People are being urged to watch their drinking habits as experts reveal the 'red flag' signs of a functioning alcoholic.
The festive period and New Year is the time of year people may like to enjoy a pint or two as family and friends gather to catch up.
However, a dependence on too much alcohol can have a really serious effect on your body, your bank balance and your relationships.
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A recent study has revealed that almost two thirds (61%) of drinkers over-indulge in alcohol during the festive season, Wales Online reports.
Experts have revealed the common 'red flag' signs to watch out for if you are taking your drinking habits a little too far.
Signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic include:
Frequent intoxication and smelling of alcohol
Drinking has become an important, or the most important, thing in life
Loss of control around alcohol use
Hiding alcohol in strange places such as their garage, at the office, in bushes or in their car
Drinking between work times or appointments, or drinking just enough to keep their alcohol levels topped up if they are alcohol dependent
Frequent binge drinking after daily responsibilities are taken care of
Justifying their drinking as a way of unwinding after work, a busy day with the kids or as a reward
Becoming irritable, anxious, restless and unable to sleep if they are unable to drink
Regularly drinking in the morning before going about their day, or at odd times of the day such as lunchtime in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Always drinking at social events and ‘preloading’ prior to attending a social event
Avoiding social events or activities that do not involve alcohol
Alcohol has become a problem at home, with them either drinking excessively alone at home or disappearing to a pub or bar straight after work for hours
Becoming defensive when challenged over their drinking
Denying they are an alcoholic, reasoning that they still hold down a job or take the kids to school on time
Alternating alcohol and prescription pills in order that they can function
They may become erratic, spontaneous, angry or change their character completely whilst intoxicated
Difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout
Risk-taking, they may well drive to work or drive children to school whilst still over the limit from the previous night or from taking a morning drink
Alcohol dependence affects different people in different ways.
If you are dependent on alcohol, you may drink:
a lot of the time
first thing in the morning
every evening
every day
According to the HSE, Alcohol dependence runs in families.
If alcohol dependence is part of everyday life in your family, it can increase your risk of becoming dependent.
As well as raising blood pressure and being harmful to all organs in our body, excessive drinking damages the liver in two big ways: scarring (called cirrhosis) and causing a build-up of fat.
It can also cause major changes to our brain.
What are the benefits of giving up alcohol?
A better relationship with alcohol can mean better relationships with the people you care about.
This can mean:
more quality time together
fewer arguments
the chance to bond over different activities
less tension
No more hangovers
You may spend your weekends nursing a hangover or suffering from ‘the fear’. This is the low mood that often follows a night’s drinking.
To wake up with a clear head and feeling energetic can be a welcome break. This will help you to make the most of your free time.
Taking the focus off alcohol can give you new experiences that do not involve drinking.
More money in your pocket
1 in 3 Irish people spend between €30 to €75 a week on alcohol. Depending on how much you drink, you could save a lot by cutting back.
An extra €150 a month could give you:
a family holiday every year
around 8 years and €50,000 off a 30-year mortgage worth €300,000
dinners out, sports or theatre tickets every month
a monthly treat - some new clothes, fancy gadgets or something special
Short-term benefits of taking a break or cutting down can include:
lower blood sugar
lower blood pressure
fewer alcohol-related symptoms, like headaches, heartburn, indigestion and stomach upsets
less fatty build-up around the liver
improving existing conditions - depression, high blood pressure or skin conditions such as rosacea
better sleep
more energy
weight loss
Tips for drinking less on a night out:
Order smaller drinks – a glass rather than a bottle or pint, a single measure rather than a double.
Pick lower strength drinks.
Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic or soft drinks.
Drink slowly - sip your drinks and wait until you've finished one before you order another.
If you are worried about your alcohol use, take the HSE alcohol test to find out what type of drinker you are here.
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