Everyone likes a glass of alcohol now and then – and there’s nothing wrong with that if you’re drinking infrequently. Problems start to brew when you’re drinking too much alcohol, but how do you know if that’s the case? Well, it’s normally very easy to spot some telltale signs, starting with the ones below:
You’re buying alcohol multiple times a week
How often are you popping to the shops to buy alcoholic drinks? If you’re buying multiple crates of beer or numerous bottles of wine a week, then that’s the first sign of a problem. Alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation – and that’s the complete opposite of moderation!
You feel the need to drink alcohol to de-stress
Never use alcohol as a crutch or “solution” to anything. If you feel obliged to drink a glass of wine to help you de-stress every evening, then you’re developing a dangerous relationship with the stuff. It’s a critical sign that you might have an alcohol abuse problem, in which case it’s beneficial to check yourself into an outpatient rehab program as soon as possible.
Your memory starts getting foggy
Do you feel a slight fogginess in your brain? We’re not talking about brain fog, which is a completely separate thing, but rather a sense that you can’t quite remember things from not that long ago. Your memory feels fuzzy, and people are always reminding you of certain things that happened. If this coincides with regular alcohol drinking, then it could be a sign that you’re drinking way too much. You’re not necessarily “hungover,” but the alcohol is playing with your brain and making you forgetful.
You see significant changes in your weight
Weight gain is one of the key signs of alcohol abuse, yet it’s also one of the most neglected. Why? Because you can put weight gain down to all sorts of things – like a terrible diet or complete inactivity. With that in mind, if you’re gaining weight while eating healthily or being active, there’s a strong chance your alcohol intake is the hidden reason, especially if you’re drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages that are high in calories.
You’re moody when you don’t drink
Keep an eye on your mood when you do, and don’t drink alcohol. If you’re happy and cheery while drinking, but moody and sullen when you’re not, then that’s a very dangerous sign. It shows your brain is reacting to the high levels of alcohol in a bad way. This makes you think you need to drink to be happy or get rid of a bad mood, which is a terrible way to live your life.
As well as looking for these signs in yourself, you need to keep an eye on those around you. You might notice some signs in a loved one indicating that they’re struggling with an alcohol problem. Nobody should struggle alone, so be sure to reach out and talk to them about the issue – or any issues that might force them to drink. Moreover, if you or anyone you love seems to have a problem with alcohol, then don’t hesitate to seek professional help and guidance.