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You don’t have to be an alcoholic to have a problem with alcohol. Alcoholism is considered a progressive disease and the sooner you catch your symptoms, the easier it will be to reduce your intake or quit altogether.
Though you might not feel dependent on alcohol all the time, if you agree with any of these statements then it is worth your time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. If you are worried about how dependent you are on alcohol and you aren’t sure how to stop or reduce your drinking, have a look at Stop Drinking Expert for a little advice and motivation. But for now, here’s what you should look out for.
I Need a Drink to Relax
Alcohol is a known depressant. It makes you feel calmer, sure, but it can also leave you in tears for almost no reason at all – even if you have been running around and feeling hyper for most of the night! Drinking a glass or two of your tipple of choice in the evening or with your dinner is often a habit you form as a way to chill out. The problem is that alcohol can quickly become the only way to chill out.
The key here is to diversify the way you relax. Warm baths, a bit of yoga and meditation are all good ways to calm down without alcohol. This is because these activities give you a chance to stop thinking and processing so much, allowing your brain a breather. If you have kids, then getting this kind of self-care quality time is tough but once you are in the routine, you will find it much easier.
My Friends Are Concerned About My Drinking
One of the first signs that your drinking could be getting out of hand is when a friend takes you aside and gently expresses their concern. Perhaps you have been a bit too wild on a night out or you drank excessively at what should have been a chilled out dinner party.
There are a few signs of a problem drinker that all friends should look out for so if any of your friends have ever asked whether you might consider cutting back on your drinking please don’t be offended. This is just their way of establishing whether you have a serious problem or you have just been a bit wild recently and you are going to calm down again.
Sometimes I Drink in Secret
There is nothing good about secret drinking and if you have a secret stash or you regularly drink on your own then you need to reassess why you are drinking so much. People who drink in secret are often dependent on alcohol and may experience withdrawal symptoms or constantly crave a drink. This is the point at which alcohol abuse become alcoholism.
If you are drinking in secret or you have constant cravings, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. But, even if you aren’t an alcoholic, it is worth cutting back on your drinking to see what difference it makes.
