The trouble is, how can a person tell?
Why Are We Drinking?
People drink for various reasons.
Reward-Drinking
This behavior describes reward drinking because having an alcoholic drink brings joy or pleasure.
Are We Drinking to Escape from Lifes Problems?
Seeing family can be triggering, for example, or you may not adore your boss.
Similar to using alcohol for escape, this can be a problem.
If you have trouble sticking to your drinking goals, you may be at risk of alcohol use disorder.
Tell your friend or loved one the amount you plan on drinking.
This will help slow down your alcohol consumption throughout the evening.
Use a shot glass or other measuring utensil to make drinks so that you know one drink reallyisone drink.
If a bartender is making them, request a “single.”
Additionally, you’ll be consuming alcohol more mindfully, which can also help prevent over-consumption.
If you’ve answered “yes” to these questions, then it’s time to seek professional treatment.
Your first step is to seek help from a primary care physician.
They will then be able to assess your drinking and assess your overall well-being.
Recovery programs, psychological counseling, and prescription medication that reduces alcohol craving are all forms of treatment.
Crisis Support
If you are experiencing major health issues, contact emergency services immediately for help.
The combination can be deadly.
If you think you may have an alcohol problem,there is help availablefor you.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol Facts and Statistics.
2017;74(9):911. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.2161
NIH.Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help.
