These 4 signs your relationship with alcohol isn’t healthy (you should probably stop drinking)

In January 2024, Santé Publique France published a study on alcohol consumption in France based on figures collected in 2021. A report which showed that it remained “very high”despite a general drop in numbers observed by the organization observed. Thus, the report showed that 39% of adults drink weekly and 8% do so daily.

These statistics therefore raise the question of our relationship with alcohol. Indeed, while most people who use it are convinced that they have no problem with it, perhaps they should not be so sure. According to experts, certain signs are unmistakable and special attention should be paid to them. They explained to Huffington Post the clues which showed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

You use alcohol to manage your emotions

Therapist Johanna Jones says there may be a problem if you use alcohol as a way to deal with anxiety or conflict. In fact, this one has an inhibitory role, but it is also a depressant. It therefore slows down the activity of the central nervous system and gives this feeling of relief. “When it becomes something that we use for specific emotional purposes like overcoming anxiety, releasing the worries of the day, to be more comfortable with other people, I think that’s a potential problem. It’s much easier to have a drink, forget all these things and feel better about yourself and your mind than it is to learn strategies to manage your anxiety, to learn how to cope with life as a more balanced way”, underlines the specialist. Note also that the effects of alcohol do not last and that when the body eliminates it, the anxiety is generally worse than usual. If this behavior is repeated, it can also create mental dependence to alcohol.

Your tolerance increases

This sign may not seem like a big deal to many, but Dr. Emily Hartwell, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, stresses that it’s important to monitor this parameter. Indeed, if socially, holding alcohol well is seen as something positive, in reality, this should not be the case. She explains: “To me, this is a huge sign that it’s time to re-evaluate the situation and whether you’re drinking within healthy limits for you. Your brain may be thinking, ‘I’m good, I’m finally feeling that little boost,’ but your body is still feeling the effects of three glasses of wine. This hasn’t changed.”

It costs you (and not just money)

Note that alcohol consumed at home or outside has a cost. It is therefore important to ask yourself whether the related expenses are not excessive compared to your budget. But money isn’t the only thing your drinking can cost. Indeed, if you drink too much, it will have a big impact on the quality of your sleep. When you drink, what is your behavior? Are you putting yourself in danger? Has alcohol ever made you lose a friendship, love? Or even a job? All these questions are extremely important according to experts.

You can’t stop when you start

Another parameter on which we must remain vigilant is the way you consume alcohol. Indeed, while some people stop when they start to feel a little tipsy, others will continue to drink again and again. If you can’t stop when you start or the idea of ​​reducing your consumption is unthinkable, you certainly have a bad relationship with alcohol. As professionals point out, there are online help tools to help you know what to do and find strategies to try to reduce your consumption. It is also possible to consult a doctor.

Editor

Passionate about issues of feminism and society, Allison puts her pen to work on current affairs for Aufeminin. It covers a wide range of themes to provide you with…