• 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

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Health, Christmas, Food And Drink, Alcohol

Lucy Devine
Lucy Devine

Advert

Advert

Advert

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.

  • 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'
  • Doctor has shared worrying concern about people who binge-drink before Christmas Day
  • Doctor issues Christmas warning over ‘anti-alcohol gene’ and how to spot symptoms of it

Choose your content:

an hour ago
a day ago
2 days ago
  • Instagram/Catherine De Noire
    an hour ago

    Manager of legal brothel reveals their biggest clients who she brands as 'show offs'

    Catherine De Noire has been managing a popular brothel for a decade

    Lifestyle
  • SWNS
    a day ago

    British family reveal how they sold their home in 24 hours to leave the UK and start new life costing just £35 a day

    Josh and Katie said they were spending twice as much as they are now each month while living in Sheffield

    Lifestyle
  • Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Dentist warns sparkling water is doing more damage to your teeth than you thought

    Sparkling water might be causing long term damage to your teeth

    Lifestyle
  • Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Man with rare spice tolerance accused of cheating in food competition

    While some people struggle to eat spicy food, others seem to tolerate it easily

    Lifestyle