Alcohol is a legally available addictive substance in the U.S. It is also a socially accepted substance, due to which many people fail to set their boundaries around it. When we talk about setting boundaries, it does not always mean being completely drunk all the time. There are cases of alcohol abuse that many of us even fail to notice. This negligence often leads to issues with health, behavior, emotions, and others.
Thus, it is necessary to be mindful of your alcohol consumption and signs of problems.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder, also referred to as AUD is one of the rising health concerns in our country. It involves an unhealthy pattern of drinking. Here an individual is found to consume more alcohol than usual. This not only affects the user but equally affects the people around them.
One of the major signs of AUD includes drinking more than usual. Other signs of alcohol abuse are
- Multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit the substance
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities which you once loved
- Refraining from social gatherings just to drink
- You need more drinks than usual to get drunk
- You risk your and others’ lives due to alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms kick in after skipping even a day of drinking
- Strong urge to drink when sober
- Neglecting school or work responsibilities
- You are facing relationship issues at home or with friends
- You have changed your circle of friends just to be around alcohol
If you have observed these signs in yourselves lately, it proves alcohol use disorder. The best way to overcome this is by controlling your drinking and approaching an expert if needed.
How to Reduce your Drinking?
Here are some effective ways to reduce your drinking and regain your health.
- Be around people who support and appreciate your decision to quit alcohol
- Share your emotions, feelings, and thoughts so that you don’t need alcohol to get over them
- Focus on your mental well-being just as much you care about your physical health
- Distance from people, places, activities, etc. that are likely to trigger your alcohol needs
Quitting alcohol is going to be tough at first, but if you are determined, you will achieve sobriety soon. However, if you don’t feel confident to detox on your own, you can always visit Taylor Recovery for an assisted detox.
Call us now for more details.