Drinking alcohol every day doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a drinking problem or an addiction to alcohol. The problem occurs if you feel like you cannot stop drinking alcohol even if it is having a negative impact on your life and the people’s life around you. Alcohol rehab is available when someone’s addiction to alcohol is uncontrollable.
Guidelines say that men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week. This is in order to reduce the risk of developing complications and health issues as a consequence of consuming alcohol.
What does 14 units of alcohol equate to?
- 6 pints of beer, or
- 6 glasses of wine, or
- 14 25ml measures of spirits.
Therefore, consuming alcohol every day doesn’t always mean that you have an addiction. It is more about the volume of alcohol you’re consuming too (as well as the emotions which are supporting this destructive behaviour).
If you are drinking often, and more than 14 units of alcohol each week, then this could be a sign you have a drinking problem.
Other Signs Which Could Suggest a Drinking Problem
The following factors could also be a sign of a drinking problem, or a symptom of alcohol addiction.
Do you ever find:
- That you use alcohol as a way of relieving stress?
- That you feel irritable or anxious if you haven’t consumed alcohol?
- That you need to consume alcohol to get out of bed/function through the day?
- That you need to drink more alcohol than previously to feel drunk?
- That you neglect responsibilities to consume alcohol?
- Yourself lying or getting defensive about how much you drink?
- Yourself consuming a lot of alcohol whilst alone?
- Yourself experiencing strong cravings for alcohol that affect your concentration or mood?
- That you still continue to drink even though it has caused problems in your life?
If you are drinking alcohol every day, and it is having a negative impact on your family life, and your professional life, it is very important that you reach out and get help. Make an appointment to see your doctor, and you can discuss your problem and begin to make change in your life for the better.
Many people have successful rehab stories, where their treatment has helped them overcome their addictions, and put them on a better path for life. It is never too late to make change for yourself.
