Alcoholism – What is it?

Alcoholism or High-risk drinking, also known as heavy drinking, is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as follows:

For men: Consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week.

For women: Consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week.

This level of alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing alcohol addiction or use disorders and other health problems, such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers

Heavy drinking is not the problem. It’s an addiction or perceived solution.

What many don’t understand about addiction is that it’s not just about drugs and alcohol.
Addiction can involve behaviours, people, and/or relationships—it’s not always chemical.

The crucial point is that the substance or behaviour an addict uses to numb themselves isn’t the problem; it’s their perceived solution.
Yes, it’s a solution, albeit a temporary solution, but that solution that can destroy lives, but it’s still a solution to them.
The real issue lies in the underlying discomfort with oneself.
It’s like being allergic to your own self, feeling out of place in your own skin, lonely in a crowd, always wanting to belong but feeling apart.
This deep discomfort is what drives the self-numbing behaviour.
But without going through the process of identifying the real root cause, acknowledging the truth about that event, and then working to re-write the story in your subconscious mind, the problem will likely get worse.

That’s where professional help is needed.

Suggestions for overcoming excessive drinking.

Here are some strategies to help overcome high-risk drinking:

Be honest with yourself: You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.

Compassionate enquiry: Be kind to yourself and ask questions like-
When did I start drinking?.
What emotional pain may I be trying to dull?
Was there some kind of trauma in my past that led to the need to self medicate.
Could that pain have been abuse of some kind?

Set Limits: Decide how many days a week you plan to drink and how many drinks you will have on those days. Stick to these limits to help reduce your overall alcohol intake.

Count Your Drinks: Keep track of how much you drink. Understanding what counts as a “standard” drink can help you stay within your limits.

Manage Triggers: Identify situations, people, or places that make you want to drink more. Minimize these triggers or find healthier alternatives to cope with them.

Find Support: Talk to friends, family, or a healthcare provider about your goals. Having a support system can make it easier to stick to your plan.

Remove Alcohol from Your Environment: Keeping alcohol out of your home can reduce temptation and make it easier to avoid drinking.

Establish Alcohol-Free Days: Schedule days each week where you do not drink at all. This can help you reflect on your drinking habits and improve your health.

Seek Professional Help: If you find it difficult to cut back on your own, consider seeking help from a BSetFree counsellor to identify the root cause behind your need to drink.

Remember, making small changes can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being. If you need more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Reducing alcohol intake can lead to numerous health benefits, both physical and mental.

Here are some key advantages:

Improved Liver Health: Cutting back on alcohol may allow your liver to repair itself, reducing the risk of liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Better Heart Health: Lowering alcohol consumption may decrease blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Enhanced Mental Health: Reducing alcohol can improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance overall mental well-being.

Weight Loss: Alcohol is high in empty calories and can increase appetite. Cutting back can help with weight management and reduce the risk of obesity.

Improved Sleep: While alcohol might initially make you feel sleepy, it disrupts sleep patterns. Reducing intake can lead to better sleep quality and more restful nights.

Lower Cancer Risk: Heavy drinking is linked to several types of cancer, including liver, breast, and esophageal cancer. Reducing alcohol intake can lower these risks.

Better Skin Health: Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and cause inflammation. Cutting back can lead to clearer, healthier skin.

Enhanced Relationships: Reducing alcohol can improve your relationships by allowing you to focus more on your loved ones and social interactions without the negative effects of excessive drinking.

Making even small reductions in alcohol consumption can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and quality of life. If you need more personalized advice, consider contacting BSetFree for an initial obligation free consultation.