Signs That Your Holiday Alcohol Consumption May Be Problematic

It’s 100 percent normal to have a drink (or a few) at holiday gatherings and dinners. Who doesn’t love a fancy holiday cocktail, after all? 

However, certain drinking habits and behaviors may indicate an underlying problem, such as alcohol dependency or even addiction. If you experienced any of the following scenarios this past holiday season, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol. 

In the case that you find your drinking habits to be problematic, it’s important to see a doctor who can help you navigate alcohol dependency and free yourself from the grips of addiction, like Dr. Lori Scott of Lori Scott Family Care, who has more than a decade of experience helping patients overcome substance use problems. 

8 signs your alcohol consumption might be problematic

You feel out of control around alcohol

Do you feel scared, nervous, hesitant, or anxious when you’re invited to a drinking event? People often experience these feelings when they don’t trust themselves around alcohol. If you can’t trust yourself around alcohol, you might have a problem with alcohol consumption.

You regularly drink much more than the people you’re with

Some people can handle more alcohol than others, which is totally normal. But if you’re slamming back drink after drink while your friends have just one or two, it may indicate dangerous drinking habits. 

You often black out, pass out, or throw up 

There’s a fine line when it comes to alcohol — one moment, you’re enjoying a subtle buzz and feeling good, and the next moment you’re on the floor or face-down in the toilet. If you often find yourself crossing that line from pleasurable drinking to “fighting for my life” drinking, you may need to talk to a doctor about your drinking habits.

You always wake up with unbearable hangovers

Brutal hangovers are a sign you drank too much. It’s pretty normal to get hungover every once in a while (as in, a couple times a year, if that), but it’s not normal to wake up after every holiday gathering with a raging headache, nausea, or other hangover symptoms. 

People say your personality changes significantly under the influence

No one likes an unpredictable drinker. If you’ve been told that you become aggressive, mean, harsh, or egotistical, you might need to cut back on your alcohol consumption.

You partake in dangerous activities while drinking

Many people become silly and overly confident when they drink. In people with drinking problems, though, things can go overboard without warning and become dangerous. Examples include driving under the influence, getting into physical or verbal fights, or performing dangerous stunts or tricks. 

You drink before the drinking event

Drinking before the actual drinking event — whether you do so because you need to relax prior to the event, because you think there won’t be enough alcohol at the event, or because of any other reason — indicates a problem.

You hide your alcohol consumption out of embarrassment

If you have to hide your drinking because you’re embarrassed, you probably have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Normal levels of alcohol consumption needn’t be hid from others.

Do you need help with alcohol dependency? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott by calling our Kinston, North Carolina, office at 252-238-7079. You can also book online today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Get Your Body Summer Ready With Laser Lipo

With summer just around the corner, you're trying to fine-tune your shape for bathing suit season. Laser lipo is an option if stubborn fat pockets won't go away despite your exercise efforts. Read on to discover what laser lipo can do for your body.

How Weight Loss Can Affect Your Cardiovascular Health

Excess weight wreaks havoc on your body and leads to issues with your health. Your heart is one of the main organs affected by obesity. Keep reading to discover how losing weight positively affects your cardiovascular health.

4 Benefits of Laser Lipo Over Traditional Liposuction

Fat deposits are difficult to eliminate on your own, and you may be considering liposuction to look and feel your best. Laser lipo is a better option with fewer risks than traditional liposuction. Keep reading to discover the benefits of laser lipo.

5 Uses for PicoSure® Lasers Other Than Tattoo Removal

PicoSure® lasers are well known for their use in tattoo removal, but did you know they can address other skin conditions as well? Keep reading to learn about five other practical uses for the PicoSure laser on your skin for a healthy, youthful glow.

I Regret Getting My Tattoo: Can It Be Removed?

Tattoos are meant to be permanent on your skin — but what happens when you get one you regret? If you're unhappy with your tattoo, laser removal can erase your mistake. Read on to learn more about laser tattoo removal and what to expect.