Lots of people like to finish off a hectic day with a glass of their favourite tipple. They say it helps them to unwind. But the question is, ‘ is there a link between this kind of casual drinking and alcohol addiction? Does drinking in moderation come with any harmful consequences?
How much is too much? There really seems to be a very fine line between drinking for pleasure and alcohol dependency.
Changing ways
The path to alcohol addiction often starts with just trying the drink or drug out. Soon you have a driving compulsion to get hold of the drug no matter what the cost. In Surrey, Lifeline rehab is waiting to offer support to you. After all, they deal with all forms of addiction and mental health issues.
The staff is there to help you through your treatment programme and your after-care plan too. They are committed to your recovery with their beautiful and peaceful environment. Their purpose is to integrate you back into society.
That is why they put emphasis on Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). It’s a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy that teaches people how to find healthy ways to cope with stress, to live in the moment and also develop healthy relationships with people. At Lifeline, they also realize that correct nutrition is essential for healing along with rest and creative activities.
Don’t be tempted by the few health benefits
Yes, the health benefits of alcohol are there, but these benefits are only for moderate alcohol intake. Red wine, for example, is known to contain antioxidants and is good for maintaining cardiovascular health. Then again, it is high in calories and excessive intake can lead to increased body fat.
People tend to forget, however, that they don’t need to indulge every day to reap the benefits. Also, the effect of alcohol on individuals varies a lot, so it may not be beneficial for everyone.
Nobody is ever recommending you start drinking in moderation to enjoy the health benefits, as most people in any case drink for pleasure and by personal choice. If you want to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, you can’t just rely on moderate drinking!
Take heed
It’s been said that too much of a good thing leads to trouble. This is undoubtedly the case when it comes to drinking and taking drugs. If you are worried that you are drinking too much, there are always some warning signs to watch out for.
These warning signs are telling you that you need to make changes before things get out of hand. Ultimately, alcohol and drug abuse lead to alcohol dependence, mood swings, accidents, domestic violence, gastritis, pancreatitis, cancer, insomnia, dental problems and even death.
You find that you need to be drinking more and more alcohol to get the same buzz you had before. Next time you’re about to top up your glass, think of all the potential dangers you could be facing.
Seek out sober-minded friends
It’s a known fact that those who abuse alcohol can create problems in their homes and at the workplace, fracturing the relationships in each setting.
Maybe you’re drinking too much because you’re trying to hide some inferiorities or psychological problems. Maybe you need to re-look at your friends. Are they encouraging you to drink?
They may be your drinking buddies but they could care less about you when you’re not drinking with them. They don’t care about the toll the excess drinking is taking on your body and that it can lead to depression, accidents and death.
Maybe their interests are all about drinking or getting high. If you’re serious about changing your ways, you need to find new friends and new interests.