7 Signs You Need to Cut down on Alcohol ...

By Alison

Most of us enjoy a drink every now and then. But when does 'enjoying a drink' become a problem? How can you tell if your alcohol intake is too high? You could be in denial that you're drinking too much or that your relationship with alcohol isn't healthy. Here are some signs that you need to cut down on alcohol …

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1

You Drink Alone

There's nothing wrong with a few social drinks, but you should be wary if you're starting to drink when you're on your own. And if you only ever drink when you're alone, you should definitely be concerned. Why drink alone; perhaps you don't want people to know how much you're drinking?

2

You're Binge Drinking

Some people rationalise their alcohol consumption to themselves by reasoning that they only drink occasionally. But they could be drinking quite a lot on those 'rare' occasions. The recommended weekly consumption assumes that you're drinking a maximum on each day - it's not okay to consume a weekly maximum over a couple of days. Don't go over the recommended daily limit.

3

You Reward Yourself with a Drink

Is the first thing you do when you get home after a long day to reach for the wine bottle? People often think that they deserve a drink to help them unwind. But this can be risky, as you get into the habit of using alcohol as a coping mechanism. It's also unhealthy to see drinking as a reward, or something you deserve.

4

You're Taking Risks

Drinking too much can make you more likely to take risks, as alcohol lowers your inhibitions. You may put your health and personal safety at risk, and be less likely to spot dangers. If you've got yourself into any awkward or risky situations because you'd been drinking, then it's time to reassess your drinking habits before you really put yourself at risk.

5

You're Suffering Physically

Moderate drinking won't do you any harm. But if you habitually drink too much, you could find that it's affecting your health. Hangovers aren't a badge of honor, but a sign that you overdid it. Too much alcohol can have serious effects on your long-term health, such as your liver or your heart. Is it really worth it?

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

You're Upsetting People

Have people complained about your behavior when you're drunk, or does someone seem upset with you but you don't know why? If you've been drinking in their presence recently, you may have said or done something that offended them. If you're drinking enough to upset other people, then you need to cut down.

7

People Are Concerned about Your Drinking

Finally, if people have expressed concern about your drinking, don't dismiss it. Ask yourself if they could have a point. Are you drinking more than the safe limit, or is there a problem with your use of alcohol? Nobody wants to stop you having a good time, but if you need to drink to have a good time … you have a problem.

Alcohol is so much a part of our culture that it can become a problem without us even noticing. You may not actually need to cut it out altogether, but may benefit from reducing the amount you consume - and the number of days you consume it. Alcohol should never be something that you need …

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

#1 and #3....so if you live by yourself and drink your wine at night you are at risk? I also drink wine at night because I enjoy it after a long day. So that makes me at risk too? Please, there is a thing called "control." It's more about if you drink to excess that you pass out when you have a problem.

Drink once a month u will see the beautiful difference to ur skin and the many u will save and how good u will look and before u know u wouldn't even drink only at an occasion or not at all. It is all in the mind. U don't need it really.

Selena Gomez looks horrible without makeup she ruined her face becuz when u drink too much ur face swells. I never drank alcohol in my entire life,

Having suffered issues with alcohol myself, I totally understand some of the comments. However, drinking in moderation is fine. A drink after a hard day is fine. The problems start when you start losing things you love.

As an alcoholic in recovery I totally see hope slippery the slope can be for some. 8 years ago I went from my nightly glass of wine after work to a bottle, then to mixed drinks, next thing you know 5 years later it was 1 1/2 liters of straight Vodka a day followed by 2 months in inpatient treatment. No, it's not the norm... But it does happen. I thank god everyday that people intervened when they did, turns out I had kidney problems, fatty liver, pancreatitis, heart problems and bone marrow failure because of it. I have been one of the few in recovery that can now enjoy a glass here and there or a couple beers. Also, not the norm. It's all about control and being aware of how you are handling it.

Well done Jeni.....people think your mad when you say you can have the odd drink!!

Sharon, don't worry about what people think. I attended AA and apparently if you have one drink every day you have a problem...NOT true. Jeni...I attended AA for about 2 years and it didn't help me. Went in feeling great, came out depressed. Might work for some people but not for me. My life is fuller now than it has ever been. I honestly believe, that the experience made me a strong women. I expect it has done the same for you.

Thanks for all the info. However, there is still is a difference. I sure would have a lot of friends in AA as we are all pretty much drink, but it's still about control. I don't like how I feel after having a lot to drink. I'm more addicted to Diet Coke than wine!

Elizabeth, they sure do! Especially since I have never been an AA attender. It's just not for me, the whole "you're powerless over alcohol" really turned me off. I am powerless to nothing in my opinion that is something I have a CHOICE in.

And to Sharron, even at my worst I never passed out, blacked out or lost control of my actions. Strange as that may be with the excessive amount I was drinking. I didn't even realize how drunk I was everyday even at constant .4-.5 levels. I should have been dead but instead was cleaning, cooking and living a normal life in others eyes. Creepy.

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