Helping Yourself Handle Alcohol Addiction
I sometimes feel guilty about my drinking, what does this mean?
I think if you feel guilty on a regular basis and you're drinking pretty regularly, then there may be some significance because in fact alcohol withdrawal does increase guilt and anxiety; maybe something you need to think about.
I get defensive when people criticise my drinking, what does this mean?
Well, maybe you are concerned about your drinking, and it's something you might need to explore. If there was no significance for you, then it might be something that you just shrug off. If this occurs quite regularly, then perhaps people have a point.
I've felt the urge to drink in the morning, is this normal?
No, it's not. It's normally an indication of the fact that you are withdrawing from alcohol and your body's craving some more alcohol. It's not normal to feel the urge to drink in the morning.
Can't I reduce my alcohol intake to help my problem rather than stopping altogether?
Well, yes, it is possible, but it's actually very difficult. It isn't just about drinking alcohol, but the lifestyle that goes around it. So if you're still going in the pubs, drinking with the same friends, doing the same things, then, in fact, to just cut down will be difficult. Within our agency, we always advise people to have a period of abstinence, to stay off alcohol for awhile.
In what ways can alcoholism affect my everyday life?
It will affect your sleep pattern, it will affect your health, and actually affect your sexual performance. If you're pregnant, it could put your child at risk, affect your job, and your relationships. You may find yourself isolated and in debt. There are many ways in which it will affect your life.
How does alcohol addiction change my relationship with family and friends?
I think it can make it very problematic. You can often be involved in quite secretive drinking if people disapprove. It can create conflicts with your partner, and it can create a change in a relationship with your children and concerns there. It can lead to domestic violence within the home, and isolation. It can eventually really breakdown family relationships and friends that just move away and aren't interested anymore.
How can alcoholism affect my work life?
If you start drinking heavily or you're drinking over the weekend, then you're less likely to turn up on a Monday morning at the right time. On a Friday, you may be thinking about leaving early to start off going to a pub. You can often become secretive with colleagues and you can become isolated from them. Also, with job progression, you're not as likely to get a promotion if you're drinking. Your performance at work will also go down.
Is it safe to drink whilst I'm pregnant?
The best advice is not to drink at all. Obviously, there are some conflicting guidelines and suggestions that you can have a drink occasionally, but it's probably best to avoid it for the sake of your unborn baby and yourself.
