Do you think you may be too dependent on alcohol? Dry July – a fundraising campaign for cancer that asks you to give up alcohol for a month – can be a great way to motivate yourself to drink less and improve your health.
Many Australians enjoy a drink, but there is a difference between that and needing alcohol. Below are some of possible signs of alcohol dependence:
- You find it difficult to relax without having a drink
- You can’t function without alcohol
- Drinking has become an important part of your life
- You worry about where and how you will find your next drink
- You find it difficult to stop drinking once you start
- You plan social and family events around alcohol
- You feel the need to have a drink first thing in the morning
- You experience of anxiety or depression around drinking
- You suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink, such as sweating, shaking and nausea.
If any of these sound a little too close to home, you may be experiencing some level of alcohol dependence. If you feel as though your drinking is becoming a problem, one of the most important steps you can take is to ask for help. Try talking to a trusted friend or family member or, if you’d prefer to discuss your concerns with an experienced ear, Drinkwise Australia offers a comprehensive list of support services that can help you to gain a better understanding of your own situation in a non-judgemental environment.