• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Doctor shares the one question that could determine if someone has a drinking problem this Christmas

Home> Lifestyle

Published 11:01 24 Dec 2024 GMT

Doctor shares the one question that could determine if someone has a drinking problem this Christmas

If you're concerned your relationship with alcohol is bordering on unhealthy, there's one question you can ask

Lucy Devine

Lucy Devine

A doctor has shared the one question you can ask yourself, if you're concerned whether your relationship with alcohol is becoming unhealthy.

While many of us enjoy a tipple or two over the festive period, it's easy to overdo it and get carried away.

Speaking to LADbible, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained there's one main question you can ask if you're concerned about your own relationship with booze, or somebody else's.

There's one question you can ask if you're worried about your relationship with alcohol (Getty Stock Photo)
There's one question you can ask if you're worried about your relationship with alcohol (Getty Stock Photo)

Advert

He explained: “As we approach Christmas, it can be a challenging period for anyone struggling with their relationship with alcohol.

"Typically, it takes a while before people notice their own dependence, but spotting it early can limit long-term health risks and help people take control of their lives.

"One of the main questions people should ask themselves is ‘Do I generally end up drinking more than I originally planned?’ as this can be a massive indicator of unhealthy dependence.

"Struggling to have only one drink can suggest a mental dependence on drinking and is a major symptom experienced by many alcoholics."

Dr Grant explained there are two other questions you can also ask to help evaluate whether your relationship with alcohol is becoming concerning.

Advert

The pressure to drink can increase at Christmas (Getty Stock Images)
The pressure to drink can increase at Christmas (Getty Stock Images)

“Additionally, ‘Do I need to drink to feel happy or less stressed?’ is extremely important and can help identify whether an individual is using alcohol as a means to escape," he explained.

"Alcohol should be used in moderation and as a way to socialise, opting to drink alone or often to avoid low moods can lead to excessive consumption and an even worse relationship with drinking.

“Finally, ‘Do I experience withdrawal symptoms when I don’t drink?’ is another crucial question people should ask themselves to uncover their alcohol dependence."

Withdrawal symptoms can include sweating, anxiety and nausea, as well as loss of appetite and irritability.

Advert

It's easy to get carried away over the festive period (Getty Stock Photo)
It's easy to get carried away over the festive period (Getty Stock Photo)

While the pressure to drink can also increase over the festive period, Dr Grant explained having 'open conversations' with friends and family can help maintain a healthy attitude towards alcohol.

“In the long-term, misuse of alcohol can ruin lives - impacting relationships and job performance while posing numerous health risks such as liver damage," he added.

"While there can be increased pressure to drink over the Christmas period, I strongly advise strict moderation and open conversations with friends and family to avoid peer pressure and maintain healthy attitudes towards drinking.”

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Health, Christmas, Food And Drink, Alcohol

Lucy Devine
Lucy Devine

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Doctor shares five changes you will experience if you stop drinking alcohol for a month
  • Doctor's stark warning over 'high-intensity' drinking habit as Christmas period begins
  • Doctor reveals what happens to your body if you're guilty of 'high intensity drinking'
  • 'Grey drinking' explained as psychiatrist reveals how to tell if you have a 'problem' with alcohol

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
4 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Couple who live full time on cruise ship share 'true' amount it costs them in total

    More and more people are seeking a life away from land

    Lifestyle
  • 3 hours ago

    Swingers explain why they wear black ring that is a major sign someone is one

    The subtle accessory says a lot

    Lifestyle
  • 4 hours ago

    Man who lost nine stone on Mounjaro in just 10 months reveals biggest mistakes when taking the drug

    Marc had 'tried everything' before experiencing a 'life-saving' change on Mounjaro

    Lifestyle
  • 9 hours ago

    Psychotherapist explains why Gen Z are having a 'fridge cigarette' in the afternoon

    There's nothing like cracking open a cold fridge cigarette

    Lifestyle