Ask Aunt B

B

Dear Aunt B, I may drink too much. How do I know if I have a problem or not?

Tipsy

Dear Tipsy, If you have to ask, there might be a problem. You might not be the best judge, but you are definitely a starter point. Are you able to function successfully? Are you missing work? Are your social relationships suffering? Is your health suffering? Are you able to sleep or only sleeping? Do you have increased tolerance? Can you not stop once you start drinking? Do you drink alone? Do you think about drinking all the time? Do you drink in the morning? Do you have physical symptoms like shaky hands when you don’t drink? These are all serious, and you should contact your health care provider for assistance in stopping.

What do you people say? Don’t ask your party friends. Some people don’t want you to make changes that will affect them. Also, some of the choices we make force others to look at themselves more clearly.

There are many programs that can help you on this journey but start with your healthcare provider. They have different philosophies, so you want to check around and find one that meets your needs.

If your drinking is not as serious as the above, an interesting philosophy that seems to be a movement is called Mindful Drinking. Its goal is to think while you drink. It is about being aware of how much you drink and its impact on you in the moment. It is about looking at the reasons you are drinking and what the drinking is really doing to your life.

Many people want to slow down drinking but don’t want to quit. This is an alternative to all or nothing. Track your drinking much like you would your food - if you track your food, that is. It is promoting a healthier lifestyle.

I’m sure you have noticed that major alcohol makers are now offering healthier low sugar, lower carbs, lower calories, and alcohol-free options. That is not by accident. Marketers are watching our behavior and want to make available all that we want.

The health benefits to lower amounts of alcohol are far reaching. Better sleep, weight loss, better brain health, reduction of anxiety and depression to name just a few. Never, never, ever drive when you have been drinking. Call a friend or uber or stay home.

Whatever your goal is, a plan is very important. Drink lots of good clean water. Reward yourself along the way. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Hang around with your positive supportive friends. Enjoy some activities that don’t include alcohol.

This is all fine and good, but if you have a serious alcohol problem please reach out for professional help. It can and has ruined many lives. It does not get better on its own. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and can be deadly. Get help.

Love, Aunt B

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