"One glass of wine won't hurt you. In fact, it's good for you!" is something we often tell ourselves.
A recent study proves that no amount of alcohol is technically "safe" to drink. And with alcohol being one of the most common causes of death and disease, it's important to exercise caution.
This means we need to take a step back everyone once in a while and ask ourselves, "Do I drink too much?"
A little self-reflection never hurt anyone. So, let's take a look at fives signs that you might be drinking too much alcohol.
1. You Need to Drink More to Get Buzzed:
Of all the signs you drink too much, one of the biggest red flags is the amount you drink and how much it takes to feel "good."
If you find yourself needing to drink more and more before you can feel a buzz, then that's how to know if you drink too much. If two beers or a couple of glasses of wine got you feeling cozy enough, but now it's a full six pack or half a bottle, then you need to reevaluate.
The more alcohol you drink, the more tolerant you'll become of its effects. This doesn't mean that you need to keep up with the increased tolerance, though. Instead, it could be a sign that you need to slow down.
2. Liquor is Your Go-To for Stress Relief:
Life hits us hard sometimes, and we need to find stress. For some people, that means yoga, writing a journal, or going for a run.
Others find themselves reaching for the liquor cabinet, and often it involves drinking alone instead of with friends or family. We drink to lift our moods when the going gets rough, but alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant.
It will only make matters worse, even if it gives some relief for the short term.
3. You Gain Weight Fast:
Now, many things can make you gain weight quickly. You might be going on a snack binge or not exercising as much as you used to.
But one of the signs you drink too much alcohol is you find yourself gaining weight fast. It may feel like liquids don't affect weight that much, but some drinks are surprisingly packed with calories.
Even some liquors, when poured neat, aren't great for your waistline.
4. You're Not Sleeping Well:
While it could just be an old and broken bed that needs updating, having trouble sleeping is another sign you might drink too much.
Alcohol negatively affects REM sleep, which is an important part of our nightly routine. It's during REM when a lot of health-boosting processes take place in our bodies, and booze can really mess these processes up.
It's what makes us wake up feeling groggy, unrested, and slow. This could be especially true if you're consuming fake alcohol, which may be filled with even more harmful chemicals.
5. You're Asking Yourself "Do I Drink Too Much?"
If you're asking yourself these questions in the first place, it might be a good sign that you're drinking too much alcohol.
You know your body well, and if you find that booze and counting your drinks during a night out is constantly on your mind, then there might be truth to it. One good way to tell if alcohol is consuming your life is if the thought of it is constantly on your mind.
It's a good sign that you need to consider quitting drinking and start living a healthier and happier life.
Take a Good Look in the Mirror
If you've been wondering, "Do I drink too much?" then the problem of booze is already on your mind. There are a few telltale signs that you can pay attention to, including the quality of your sleep, weight gains, tolerance, and more.
But no matter what your reasons are for drinking alcohol, it's always a healthy choice to take a step back and consider whether it has gone too far. If you or a loved one is suffering from any kind of addiction, check out this guide on coordinating an intervention.
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