Recovering alcoholic breaks down the three differences between a casual drinker and an addict
A recovering alcoholic has broken down the three differences between the casual drinker and someone who may have a problem.
Whether it be because of a stressful day at work, or to celebrate an amazing achievement, alcohol can often be involved.
But when does a casual drink turn into a bit of problem? I mean, we all like a pint or two now and again, but when does it become one pint too many?
Corey Warren, a TikTok and YouTube star, shared the three differences between an individual who likes a few chilled drinks with his mates and someone who has a problem with booze.
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Warren, a recovering alcoholic, opened up about his experience and what made him realise he had a problem with the drink.
His reason for drinking
Like I said, many people turn to drink under a wide range of different emotions - but could that be an indication of an issue?
Warren explained how 'normal drinkers' have a reason for not drinking, such as their kids waking up early, going to work, or getting up early to work out. "Whatever it is, they have a reason not to drink," he said.
"Me, I have a reason to drink. Bad day? I’m drinking. Stressed out? I’m drinking. If I’m fighting with my wife, I’m drinking. If something good happens and I want to celebrate, I’m drinking."
Controlling what you drink
Particularly when you're out having fun with friends, it can be difficult to call it a night at an appropriate time. And if you struggle to know when enough is enough and it's time to stop drinking, it could be a sign of a dependency on alcohol.
Warren said: "Normal drinkers know when enough is enough, I never had that switch.
"Alcohol determined when enough was enough. If there was a drink in front of me, I was drinking it. If there was a case, I would finish it. If there was a bottle, I wouldn’t stop until it was gone.
"When I decided to stop, it was because the bottle was empty, I was passed out or I was blacked out."
This ties in with medical findings, with the Cleveland Clinic explaining that 'people with this condition can’t stop drinking, even if their alcohol use upends their lives and the lives of those around them'.
Questioning your alcohol dependency
The third difference between a casual drinker and an addict is the fact that those who rely on alcohol will often question their dependency.
"Normal drinkers don’t wonder if they have a problem with alcohol, they don’t wrestle with the thought that maybe they shouldn’t drink," Warren said.
"Me, I was constantly asking myself, 'is this good for me?' 'Am I sure I should be doing this?' 'Maybe I’m taking this too far, maybe I’m an alcoholic?' These are all questions normal drinkers never ask."
If you've been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.
Callum Jones