Don't Let your Drinking Get Out Of Hand

Millions of men and women enjoy a drink, and when alcohol is consumed at sensible levels and on an occasional basis it is something that can certainly enhance a social gathering, but what happens if consumption continually increases?

It is relatively easy for a person to increase their drinking, but it is also vital that they do not let things get out of hand.

We will look at some key warning signs that show a person is heading towards a dependence upon alcohol and that should not be ignored.

Constant thoughts and actions: If alcohol is becoming increasingly evident in your thoughts and actions this must be seen as a potential problem regarding the amount being consumed. Those who are regularly considering where their first drink will come from, or while drinking where their next watering hole will be, need to recognize this as a serious sign that alcohol is getting the better of them.
Lying to those around you: Anyone who tells their loved ones or those around them that they are drinking far less than they actually are is maintaining a stance of denial. Denial is a major tool used by those who know they have a drinking problem but refuse to acknowledge it.
Drinking to deal with daily life: It may seem acceptable to have a drink in order to cope with life’s challenges, but this is a very dangerous approach. Those who need a drink to cope with the day ahead, or drink excessively after a day at work are using alcohol as an emotional crutch. While this may seem a good idea at the time, the reality is it will only compound a person’s problems.
Missing work or habitual lateness: Heavy drinkers regularly awake in a state of confusion, and the last thing on their mind is a day at work. This leads to excuses of being unable to attend work due to illness, or regular late arrival. Maintaining this type of behaviour does little for a person’s self-esteem and even less for their employment prospects.
Forgotten episodes: If the amount a person is drinking leads to loss of memory relating to events during their last session this is a dangerous pointer that dependence is getting the better of a person.
Relationship difficulties: There are times when difficulties with a partner will occur, but seeking to resolve these problems by drinking is not the way to go. Such actions will only serve to increase the tension and highlight relationship difficulties.

Seeking help should not be seen as an embarrassment:

Many people who have a problem with the amount of alcohol they are drinking see this as an embarrassment and therefore keep the problem to themselves.

This most definitely should not be the case. There is no embarrassment whatsoever attached to admitting that alcohol currently has the better of you, indeed, it is a very courageous thing to do.

Professional rehab counsellors are not in place to judge, they are there to help. Once contacted a person with alcohol problems will see just how effective this help can be.