THE FINE LINE BETWEEN RESPONSIBLE DRINKING AND ALCOHOL MISUSE

Recognize the signs, understand the risks, and seek help when needed.

Alcohol misuse refers to excessive or problematic drinking patterns that can harm one’s health and wellbeing. Recognizing the signs is crucial to prevent long-term damage and seek help when needed.

SIGNS OF MISUSE

• Binge Drinking
  Binge drinking is consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, increasing the risk of accidents, alcohol poisoning, and long-term health problems like liver problems and addiction.

• Drinking Alone
  Drinking alone can mask the severity of alcohol misuse, increase the likelihood of alcohol dependency, and exacerbate existing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

• Negative Consequences
  Alcohol misuse often leads to negative consequences like DUIs, legal trouble, relationship problems, and work-related issues, impacting not only the individual but also their loved ones.

• Tolerance
  When you need to drink more alcohol to feel its effects, it indicates an increased tolerance. This is a warning sign of alcohol misuse and may point to a developing dependency that needs attention and may require professional help.

• Withdrawal Symptoms
  If you notice withdrawal symptoms like shaking, nausea, or sleep difficulties when not drinking, it could be a sign of alcohol misuse. It’s important to recognize these signs and take action by seeking help to address the issue.

Alcohol misuse doesn’t always look like a problem. It can start as a way to relax or socialize, but before you know it, it can become a crutch to cope with stress, anxiety and pain. Don’t wait for the consequences to pile up – take a step back, evaluate your relationship with alcohol, and seek help if needed.

You can take an anonymous online screening to take a look at your current level of alcohol use to get a feel for the relationship you have with alcohol and whether or not you should seek help.