Show Your Irish Spirit Sober – Ideas for Celebrating an Alcohol-Free St Patrick’s Day
March 13, 2023
If you’re concerned that your relationship with alcohol is no longer healthy, you’re not alone. It’s a common feeling for many of us and can be a sign that it’s time to rethink your relationship with alcohol and make the switch to a sober life. Here are seven red flags that may indicate you need to take a step back from drinking and make a change.
1. You Hide Your Drinking From Family and Friends
If you find yourself hiding how much you drink from those closest to you because you don’t want them to know, this could be an indication that something needs to change. We all have moments of shame or embarrassment when it comes to our behavior, but if your drinking becomes something that requires secrecy, it could be an early warning sign of dependency or addiction.
2. You Drink To Feel Normal
If the thought of going out without having at least one drink feels strange or uncomfortable, this could be a sign that your body has become dependent on alcohol in order to feel “normal” or relaxed. This type of dependency can quickly lead down the path of addiction if left unchecked, so pay attention and make sure this isn’t happening in your life.
3. You Find Reasons To Justify Your Drinking Habits
If you find yourself making excuses or justifying why it’s ok for you to have more than one alcoholic drink on any given night, then it might be time for some honest self-reflection about why exactly this is necessary for you to do so regularly.
4. You Have Trouble Sleeping Without Alcohol
Difficulty sleeping is often caused by drinking too much alcohol before bedtime—a habit which can lead to physical dependence if not addressed quickly enough. Insomnia may also signal an underlying anxiety disorder or depression which should be addressed as soon as possible through therapy or medicine prescribed by a doctor.
5. You Always Feel Hangovers After Drinking
Hangovers are definitely not fun, but they’re also part of the natural cycle when we drink too much alcohol in one sitting; however, if hangovers start happening more frequently despite cutting back on drinking, then this could be an indication that your body has developed tolerance and needs more alcohol in order to achieve desired effects—which is never good news!
6. You Keep Increasing The Amount Of Alcohol That You Drink Per Night
If you find yourself increasing the amount of drinks per night in order to achieve desired effects (i.e., getting drunk faster), then this too could be another red flag indicating a potential problem with alcohol dependency and should not be ignored; instead get help right away before things get worse!
7. You Feel Uncomfortable When Not Drinking (or Thinking About Not Drinking)
If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable when not drinking or constantly thinking about not drinking, it could be a sign that you need help with your drinking. This discomfort may manifest as physical cravings or emotional distress, and can be a red flag for alcohol use disorder. It’s important to recognize these warning signs and seek support from loved ones or professionals to address any underlying issues related to alcohol consumption. With the right resources and treatment, it is possible to overcome addiction and regain control of your life.
Living a sober lifestyle doesn’t have to mean missing out on anything; on the contrary, it can open up new doors for personal growth and fulfillment! It takes courage and dedication but anyone can do it – all it takes is recognizing when enough is enough and making the commitment towards bettering oneself through sobriety! If any of these seven red flags sound familiar, then consider taking some time out for reflection over what exactly is causing such behaviors – by doing so you can learn more about yourself while hopefully, avoiding further complications down the line!
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s important to take action and seek support from professionals. Sober Living America is an excellent resource for those seeking additional help and guidance on their journey to recovery. With their comprehensive programs and dedicated staff, they can provide the tools and resources needed to break free from addiction and live a fulfilling life in sobriety. Remember, it’s never too late to seek help and make positive changes in your life!
