Because excessive alcohol use impairs judgment and inhibitions, it can lead to risky behavior that can come with some serious consequences. Many alcoholic beverages have lots of calories, and you might not notice that because they’re so easy to consume. For example, if a 12-ounce beer has about why can’t i control my drinking 150 calories, and you drink five, you’ve consumed an additional 750 calories which can quickly add inches to your waistline.
What is a drinking habit?
You may be told you are selfish because you are caring for yourself and trying to create a life for yourself. The people you used to drink with may not like or understand that you’re taking a different path, and that’s okay. Find community in people who encourage you and support your recovery. Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems.
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It’s not uncommon for people to get defensive when others point out their unhealthy drinking habits. Your loved one might deny the problem, deflect, or get mad at you. Reassure yourself that speaking up is a compassionate gesture. If you don’t voice your concerns now, your loved one may not give up their alcohol abuse until they experience more severe consequences. If you’re a binge drinker, you may not drink every day, but when you do start drinking, you likely have a hard time calling it quits after just one or two drinks. Completely cutting alcohol out of your life is always an option.
- At the same time, it’s important to reflect on your drinking and substance use from time to time.
- And of course, even if they might be supportive of your intentions not to drink when they are sober, after they’ve had a few drinks, they may be more likely to put pressure on you to drink.
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Drinking a lot affects your health
You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink. Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol. Feeling at your best physically can boost resilience and emotional strength, equipping you to weather challenges that trigger the desire to drink.
Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives. Pursue new interests with them that don’t involve drinking. Instead of inviting your loved one out for drinks at a bar, invite them over to work on a crafting project or go out and see a movie.
Don’t keep alcohol in your house. Having no alcohol at home can help limit your drinking.
Exploring, in writing, what you find difficult and when you most want to drink can help you notice patterns that offer more insight into your alcohol use. Comparing the emotions that come up when you have a drink with the feelings you experience when abstaining also helps you recognize when drinking doesn’t fix the problems you’re trying to manage. Say you don’t have any cravings when you go without drinking. All the same, “a quick drink” often turns into three or four drinks. When you’re having a good time, you find it hard to stop, especially in the company of friends having the same amount.
I don’t want to quit drinking or using
- Because excessive alcohol use impairs judgment and inhibitions, it can lead to risky behavior that can come with some serious consequences.
- Even older adults can find it harder to turn down “one more drink” when they’re out having fun with friends.
- Remember that drinking can lower inhibitions and impair judgment, so once you go past your set limit you might have a harder time stopping.
It’s possible to develop a better relationship with alcohol and make more mindful, informed choices about drinking without total sobriety. What’s most important is looking at your drinking habits and finding a way to cut back that works for you. Knowing why you drink is essential, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a Virginia therapist specializing in addiction treatment and alcohol moderation. Learn more about the health effects of drinking alcohol here. Once our brain has conditioned us to link a cue with a reward, unlinking them is almost impossible.
