Alcohol abuse is a major problem in America today. Most adults aged 18 or older can admit to binge drinking at least once a month. Alcohol is a depressant drug and can affect every organ system in the body. The liver metabolizes alcohol into carbon dioxide and water.
When consumed in excess amounts, the liver becomes damaged and unable to function properly. This increases the risk of developing liver problems, heart disease, stroke, cancer, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and memory problems. As a result, alcohol abuse has become a serious public health issue.
Alcohol affects everyone differently. Some people can drink moderately without experiencing negative side effects. Others develop serious health issues after consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol. So, regardless of how much you drink, here are signs of a drinking problem.
1. You Feel a Noticeable Change in your Life
If you are wondering whether you have crossed the line with your drinking, begin by looking at your life over the past year or months before you started drinking. Has your life changed negatively? For instance, your drinking could have resulted in a workplace accident that had you suspended or terminated. In addition, you may also experience strained relationships with family and friends, or you could look unkempt and unhealthy.
If you are too lazy to get a haircut, take a bath or eat a healthy meal, these are signs of a drinking problem. It is negatively affecting your health and relationships.
2. You Overdrink
Sometimes, you end up drinking more than you had planned. If this happens more often lately, it’s a sign of a drinking problem. It is a clear sign you cannot control yourself while drinking. The earlier you address this issue, the earlier you prevent the severe consequences of alcoholism.
3. You Spend Most of Your Time Drinking
Check your daily schedule and note how much time you spend drinking, feeling sick when you don’t drink, and recovering from hangovers. Track this time for a few weeks and then look into how much time it all adds up. If you find that the best part of your day is spent on alcoholism, it is a sign of a drinking problem.
4. You Have Increased Tolerance to Alcohol
You may have experienced intoxication only after a couple of bottles when you began drinking. However, lately, your tolerance level for alcohol may have increased. As a result, you need to drink more than before to get the high you want. This is because your brain has adapted to alcohol and is now less sensitive to the effects. This is among the top signs of a drinking problem. If you address this issue early enough, you may save yourself from alcohol addiction early.
Alcohol can affect your body in ways you might not expect. It can cause immediate intoxication or long-term health problems. Whether you want to cut back or quit altogether, knowing the signs of a [drinking] problem can help you get started.