When you drink too much, it can start to affect your performance at school or work. Your relationships may start to deteriorate because of changes in your behavior because of drinking. There’s nothing wrong with having an occasional drink at home or while attending a social event. Constantly drinking to excess can open the door to a possible alcohol use disorder. While there are different causes of alcohol addiction, there are a few you can steer clear of if you want to lower your chances of becoming dependent on alcohol. For more information, please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306.
Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction
There are so many factors contributing to alcohol use disorders that it is essentially impossible to avoid them all. Some you have no control over, like having a family history of addiction or a mental health disorder that causes symptoms that make you want to drink. Other factors that can play a role in the development of an alcohol use disorder include:
- Having a high-stress job
- Constant binge-drinking
- Low self-esteem
- Peer pressure
- Culture of drinking
You may want to look at how much your life revolves around alcohol. Is it something you turn to when you’re feeling a lot of pressure? Does it help you relax when you’re in an uncomfortable social situation? Once you understand the role alcohol plays in your life, you can start figuring out ways to avoid addiction.
Let’s look at some changes you might want to lower your risk of abusing alcohol and becoming dependent.
Find Healthy Ways to Manage Your Stress
Instead of pouring yourself a large glass of wine after a long day, look for other activities you can engage in that don’t involve alcohol. Find a TV program or listen to music that boosts your mood and makes you feel happy.
If you’re looking for something more physically engaging, try yoga or other relaxation exercises that release the tension from the day. Those looking for something more active can take up jogging or start lifting weights to build muscle tone. You can improve your physical well-being while dealing with stress more healthily.
Get Effective Counseling for Mental Health Issues
Many people drink to deal with symptoms caused by their mental illness. Look for a mental health specialist with the background necessary to treat your condition. Attending therapy sessions can provide more long-term benefits for your mental health than alcohol.
Cut Out Binge Drinking
Drinking often seems ingrained in many aspects of American culture. That can lead to pressure to drink to the point where you’re no longer in control of yourself. Excessive drinking can lead to health problems that impact your quality of life. Learn to pull yourself away if you feel pressured into drinking when you attend a social event.
Stop Drinking Entirely
Consider abstaining from alcohol if you worry that your family history makes you more vulnerable to a substance use disorder. You may also want to consider giving up alcohol if you notice a pattern of bad behavior emerging after you’ve had something to drink.
Learn to bring non-alcoholic drinks to functions. Try gradually tapering off your drinking until you no longer feel the desire to have a drink. You may want to seek the help of a professional who can teach you how to manage any ongoing issues with alcohol.
Learn More at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida Today
If you’re having trouble managing your drinking, find the help you need through one of the programs and services offered through Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, such as:
Get help with your addiction issues by calling 866.294.5306, or contact us online.
