Do you have a problem with alcohol? 4 questions to ask yourself

You love a drink. It relaxes you, you feel more confident and sociable, you have more fun. Recently, someone has been telling you that you have an alcohol problem – your partner, a parent, a close friend, maybe your boss? You can’t accept what they say, after all everyone enjoys a drink every now and then. All your friends drink, and if you drink a bit more now and then, it doesn’t hurt anyone, you reason to yourself.

I understand that you don’t want to be told that you have an alcohol problem. It feels like you are a child again, being told that you have done something wrong. It can feel embarrassing, humiliating and possibly frightening, especially if you had an alcoholic parent.

So I simply want to ask you a few questions that can help you make up your own mind. Be aware that if you do have an alcohol problem, you won’t want to admit it. You will feel really defensive as I ask you to take an honest look at how you are doing.

1. How many times a week do you drink alcohol?

The recommended limit for low risk drinking is 2 standard drinks a day including 1 alcohol free day a week. Can you stop at 2 drinks? Perhaps you could test yourself over the next couple of weeks and keep a diary of how much you drink.

2. How much do you drink in any single episode?

You may drink just on one or two nights a week. How much do you drink on those occasions? The recommended limit when drinking on those occasions is 4 standard drinks.

Binge drinking to the point of intoxication as a regular occurrence is a risk to your health. Are you frequently intoxicated? Over the next fortnight, keep a count of how often you drink to intoxication.

3. Has the issue of alcohol caused conflict in your relationship? 

Does your partner nag you about your drinking?  Do you frequently fight about your drinking to the point that you avoid coming home? Consider if you are more irritable, distrustful or aggressive because you drink.

4. Are you noticing that your behaviour is frequently out of character?

Do you act inappropriately frequently? Are you making poor decisions or telling lies? Do you ever drive under the influence of alcohol? If you said yes, there’s a strong chance alcohol is controlling you, rather than you controlling it.

How did you do as you answered these questions?  If you could identify yourself in these four points, reach out and ask for help. Whether you cut back on alcohol or pursue sobriety, you have the power to live in freedom. Visit Alcoholics Anonymous online to find a support group in your area.

Do you want to take back control of your life? Would you like support to cut back on alcohol or go sober? Here’s what you need to do: Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10 minute consultation on how we can best help you or book online .