Drinking too much alcohol
Everyone seems to drink alcohol in our culture.
Many seem to drink to excess on occasion.
But how much drinking is too much?
Many of our clients say – why can’t I be like other people?
They seem to be able to drink without getting drunk all the time.
Regular drinking is not necessarily a problem – in Mediterranean cultures, families will usually have wine with dinner on most days. But they just have a glass or two.
Few people in those countries see any problem with drinking like that.
The truth is, it varies from person to person – there’s no absolute level of alcohol consumption at which you have a problem.
Most people know if they’re drinking too much even before other people tell them. But there are many signs to look out for, such as:-
- If you looking forward to a drink more than the other things in your life.
- If you drink because you feel sad, lonely, angry or depressed.
- If you need to hide how much you’re drinking from others
- If you are drinking in ‘secret’.
- If you notice a pile of your empties and think ‘wow, that’s getting big’.
- If the following day, you can’t concentrate on what you need to, because you ‘just can’t face it today’ – (you’re too hungover),
- If you’re finding it difficult to look people in the eye, because you think they might be judging you,
- If you’re buying a bottle during the day, do you buy lots of groceries with it to hide the fact that you’re buying alcohol before lunchtime?
- If you’re hungover, and you start thinking ‘just one drink will take this hangover away’, then you’ve definitely got a problem.
Drinking too much alcohol can have a detrimental effect on your
relationships, health, wealth and appearance:
Physical Health
cancer, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, sleep problems
Mental Health
anxiety, depression, paranoia, lack of concentration, memory loss
Weight
weight gain, bloated, beer belly, high in calories
Looks / Appearance
blood shot eyes, spotty skin, baggy eyes, bloated and puffy face, Rosacea, smelly
Sex Life
erection problems, lubrication problems, promiscious / unprotected sex, inferility,
Relationships
divorce, separation, arguements, domestic violence,
Finances
expense, debt, job loss,