Binge

noun \ˈbinj\

For some, the decision to quit drinking comes after hitting rock bottom. For others, the signs are not so obvious. But just because you haven’t reached the lowest point in your life yet doesn’t mean your drinking isn’t a problem. There are several signs that alcohol is playing a negative role in your life, and that you would benefit from giving up alcohol.

Unhealthy Drinking Habits

Do you drink alone, in the mornings, or in secret? These all indicate unhealthy alcohol use. Using alcohol to relax, de-stress, or cope with problems in your life is another unhealthy coping tactic that ends up hurting you more than it helps.

If you engage in binge drinking, it is time to give up alcohol. Binge drinking is when your blood alcohol content goes to or above .08. Several factors affect your blood alcohol concentration (such as how quickly you drink, how much you weigh, etc), but it usually is four drinks for women and five drinks for men.

Negative Physical Health Effects

If you drink and experience blackouts or memory loss, it’s a sign of alcohol misuse. Sometimes people experience negative health effects when they try to stop drinking (as your body goes through withdrawal), which indicates a problem with your relationship to alcohol. Experiencing headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea when you try to stop drinking is an indicator of alcohol use disorder.

Negative Mental Health Effects

Alcohol abuse can also harm how we see ourselves. When you look in the mirror, and don’t like what you see or suffer from low self-esteem because of your drinking habits, it’s time for a change. Constantly questioning whether you drink too much could also be a reason to look at how drinking is affecting you.

Negative Relationship Effects

If you feel compelled to lie to others about your drinking habits, or if your relationships are being harmed, alcohol is negatively affecting your life. An increase in fights or stress due to drinking is an indicator as well. When a loved one who knows you well suggests it’s time to quit drinking, you should listen.

Poor Judgement When You Drink

Does alcohol turn you into another (worse) person? Sometimes people become irrational or reckless, potentially causing harm to themselves or others. Others make damaging decisions while drinking that they never would sober, which only adds negativity to their lives. If you don’t like who you are when you drink, it’s time to stop drinking.

The Truth About Binge Drinking

Do you consume four to five alcoholic drinks in one night? Do you regularly drink this much every weekend? You could be a binge drinker and not even realize it. Binge drinking can cause adverse health effects for men and women.

For many people who suffer from alcohol addiction, it’s a slow process of becoming addicted. Often, they don’t realize there’s a problem because they don’t look like a “typical alcoholic”. The problem can be especially prevalent among mothers who drink, because how our society views women drinkers doesn’t fit our accepted definition of alcoholic.  But any of these signs indicate alcohol is a damaging influence on your life, and it’s time for a change. A great tool to empower you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle is hypnotherapy. Many others have used it to overcome alcohol dependence, and it can change your life too! Check out our programs and book a free consultation session today.