Do I have an Alcohol Problem?

Navigating the Grey Areas of Alcoholism

In society, alcohol issues are often seen in black and white terms—either you’re an ‘alcoholic’ or a ‘normal drinker’. This stark division overlooks the subtleties that exist in between. In reality, alcohol-related problems exist on a spectrum. Some individuals drink occasionally with no significant impact, while others may consume more than they would like, affecting their energy, sleep, and overall well-being without completely derailing their lives. At the extreme end, alcohol can dominate one’s life, impairing work and relationships, with various stages in between.

If you’re questioning whether you have an alcohol problem, take our free and online self-test.

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Myths vs. Facts

Will Alcohol Help Me Sleep?

The short answer is ‘no’. While alcohol might help you fall asleep initially, it disrupts sleep quality significantly. Many people find themselves waking frequently during the night or feeling unrested the next day after drinking. A common benefit clients report from taking a break from alcohol is improved sleep quality. Although it may take a few days or even weeks for your body to adjust, sleep without alcohol can leave you feeling more rested and revitalised.

Can Alcohol Worsen Anxiety and Depression?

Alcohol can indeed worsen existing anxiety and depression or even contribute to their development. As a depressant, alcohol initially relaxes us, but the body responds by producing stimulating chemicals, leading to increased anxiety and jitteriness once the effects wear off. Additionally, alcohol disrupts sleep, which negatively affects mental health and can lead to behaviours that cause shame or worry.

Relying on alcohol to manage emotions prevents the development of healthier coping strategies, such as talking to friends or engaging in self-care, which exacerbates stress and mental health issues.
Moreover, alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of certain mental health medications, reducing their efficacy. If you are on such medication, drinking can diminish its benefits.

When Does Alcohol Become a Problem?

Alcohol becomes a problem when you believe it does. The media often portrays alcohol issues as extreme, where individuals hit ‘rock bottom’ before acknowledging their problem and committing to lifelong abstinence. This narrative suggests we should only address drinking issues when they severely impact our lives, and many fear the label of ‘alcoholic’. This mindset can make it easy to dismiss concerns about drinking until they become more significant.

Given that alcohol has a profound effect on the brain, any related issues are likely to worsen over time. Addressing these concerns early is crucial. This doesn’t necessarily mean giving up alcohol completely—some people find success in taking breaks or cutting back. Seeking support can make this process more manageable.

Approaches to Alcoholism Treatment-How Health Psychology Can Help

Health psychology adopts a holistic view of well-being, considering the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing our health. Health psychology delves into the underlying issues driving our behaviours. It looks at factors such as genetics, stress, emotions, peer pressure, and financial constraints. This approach is non-judgmental and avoids labelling, aiming to recognise when alcohol use negatively affects your life without applying labels.

Health psychology offers practical, personalised strategies to enhance well-being. By exploring alternatives like mindfulness, emotional management, and healthier habits, individuals can address their drinking patterns in ways that improve overall health and align with their core values and goals. This holistic approach empowers you to take control of your health and make meaningful, lasting changes.

FEELING OVERWHELMED OR TEMPTED TO RELAPSE? YOU'RE NOT ALONE. REACH OUT FOR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

Written by Nuria Outeiral - Psychologist & Lead Therapist at Sea Recovery

References

Abat, C., Roussel, Y., Chaudet, H., & Raoult, D. (2019). Alcohol and the global burden of disease. The Lancet, 393(10189), 2390-2391.

Jones, L., Bates, G., McCoy, E., & Bellis, M. A. (2015). Relationship between alcohol-attributable disease and socioeconomic status, and the role of alcohol consumption in this relationship: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC public health, 15, 1-14.

Morris, J., Moss, A. C., Albery, I. P., & Heather, N. (2022). The “alcoholic other”: Harmful drinkers resist problem recognition to manage identity threat. Addictive behaviors, 124, 107093.

Stockwell, T., Zhao, J., Panwar, S., Roemer, A., Naimi, T., & Chikritzhs, T. (2016). Do “moderate” drinkers have reduced mortality risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 77(2), 185-198.