Worried you may have a problem with drinking? Here are three signs which may suggest so, according to a former alcoholic.
Despite the obvious side effects of drinking - hangovers, spending way too much money and the fear of waking up and worrying you made a fool out of yourself - it's a pastime which we all continue to partake in anyway, with around 80 percent of Brit adults saying they often have a bev.
But if you're worried that your drinking may be crossing the line between recreational and dependency, then there's a wealth of advice on the internet for cutting back and recognising harmful patterns in yourself.
One such person who regularly creates content around sobriety is Corey Warren, a former alcoholic who now encourages his followers to give up drinking.
Advert
And here are three warning signs which he believes may suggest you have an issue with drinking.
You create rules around drinking
Corey's first sign revolves around needing to create certain 'rules' in relation to your drinking habits.
Suggesting that having rules such as 'I'm only going to have two or three tonight' or 'No liquor, just beer tonight' is a sign that you're not fully in control of your alcohol consumption.
"Normal drinkers, they don't do that," he added.
Personality changes
We've all got that one friend who turns weepy or aggressive when they've had a couple of drinks, and to Corey, this is another warning sign of potential alcohol dependence.
"You might be overly emotional, angry, or you're loud and think you need to be the life of the party... Normal drinkers, they don't do that."
Needing alcohol to 'have fun'
The final red flag Corey mentioned was people who feel the need to have a drink at every type of event they're at in order to have fun.
"Every time you go out to dinner, to an event, to a game, whatever the case may be. If you need alcohol in order to have fun, it might be something to take a look at," he said.
What is the NHS guidance for problem drinking?
NHS guidance on alcohol say that adults should avoid drinking more than 14 units a week and to spread alcohol consumption out across several days instead of consuming weekly units in one day.
Signs which suggest potential alcohol misuse include:
- You feel you should cut down on your drinking
- Other people have been criticising your drinking
- You feel guilty or bad about your drinking
- You need a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover
There is also the 'CAGE' test, which can be used to gauge whether or not you may be a functioning alcoholic.
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.
Brenna Cooper