Many people have a great time during the holiday season, but for some, it can be difficult to handle their alcohol intake. Are you drinking a little too much this holiday season? You may be surprised to find out that your answer is yes.
According to one study, the average American experiences a 100% increase in alcohol intake between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. This only shows that many people are vulnerable to overindulging, and some even do so every day.
So, how can you tell if your holiday drinking is becoming a problem? This blog post will help you determine if your holiday drinking has become a problem by listing some signs of problematic drinking.
You Are Drinking More Than 4-5 Drinks in a Span of 2 Hours
Our bodies cannot instantly process alcohol. In general, the liver can process one standard drink in one hour. This means that if you are drinking more than one or two drinks in an hour, you are already over saturating your system with alcohol.
When you drink more than 4 drinks for females or 5 drinks for males in a period of 2 hours, this is already considered binge drinking. Drinking this amount of alcohol or more can already put you at risk of alcohol poisoning. If you are drinking at a holiday party, better to limit your drink to only 1 per hour.
You Spend More Time Drinking Than Socializing with Other Guests
It is always good to keep in mind that holiday get-together are more about connecting with loved ones, not about getting smashed. If you find yourself heading to the beer keg or bar when you arrive at a party, way before talking to your hosts or loved ones, it means that alcohol is becoming your priority.
Next time you attend a party, try to drink less and focus more on catching up with your friends and family.
You Feel Guilty or Embarrassed When You Drink
Feeling guilty or embarrassed after drinking is a sign that you are not comfortable in your state of intoxication, which means you know it’s bad for you. This may also mean that alcohol has already become an issue to the point where every time you drink, you are making unwise choices you would not normally do when you are sober.
Your Behavior Changes when Drinking
Do you notice that your behavior changes when drinking? Do you feel like a different person after taking a few drinks, and the more drinks you take, the less inhibition and self-control you have? If this is true for most of your holiday parties or gatherings, then it may be time to step on the brakes on your habit.
You’re Secretly Drinking Alcohol Away from Other Guests
Do you sneak drinks every time someone’s back is turned or when everyone else goes outside for a smoke? How about going to the bathroom with an empty glass so that you can top it up again in secret? If this is happening more than once, then your holiday drinking may be becoming a problem.
You Get Upset If There Is No Alcohol in the Party
Do you groan loudly when there’s no more wine? Or do you guilt your host into getting more beer when there is no more left? Maybe you even get angry when people you’re with refuse to drink any longer.
It may not always be easy to spot this, but if you are getting upset whenever there is no alcohol at a party, it’s time to realize that your habit has already become an issue.
You Start Craving Alcohol Outside of Holiday Parties
Do you start craving alcohol during the day, or even when there is no party to go to? How about having a drink as soon as you wake up and continuing until it’s time for bed?
Your constant need to consume alcohol even when you’re not at a party is another sign that you’re having problems with controlling your drinking habits. This can be problematic as it can affect your work and your day-to-day activities.
You Can’t Stop Drinking Although You Know It’s Bad For You
One of the obvious signs that you have an alcohol problem is if you can’t make yourself stop even if you know it’s bad for your health and mental well-being.
This is a tough one to notice as you can be in denial and think that you can still handle the alcohol. However, there comes a point that you feel like something has taken over your mind and body urging you to keep drinking even if you know you should stop.
If you notice these signs on yourself or a loved one, it is best to seek help or advice from a professional. There are many alcohol recovery programs out there that can give you the support and motivation needed for sobriety.