{"id":3112,"date":"2018-04-11T09:22:32","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T14:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=3112"},"modified":"2024-05-31T16:31:59","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T21:31:59","slug":"know-drinking-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/know-drinking-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you know if your drinking is a problem?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It seems like everyone has a drink now and then. From social drinks at the bar to popping a top after work, alcohol is a major part of our culture. But how much is too much? And, when should we question our drinking habits?<\/p>\n

Mike Homan, a licensed clinical social worker with OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center<\/a>, answers these questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a paradoxical aspect to alcohol in our culture. While alcohol is used safely by more people than any other mood altering substance, it also kills more people than any other mood altering substance,\u201d Mike said. \u201cAnd while some moderate drinking may have modest health benefits, heavy drinking has significant health risks.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is normal?<\/h2>\n
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Ready to take a look at your drinking?<\/p>\n

Get free online guidance<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The challenge lies in determining what is normal, and, more importantly, what is a safe drinking frequency and amount. However, it can be difficult to acknowledge or understand our intake because we typically drink with friends who have the same consumption patterns.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are different recommendations, but a male should not drink more than two drinks a day. A woman should go by one drink a day,\u201d Mike said. \u201cBut that is only a consumption guide for health reasons. You should not consume alcohol and get behind the wheel or operate equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mike also warns that you should never drink to deal with things like stress, sleep issues or grief. Alcohol consumption for coping reasons often leads to bigger alcohol issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people use alcohol as a tool for dealing with negative things in their life, and that can lead to alcohol abuse,\u201d Mike said. \u201cThe difference \u2013 alcohol abuse is drinking too much, too often. The next level, alcohol dependence or alcoholism, is not having the ability to quit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why do some people develop alcoholism?<\/h2>\n

Alcoholism is a brain disease. And while coping reasons are a major factor in increased alcohol consumption, a whole host of environmental, social and genetic factors can also play a role in a person becoming an alcoholic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe issue is the brain\u2019s wiring. Once a person crosses their unique threshold, alcohol hijacks their brain,\u201d Mike said. \u201cThe brain becomes desensitized and loses its ability to deal with stress, make decisions and control base mood. They feel the only relief is to drink more alcohol, which creates a circle of dependency.\u201d<\/p>\n

Questions to ask<\/h2>\n

The brain is a complex organ that is constantly adapting to ensure our survival. Ironically, that adaptability contributes to addiction. Alcohol changes the brain\u2019s natural balance and that can make it difficult to see the problem. Mike recommends asking yourself these basic questions:<\/p>\n