I struggled with alcohol through my teens, twenties, and early thirties.
I had a work-hard, play-hard, jet-set lifestyle and was totally burned out by 30.
What Ifoundwas that I still relied too heavily on alcohol.
It wasn’t until a few weeks before my 32nd birthday that I made a commitment that stuck.
No more getting drunk.
Over the past few years, Ive not only not gotten drunkIve also successfully learned to drink in moderation.
Now, I only very occasionally indulge in alcohol, and then it’s to a very moderate degree.
Often, people discuss drinking as an all or nothing affair.
you might have a problem with alcohol, and not be an alcoholic.
you’re able to have a problem with alcohol and not want to quit.
Sometimes we need to see our experiences reflected back to us to make it feel comfortable making a change.
We face pressure to drink in social situations.
But isn’t it more important to be someone you feel comfortable looking at in the mirror every day?
Here are twelve signs that made me realize it was time to consider redefining my relationship with alcohol.
Youve ever woken up after a night out and thought I need to cut back.
If you have that feeling of wanting to change something, let that be enough to get you started.
You often wake up tired, lethargic or have a hard time focusing.
As few astwo drinks before bedcan interrupt yourREM sleepand have you waking up feeling less than optimal.
Developing a different bedtime routine will help you sleep better and wake up feeling rested and focused.
You drink alcohol more days of the week than you don’t.
Some groups recommendplanning non-drinking days during the weekto avoid forming a habit.
You feel shame for behavior you’ve displayed while drinking.
Instead of burying the shame under more booze, try cutting it out for a bit.
Give yourself a break and ease up on the booze while you work through some of this stuff.
If you vow never again, but keep drinking past the point of no return.
Its not enough to say Im not going to get so drunk.
It doesnt have to be forever, but the key is to break the habit.
You find yourself putting off other activities that are important to you.
You’re worried about your weight.
Alcohol might get you drunk, but it has plenty of calories, too.
Sometimes you feel like you’re living a double life.
Everyone sees you as super-accomplished and together, but you feel differently.
This might be a source of secret shame for you.
That’s a burden you don’t need to be carrying.
Cutting back on alcohol can help you feel on top of the world and in control of your life.
You have a hard time connecting with your intuition.
A lot of my clients spent years agonizing over every decision and second-guessing every choice.
You feel like theres something more for you.
Sometimes it hard to even articulate this feeling, but you know theres something more waiting for you.
Maybe your problem isnt severe.
You know you are meant for more.
So, why not give it a try?
Whatever you decide, create a plan before you’re in the situation you’re worried about.
Know what alternatives you have (nonalcoholic drinks, or bringing your own).
Do your best to set yourself up for success and focus on the benefits youll receive.
