing away with alcohol for a particular period of time becomes difficult for you, then it’s obvious you are no longer in control. Hence, you need help to change your drinking habit.

Remedy: Take regular breaks from alcohol and be determined to stick to it. Until you are finally able to keep it under control.

3. Experiencing health challenges due to alcohol

As they say, “too much of everything is bad”. It is usually the excessive intake of alcohol that is bad for your health, not necessarily the intake of alcohol itself. Therefore, if at any stage you start experiencing health challenges that can be traced to alcohol, then it clearly shows that you’ve gone beyond normal consumption to excessive consumption. It is time to seek help!

Remedy: See a doctor and make a conscious effort to stick by what they advise.

4. Being dishonest about drinking

Another red flag that shows you should change your drinking habit is being ashamed or dishonest about it. If you are bold enough to tell people what you drink, the quantity you drink, and how often you drink without feeling some type of way, then you are probably on the right track. However, whenever you find yourself lying to your loved ones or friends about your drinking habit, then it shows there’s a problem and you need help.

Remedy: The remedy for dishonesty is honesty. Look for someone you can open up to. Someone you can always tell each time you go over the board. It should be someone you’re sure can be of help. Maybe a therapist, counsellor or a loved one.

5. Drinking more than you planned

Taking notes of how well you can stick with the amount you plan to drink each time you sit at the round table is another way to keep your control of alcohol intake in check. 

If you end up drinking more than you plan to, you might just be on your way to becoming a drunk in no time.

Remedy: Look for a healthy substitute so that each time you feel the urge to go overboard, you can substitute with something else instead. Water is usually advisable.

Drinking More Than You Planned

6. You give up other activities for drinking

Do you find yourself making up excuses to miss doing things you used to do or are supposed to do just because you want to go drinking? If the answer is yes, then you should totally change your drinking habit because you are no longer in control of your alcohol intake.

Remedy: Let your friends or people you indulge in those activities know about your challenge. So they can always compel and discourage you from settling with drinking. Take note, this remedy only applies if you are sure they can be of help.

7. People say you’re drinking too much

Oftentimes, the individuals involved do not get to know how deep they have sunk. People around are most likely going to detect first and easily. Even though you don’t often agree with them, chances are they are mostly right.

Remedy:  Try to reflect on your drinking habit once you start getting comments about it.

8. You think you are drinking too much

Do you sometimes think you are drinking too? If the answer is yes, then you are definitely drinking too much. Sometimes, you don’t necessarily need people to tell you. You know it’s time to change your drinking habit once you start feeling guilty or thinking that you drink too much.

Remedy: Listen to your inner self. Don’t fight your conscience.

Alcohol can get addictive pretty quick. It is not your fault you are going down that path. You just need to be conscious and know when to change your drinking habit. It is important to seek help early. 

Do keep in mind that these remedies we gave are quite general. You need a professional to help you fight this addiction. Please see a professional ASAP. For more advice, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

Check out our previous article on Alcohol Consumption: How Long Does Alcohol Last In The Body? Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so we can always bring you helpful tips like these. Thank you!

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