Many people drink with friends. They may have a glass at dinner or a drink at a party. That is often okay. But sometimes drinking causes trouble. It is written for people who want to know if their drinking is safe or if they need help.
What Is Social Drinking?
Social drinking means you drink now and then with other people. You might enjoy a drink with a meal or at a celebration. You can stop when you want. You do not use alcohol to feel better when you are sad or alone. You keep doing your work and caring for people you love.
What Is a Drinking Problem?
A drinking problem means alcohol causes harm. Harm can be to your body, your school or job, or your family. You may try to stop, but you may not be able to. You may hide how much you drink. You may drink to forget hard feelings. If drinking causes more pain than good, it is a problem.
Signs Alcohol May Be a Problem
Watch for these signs. If many match, talk with someone you trust or a doctor.
- You drink more than you say you will.
- You want to stop, but cannot stop.
- You drink alone often.
- You miss work or school after drinking.
- You tell untrue things about how much you drink.
- You drive after drinking.
- You feel sick if you do not drink.
- You quit hobbies so you can drink.
- People you love ask you to stop, and you do not.
- You feel sad, worried, or angry because of drinking.
How Alcohol Can Change Life
Alcohol can change your body and your thoughts. It can make sleep worse. It can make feelings bounce up and down. It can make it hard to think or to remember. Over time, it can cause health problems like liver damage. It can also hurt money and friendships.
Why People May Drink More Than They Want To
People drink for many reasons. Some drink to handle stress or pain. Some drink because it is a habit. Some drink because friends do. Some people have a change in their brains that makes it hard to stop. This is not your fault. You can get help.
What You Can Try Right Now
Try small steps if you think drinking is a problem.
- Track your drinks for a week. Write down each drink.
- Make a rule, like no drinks on weeknights.
- Stay away from places where you drink too much.
- Tell one friend or family member your plan. Ask them to help.
- Find safe ways to handle feelings. Go for a walk, call a friend, or choose a hobby.
- If you feel very sick when you stop, see a doctor. Do not stop suddenly if you drink a lot. Some people need medical help to stop safely.
When to Ask for Help
In case alcohol causes you to feel trapped or sick, seek assistance. Get your support when your health, work, or family is at risk. Also, reach out if stopping makes you shaky, sick, or scared. These signs may mean you need medical care.
How Treatment Can Help
Treatment can help a lot. Talk therapy teaches you to manage tough feelings. Medicine can reduce cravings or lift your mood. Group meetings connect you with those who understand. A plan that suits your life is most effective. You’re not alone in this.
How Ancient Of Days Psychiatry Can Help
Ancient Of Days Psychiatry, LLC offers care for people with substance use and addiction. The team treats alcohol and other addictions with kindness and skill. They offer therapy and, when needed, medicine to help. They look at the whole person. That means they help with mood, trauma, and other issues that can make drinking worse.
Susan Gilbert is the ARNP, PMHNP-BC in charge. They assist individuals of every age, developing individual strategies. If you’re worried about drinking, they will check in with you. They’ll help make a safe plan and offer support along the way.
What to Expect at a Visit
On your first visit, the team will ask simple questions. They want to know how much you drink and how it affects your life. They will also ask about your feelings. They might discuss medicines that can help. They will set goals that feel right. They will treat you with care. Your story matters.
If Someone You Love Drinks Too Much
You can help a person who drinks too much. Talk without blame. Use kind words. Say you care and want them to be safe. Suggest a visit to a doctor or to Ancient Of Days Psychiatry. Offer to go with them if they want. Remember, you cannot fix another person. You can support them and keep safe boundaries.
Conclusion
Drinking can be a normal part of life, or it can become harmful. If you see signs that alcohol is hurting you or someone you love, act. Small steps matter. Asking for help is brave. Ancient Of Days Psychiatry, LLC can give care that is kind and skilled. You do not have to face this alone.
FAQs
Q. Will the team at Ancient Of Days judge me?
No. We listen with care. We want to help, not blame.
Q. Can I bring a friend or family member to my visit?
Yes. You can bring someone to help and to listen.
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