Five Indications You're Under the Influence of Alcohol Rather Than in Control
In today's world, it's essential to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder, a chronic and progressive condition that can have severe consequences for an individual's health and well-being.
Regular symptoms such as poor sleep, headaches, weight gain, or digestive problems could indicate alcohol's negative impact on your health. It's important to regularly assess one's relationship with alcohol to ensure it's not controlling.
If alcohol starts to interfere with productivity, finances, or sense of self-worth, it's a sign of a controlling force in your life. Drinking more than intended, even just one more, can indicate problematic drinking. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending significant time drinking or recovering, and cravings for alcohol are also common signs.
Continuing to drink despite social, legal, or health problems, tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect), and withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, or nausea when not drinking are additional warning signs.
Alcohol can exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Quitting alcohol can significantly improve mental health. Relying on alcohol to escape stress, anxiety, boredom, or emotional pain can lead to dependence.
Arguments occurring when under the influence of alcohol are a red flag. Alcohol abuse can negatively impact personal relationships. When alcohol dominates your routine, it often replaces other important aspects like hobbies, exercise, work performance, and personal goals. Feeling uncomfortable skipping a night out or needing to drink regardless of the situation may indicate more than a casual habit.
In teenagers, warning signs may also include withdrawal from family and friends, disruptive behavior, and frequent hangovers or blackouts.
These signs reflect alcohol use disorder's chronic and progressive nature, which can range from mild to severe based on symptom count. Early recognition is important for timely intervention and treatment.
It's crucial to find alternative, sustainable ways to manage emotions, such as therapy, exercise, mindfulness, or support from friends and family. Friends and family may express concern about one's drinking because they care.
Alcohol addiction can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, reach out to a healthcare professional for support and guidance.
Science and health-and-wellness are closely related, as regular symptoms such as poor sleep, headaches, weight gain, or digestive problems could indicate alcohol's negative impact on health. Mental health is also at risk, as alcohol can exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression, and relying on alcohol to escape stress may lead to dependence.
