How to Know When it’s Time to Quit Drinking
Many people enjoy an alcoholic beverage to relax and unwind. It may even become part of one’s ritual to have an evening drink after a long day. However, when a couple of alcoholic beverages turn into multiple drinks on a daily basis, it may be time to reassess your habits. Learn how to know when it’s time to quit drinking.
If you need a safe space to stay sober, our sober living environment at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation may be right for you. Contact us and learn how we can help.
When You’re Drinking Regularly & Excessively
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that the average woman should have no more than seven drinks per week, while the average man should have no more than fourteen drinks per week. If you notice that your tolerance is increasing due to the regularity of your drinking, it may be time to stop. You may also consider taking a break from alcohol for the week to see if you are able to resist. If you notice your tolerance increasing and/or you are unable to resist drinking for the week, this may be a sign that you are developing an addiction.
When You Hide Your Drinking Habits
Drinking in secret or by yourself is a telltale sign of addiction. When you feel that you need to hide your drinking habits from friends and family, you likely know that you’re drinking in excess. You may even feel guilty or worried that your loved ones will try to make you stop. If this is the case, you should consider getting sober.
When Your Relationships Are Affected
You know your drinking habits are out of control when your relationships are affected. Lying to family and friends about how much you drink may already be placing a strain on the relationship. If you are also continually showing up to gatherings while buzzed or completely intoxicated, it may cause your loved ones to have feelings of worry or anger. Before your drinking causes your relationships to get to this point, it is imperative to seek help and make a change.
When You Engage in Dangerous Behaviors
You are more likely to engage in risky behaviors while intoxicated, such as drinking and driving or having unsafe sex. It is also common for people to become more aggressive when having too much to drink, or even blackout. Each of these scenarios have serious, potentially life-threatening consequences. Continuing to put yourself in these situations is a giant red flag that you need to quit drinking immediately.
Consider The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
Learning how to know when to stop drinking can help you fix your drinking habits before they begin to affect your relationships and overall health. If you notice any of the above behaviors in yourself, it may be time to seek sobriety. While this may feel like a difficult task, a sober living environment will allow you to get the treatment you need in a supportive, understanding community. To learn more, reach out to The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation to discover how we can help.
