Drinking Problem: Drinking is a common activity for many people. The majority of the time, it is both morally and legally permissible for an adult to consume alcohol. However, because each person’s response to alcohol is unique, it can be challenging to determine when a loved one’s drinking has progressed from socially acceptable, responsible drinking to alcohol abuse. There is no set quantity that identifies the presence of an alcohol consumption disorder. Instead, it is determined by how drinking impacts the lives of your loved ones.
Identifying the warning signals of a drinking problem
Many people are drinking more than they used to in an effort to reduce stress during these challenging times of the global pandemic, economic instability, and rising unemployment. While it’s easy to comprehend, that doesn’t make it less of a concern. It may be a clue that your loved one’s drinking has developed into a problem if they use alcohol to deal with stress, or issues, or to avoid feeling unpleasant.
Additionally, your loved one might have a drinking issue if they:
- Regularly disregard their obligations at home, at work, or at school because they are drinking or sobering up.
- They frequently drink excessively or on binges.
- Lie about their alcohol consumption or make an effort to hide it.
- Alcohol causes people to “blackout” or loses all memory of their actions or words.
- Even when their drinking is interfering with their relationships with you and others, they continue to do so.
- Self-medicate with alcohol for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
The first step in assisting a loved one who exhibits indicators of alcohol abuse or addiction is to educate yourself as much as you can on these topics. You’ll be prepared to talk to your loved one about their drinking and provide them with the support and resources they need once you’ve done your homework on all the available treatment and self-help alternatives.
Also Read: Alcoholism: Treatment For An Alcoholic
5 Types of Alcohol Drinkers
- Moderate drinking
- Heavy drinking
- Hazardous drinking
- Alcohol abuse
- Alcohol dependence
Moderate Drinking
Equal to or less than two drinks a day for men and equal to or less than one drink a day for women.
Heavy Drinking
More than 14 drinks per week or 4 drinks at one sitting for men and more than seven drinks a week or three drinks at one sitting for women. (Drinking over this amount puts a person at risk for adverse health events.)
Hazardous Drinking
Hazardous drinking is an average consumption of 21 drinks or more per week for men (or 7 or more drinks per occasion at least 3 times a week) and 14 or more drinks per week for women (or more than 5 drinks per occasion at least 3 times a week). Hazardous drinking is considered to place individuals at risk for adverse health events.
Alcohol Abuse
One or more of the following alcohol-related problems over a period of one year: failure to fulfil work or personal obligations; recurrent use in potentially dangerous situations; problems with the law; and continued use in spite of harm being done to social or personal relationships.
Alcohol Dependence
The individual experiences three or more of the following alcohol-related problems over a period of one year: increased amounts of alcohol needed to produce an effect; withdrawal symptoms or drinking alcohol to avoid these symptoms; drinking more over a given period than intended; unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down; giving up significant leisure or work activities; continuing drinking in spite of the knowledge of its physical or psychological harm to oneself or others.
Also Read: Healthy Lifestyle: How To Lead A Healthy Lifestyle