Most people develop an alcohol addiction gradually and do not notice its start. People begin their alcohol dependency journey without planning to enroll in it. Consuming alcohol socially without realizing leads a person to develop an uncontrollable drinking habit. Once someone realizes their addiction problem they already have sunk deeply into it.
The Slippery Slope: From Social Drinking to Dependence
Most people start drinking as part of social occasions. People use alcohol socially even when they end their work day or celebrate special occasions and relax during weekends. Normal social drinking turns into dependence if you use alcohol to reduce your stress and personal problems.
Throughout the beginning phase these modifications remain slight. The new habit involves taking drinks more often and increasing the drink volume each time. The body needs increased alcohol consumption because it develops resistance to its effects over time. Your thoughts link alcohol consumption to feelings of relaxation and comfort which makes it more challenging to stay away from drinking.
Warning Signs You Might Be Overlooking
The danger of alcohol addiction becomes apparent after it has caused damage but goes undetected for too long.
To reach the same level of intoxication from before you need more alcohol.
You start drinking alcohol only by yourself rather than in the presence of others.
You use drinking to manage your stress and use alcohol as a solution to handle negative experiences.
Your daily life responsibilities become unmanageable because of alcohol use.
You lose pieces of your memory following alcohol consumption.
You try to reduce your intake of alcohol yet remain unsuccessful.
Read more- JioHotstar: A Revolution in India’s Streaming Scene
When Does Casual Drinking Turn into Addiction?
People gradually move from social drinking to alcoholic addiction. Research shows that any situation where alcohol use negatively impacts lifestyle activities and physical health indicates a problem. Smokers maintain their alcohol use habit despite recognizing their drinking problems make them believe they can quit any time.
Alcoholism shows itself differently from one person to the next. These people appear fine at work and social events even though they have an ongoing dependence issue. People who have high-functioning alcoholism cover their addiction until it becomes severe.
The Road to Recovery
Identifying the problem leads directly to the path of recovery. Getting help from people who care for you plus going to treatment programs or AA groups helps with your challenges.