Why Do I Drink So Much Alcohol?

April 4, 2019

Are you worried that you’re drinking too much alcohol? If so, you’re not alone. Alcohol can be a pervasive aspect of our culture and everyday life. Over time, you may find yourself wondering, “Why do I drink so much alcohol? How much alcohol is too much? When is it time to stop?” To answer these questions, it’s necessary to first identify your drinking patterns and the reasons behind your consumption.

Our alcohol detox experts have put together this article to educate you on the most common signs of excessive drinking. If you or a loved one are showing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to seek treatment at an inpatient alcohol rehab facility.

Signs You May Be Drinking Too Much

If you think you have an alcohol problem, knowing the signs can help you get the treatment you need. Below are the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse.

Your social plans revolve around alcohol consumption. If the majority of your plans involve alcoholic beverages, it may be time to recenter your social life around other activities.
You worry about how much you are drinking. If you find yourself concerned about the number of alcoholic drinks you are consuming, that means it’s time for a change. Fix your drinking habits by limiting the number of drinks you consume per night.
You often wake up with a hangover. Heavy or binge drinking can cause hangovers, leading you to feel sick and tired when you wake up in the morning.
You try to impose drinking limits on yourself, but cannot stick to your limitations. If you are trying to limit your alcohol consumption but are unable to stay within those limits, you may be abusing alcohol.

Now that you know the symptoms to look for, let’s take a look at the common reasons behind excessive alcohol consumption.

Common Reasons Why People Drink Alcohol

While each individual will have a different relationship with alcohol and drinking, there are a number of common reasons why people drink in excess. Below are a handful of potential causes of excessive alcohol consumption.

Stress

Stress is a common risk factor for overconsumption of alcohol. While alcohol may temporarily alleviate feelings of stress due to its numbing properties, it is often short-lived. Once the effects of alcohol wears off, those same feelings of stress and anxiety will flood back in. When alcohol is used as a coping mechanism for an individual’s problems, the user will begin to turn to the bottle more and more, leading to either alcohol dependence or addiction.

Social Situations

Alcohol consumption may be expected in some social situations such as parties, sporting events, or group activities. When this happens, individuals may feel pressured to drink to fit in with their peers. Overtime, this casual drinking can develop into a full-blown alcohol addiction.

Personality/Environment

Some individuals may be more prone to drink excessively due to their personality or the social environment in which they were raised. For example, if an individual grows up in a household in which alcohol was consumed frequently in large quantities, then they may view this behavior as a part of everyday life. Individuals who were raised with alcoholic parents are also at a higher risk for developing a dependency later on in life.

Wrapping Up

If you are worried that you are drinking too much, our Florida alcohol rehab center is here to help. For those already suffering from a serious condition, our long-term residential treatment program may be your best option for getting clean. To change your life for the better, call our rehab center today to discuss your treatment options.

Sources:

Health. “7 Subtle Signs You’re Drinking Too Much—and What to Do About It.” Retrieved by https://www.health.com/alcoholism/7-subtle-signs-youre-drinking-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it.
Origins Behavioral Healthcare. “Why Do People Drink Alcohol?.” Retrieved from https://www.originsrecovery.com/reasons-why-people-drink-alcohol/.