Alcohol plays a visible role in many social activities, and for many people, having a drink now and then doesn’t cause concerns. The problem: It isn’t always easy to recognize when alcohol use starts to shift from occasional enjoyment to a hard-to-manage habit that’s beginning to take a toll on your health or your daily life.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects about 11% of American adults and about 3% of kids and teens aged 12-17. As a leading provider of patient-centered substance use disorder treatment, Harbor Community Health Centers is committed to helping people overcome AUD and enjoy happier, healthier lives. Our team reviews five signs that could mean it’s time to reach out for help and support.
Maybe you started out with one drink at the end of a workday to wind down, or a single drink with dinner, or when socializing with friends. Now, that single drink has turned into two or three — or maybe more.
If you find yourself drinking more often or your pours are getting heavier, it could be a sign that your tolerance is increasing. Over time, your body adapts to alcohol, and that means you need more to achieve the same effect.
The problem: An increase in quantity or frequency can happen slowly, making it easy to overlook or excuse. Paying attention to how much and how often you drink can help you recognize subtle patterns that could mean alcohol is becoming a regular habit rather than an occasional choice.
Maybe you only mean to drink one or two drinks when you’re out with friends. But by the end of the night, you’ve gone way over your initial limit, drinking more or longer than you planned.
Or, instead of drinking just to get a “buzz,” you wind up intoxicated without really planning to. These are all signs alcohol could be playing a far bigger role in your life than you realize — and a sign that it’s time to take back control.
Reaching for a drink to unwind after a tough day is common, but relying on alcohol to manage stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions can be a major warning sign. Not only is the behavior itself unhealthy, but it can also prevent you from developing more effective — and healthier — coping strategies.
If drinking has become your primary way to relax or deal with problems, it’s time to reassess your habits. Substance use disorder therapies offer alternative ways to manage stress, focused on improving your emotional well-being without relying on alcohol.
Alcohol can affect your health in lots of ways, taking a toll on digestion, blood pressure, liver function, and weight. Frequent headaches, heartburn, sleep problems, and difficulty managing emotions can all be linked to alcohol use.
If you already have a health condition, alcohol use could worsen your condition or interfere with medications you use to manage it. And of course, regular alcohol use can take a big toll on your relationships at work, at home, and in your peer group.
Alcohol misuse and abuse can happen so slowly and subtly that you may not even notice it’s happening — but friends, coworkers, or family members might.
Concerns about your drinking habit can feel invasive at first, putting you in a defensive mood — a natural reaction. Although these observations can be difficult or uncomfortable to hear, they’re a warning sign that definitely needs attention.
Managing alcohol use isn’t easy, especially if it’s become a habit or you rely on alcohol to help manage stress. Fortunately, SUD therapy can help by providing a custom treatment plan focused on your goals, health, and quality of life.
To learn how we can help, call 310-547-0202 to schedule an appointment with the Harbor Community Health Centers team at one of our two locations in San Pedro, California, today.
