Recognizing Drinking Problems and Adjusting Habits
- Jan 25, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 23
The path to managing depression can feel overwhelming, but building a solid daily routine is a powerful first step. By understanding the nature of depression and implementing consistent practices, you can create the stability needed to regain control and foster a healthier state of mind.
What are some daily strategies for managing depression?
Setting a consistent sleep schedule, staying connected with loved ones, and establishing daily goals and chores are key strategies. Incorporating regular physical activity, eating healthy meals, and getting enough natural light can also significantly improve your mood.
The journey to wellness is a marathon, not a sprint, and there's so much more to uncover about daily coping mechanisms. Keep reading to learn how simple, consistent actions can help you take control of your mental health and build a stronger foundation for the future.
How Can You Tell If You Need Help for Alcohol Use?
Covid-19 has now been present in our society for close to two years. In this time, people have experienced increased stress, depression, anxiety about the future, and other various hardships. These impacts have seen an increase in alcohol consumption across the board for the U.S population. If you have found yourself drinking more to cope with these issues, you are not alone.
Continue reading to learn how to address if drinking has become an issue and if you may need to change your habits. Alcohol consumption can have negative impacts on our health, relationships, and work-life. It is important to be proactive if you are feeling like alcohol is becoming a bigger part of your life than you would like it to be.
The first step in dealing with increased alcohol use is recognizing that there may be a problem. If you find yourself experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is important to reach out for help. Alcohol rehab centers can provide you with resources and treatment options if you find that alcohol has become a problem for you.
If you are not ready or do not feel like you need rehab, that is okay. There are many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups available that can provide support for people trying to moderate their alcohol consumption. AA meetings offer a safe space for people to share their experiences with drinking and learn how to live without alcohol.
Recognizing Drinking Problems: Signs and Symptoms
If you're noticing that your alcohol use is gradually increasing, it's important to take steps to adjust your habits before the problem gets worse. Alcohol abuse can have serious consequences both physically and emotionally. Here are some key signs that you may need to seek treatment for a drinking problem:
- Having alcohol more days in the week than you used to
- Drinking more in each sitting
- Drinking earlier in the day
- Giving yourself higher quantities when you're drinking to feel intoxicated
- Spending more money on alcohol than previously
- Thinking back and realizing your memories are foggy
- Feeling guilt or shame from your drinking
- Comments or concerns about your drinking from your loved ones
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's important to get help as soon as possible. Alcohol treatment can provide the support you need to overcome an addiction and learn how to live without alcohol.
If you are struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), know that you are not alone. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, AUD affects about 17 million people in the United States. If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drinking habits, it is important to be aware of the signs of binge drinking. Look out for these red flags:
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Making excuses to drink or hide alcohol consumption
- Having problems at work or school due to drinking
- Experiencing blackouts from alcohol use
- Engaging in risky behaviors while drunk such as driving, fighting, or having unprotected sex
Adaption and Awareness
If you're noticing that your alcohol consumption is starting to increase, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate what's going on. Increased alcohol use can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction, so it's important to be proactive and get help if needed. Here are a few tips for recognizing a drinking problem and adjusting your habits.
Awareness:
The first step in dealing with increased alcohol use is awareness. Be realistic about the amount you are drinking and when. If you're finding yourself drinking more than usual, or drinking early in the day, there might be an issue. Take some time to assess your behavior and see if any changes need to be made.
The next step is adaptation. This phase starts with small changes, like drinking at different times of the day or choosing alternate places to drink. Be mindful of your surroundings and who you are around when you're alcohol. Make sure that you are in a safe and comfortable environment
If you find that you're struggling to make changes on your own, it might be time to seek professional help. There are many addiction centers out there that can provide guidance and support during this difficult time. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Alcohol abuse and addiction can be devastating, but they are also treatable. With the right tools and support, you can overcome these challenges and get back to living a happy and healthy life.
Sobriety
There are many ways to achieve sobriety. Some people will be able to limit their alcohol use, but others will need to turn to sobriety to control their drinking behaviors and habits. Sobriety or complete abstinence may seem difficult due to social circumstances or life in general, but there are plenty of resources available both online and offline that can provide support. If you’re considering sobriety, here are a few tips:
- Find an accountability partner or group who can help keep you on track
- Make sure your home and work environments are conducive to sobriety
- Avoid triggers, such as places where you used to drink excessively
- Be patient – sobriety is a process, not a destination
- Find healthy activities to replace drinking. When you have something to do that's fun and healthy, you're less likely to turn to alcohol. Try going for walks, hiking, biking, swimming, or joining a gym.
- Connect with other sober people. There is strength in numbers! Finding others who are also trying to stay sober can help keep you accountable and provide support when things get tough.
- Avoid situations where drinking is common. If you know that being around alcohol will be a temptation for you, try to avoid those situations as much as possible. This may mean avoiding certain friends or social gatherings altogether.
Frequently Ask Questions:
• What are some common signs of depression?
Signs of depression can include a persistent feeling of sadness or hopelessness, social isolation, neglecting personal hygiene, and a lack of motivation to complete daily tasks or goals.
• How can a daily routine help with depression?
Establishing a daily routine provides a clear structure, which can help instill a sense of control and stability during difficult times. This structure can make it easier to practice coping mechanisms consistently.
• Why is it important to stay connected with others when you have depression?
Staying connected directly challenges the feelings of isolation that come with depression. Consistent contact with your support system can reinforce feelings of care and show you that you aren't alone.
• How does getting physical activity help with depression?
Getting your body moving, even just by walking around the house, can combat feelings of stagnation and defeat. It introduces a sense of freedom and helps you realize you can change your environment.
• Is it okay to take time for yourself when you're feeling depressed?
Yes, it's perfectly okay to take time for yourself and engage in self-care. Even if it feels like time is being wasted, activities like watching a movie or drawing can be a necessary outlet to help you break through a difficult depressive episode.
At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand the immense challenges that depression can present in your life. The journey toward recovery is a shared one, and we are committed to providing the professional guidance and support you need to navigate it. Our team is dedicated to helping you build a foundation for a healthy routine and develop the coping strategies discussed in this article. We believe in empowering you with the tools to regain control of your mental health. If you or a loved one are struggling, please reach out to us. We’re ready to partner with you on this path to healing. Contact us today at (435) 222-5225—let's take the first step together.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
