4 Steps You Should Take if You Think You’re Drinking Too Much
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In moderation, alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle. But alcohol is also addictive and, if you drink too much, it can have some negative effects on your mental and physical health. If you think you might be drinking more than you should, it’s important to take proactive steps as soon as possible. With this in mind, it’s also important to recognize that drinking or a substance abuse disorder isn’t a sign of weakness or a moral failing. But it is something you can work through and find a new balance. |
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Be Honest With Yourself
One of the hardest things can be recognizing that you have a problem. But if someone has expressed concerns about your drinking or you find yourself relying on alcohol, it’s important to face the fact that you might have a problem.
You can get an idea of whether you drink too much by taking an online quiz. However, it’s important to answer the questions honestly. There’s no point in fudging the answers to avoid a scarier response. The moment you know you have an issue, the moment you can act on it.
Stress and Triggers
One of the most common reasons that people drink too much is to manage symptoms of stress. Other people drink a lot just because they form a habit over time, especially if alcohol is a common part of how they socialize.
If you can recognize patterns in how you drink and when, it can be easier to manage how much you drink. Some people drink more when they’re stressed or down, while others drink with certain people and in certain areas. If you notice a trigger and know it’ll be difficult not to drink, try to avoid these situations and form new habits.
Getting Help and Support
In some cases, you need additional help to get over substance abuse disorders, including alcoholism. Alcohol is very addictive and, if you are dependent on it, it’s very difficult to stop drinking or control it alone.
Trailhead Counseling & Recovery Center can help people get the treatment they need, which includes a safe place to get through the addiction, as well as counseling, therapy, and medical intervention if it’s appropriate.
Long-term Recovery
One of the most difficult parts of dealing with a dependency or addiction is having to cope with relapses. If you are trying to stop or reduce your drinking and find that you start up again, it can be so difficult to build yourself back up and recover. This can also cause further setbacks, especially if your drinking has affected your work or family life.
However, it’s important to recognize that setbacks and relapses aren’t failures. Recovery isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and people stumble sometimes. This doesn’t mean that you can’t recover or that you shouldn’t try. While it is difficult, it is worth it to regain control over your life and, in some cases, rebuild your family all over again.