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After a hard day at work, most of us wouldn’t think twice about a glass of wine or a beer, but if you’re a regular drinker, you need to stop and think.
Nearly 90,000 people die in the U.S. every year from medical issues relating to alcohol. Nobody starts off with addiction to alcohol—it grows over time.
That’s why it’s important to think about your alcohol intake and take steps to cut back on the booze, but how can you spot the signs?
Let’s help you. Here are 5 signs of drinking too much that you shouldn’t ignore.
Alcohol Is Your Life
There’s a reason why alcoholics have the name. If there’s too much drinking in your life, then it’s time to face facts—alcohol is your life.
Think about how you live your life. Do you drink every day? Do your plans with friends and family always involve drinking in some form?
If you’re never too far away from the drink, then cut it out. Stay away from bars and think about healthier forms of entertainment instead.
It’s Your Stress Reliever
We all react differently to stress, and we all cope differently, too. Unfortunately, some of us can’t cope, and that’s usually where alcohol enters the mix.
One of the clearest signs of drinking too much alcohol to watch out for is in people using it as a way to relieve stress. It could be your home or work life, and in the short term, it could help you.
It’s the long term effects that matter. Stress isn’t washed away with alcohol—the damage it can cause simply adds to it.
There Are Medical Concerns
The more alcohol you drink, the greater the damage to your body.
The signs aren’t always obvious. Have you started to get ill more often than before? Alcohol dependency can lower your immune system, leaving you ill more often and for longer periods.
Drinking can also cause you to gain weight, make your skin inflamed, and leave you with depression.
If a doctor raises concerns about your health, don’t ignore them. Get yourself clean by booking into a rehab center—services like Find Rehab Centers can help you find the right facility.
You’re Making Poor Decisions
People who drink too much aren’t known for making the best decisions. It lowers your inhibitions and boosts your confidence, fake as that confidence may be.
Think about your behavior when you’re drunk and if you can’t remember, take that a sign in itself. Speak to others and question them about your behavior, too.
Are you abusive? Do you put yourself in harm’s way? These are all signs that your drinking is excessive, and it’s time to take immediate action.
Not sure how much alcohol you should be drinking? Read our guide to help you judge for yourself.
Don’t Ignore These Signs of Drinking Too Much
If you recognize these signs of drinking too much, it’s time to break the cycle.
Alcohol shouldn’t be the center of your life. If you’ve come to use it as a crutch for stress relief or as escapism, you need to tackle the root causes of your despair.
Speak to your doctor and if you don’t think you can do it alone, think about rehab. An alcohol dependency doesn’t have to be the end of the line for you.
Start rebuilding your life by taking a look at our health articles for ways you can improve your lifestyle for a future without alcohol.