Are You Paying Close Attention To The Warning Signs?

Identifying if you’re drinking too much can be tough, but the act of paying close attention and knowing what to do next could save your life.

Let’s start with the facts

Alcohol adversely affects health in various ways, and there’s no definitively ‘safe’ lower limit—no level of regular alcohol consumption improves health. In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that both men and women should not drink more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

A standard drink in Australia is equivalent to 10 grams (12.5ml) of pure alcohol, which the average healthy adult can process in about an hour.

Here are some examples of what one standard drink looks like:

• 100ml of wine (13.5% ABV)
• 285ml of full-strength beer (4.8% ABV)
• 30ml of spirits (40% ABV)

For those consuming the maximum weekly amount, guidelines advise spreading these drinks over several days and including a few alcohol-free days each week. Recent studies, such as one published in The Lancet, highlight that no amount of alcohol consumption can be deemed entirely ‘safe’. The best way to protect your health is by drinking less or not at all.

Pay close attention… 9 Warning Insights from Melbourne Eastern Private Hospital

Have you ever wondered if your drinking habits might be tipping over into dangerous territory? With the stresses of modern life, it’s easy to lean on alcohol as a coping mechanism. But how do you know when it’s becoming too much?

At Melbourne Eastern Private Hospital, we understand the complexities of alcohol dependence and its impact on your life. With a dedicated, trauma-informed approach to rehabilitation, we aim to support you through every step of your recovery journey. If you’ve been wondering whether your drinking habits are becoming problematic, here are nine warning signs to look out for, along with actionable steps you can take if you suspect you have a problem.

1. Drinking to Cope with Trauma

Warning Sign: You rely on alcohol to cope with known or feel an un-explicable need to numb emotional pain or distress.

What to Do: Recognise that alcohol is not a solution. Our trauma-informed approach at Melbourne Eastern Private Hospital helps you uncover and work through underlying traumas that may be contributing to your drinking. Through personalised therapy and support, we address the root causes of your reliance on alcohol, providing healthier coping mechanisms.

2. Increased Tolerance

Warning Sign: You need more alcohol to feel the same effects. What used to be one glass is now two or three.

What to Do: Monitor your intake. Keeping a diary of how much and how often you drink can help you understand your consumption patterns better.

3. Neglecting Responsibilities

Warning Sign: Your drinking habits are causing you to neglect work, school, or family responsibilities.

What to Do: Prioritise your responsibilities and set clear boundaries for when and how much you drink. If necessary, seek professional help to address the root cause of your neglect.

4. Drinking Alone

Warning Sign: You often find yourself drinking alone, rather than in social settings.

What to Do: Reach out to friends and family for support. Socialise without alcohol to remind yourself that you can enjoy company without a drink in hand. Our support groups can provide the encouragement you need.

5. Health Problems

Warning Sign: You experience health issues related to drinking, such as frequent hangovers, liver problems, or high blood pressure.

What to Do: Visit a healthcare professional for a full check-up and discuss your drinking habits. Follow their advice and consider cutting back or quitting entirely. 

6. Increased Risk-Taking

Warning Sign: You’re engaging in risky behaviours, like driving under the influence or unsafe sexual practices.

What to Do: Recognise the dangers of these behaviours and make a conscious effort to avoid them. Seek help from our counsellors if you struggle to stop on your own.

7. Loss of Interest in Hobbies

Warning Sign: Activities you once enjoyed no longer interest you, especially if alcohol is not involved.

What to Do: Reconnect with your hobbies and find new interests that don’t involve alcohol. This can help you rediscover joy and fulfilment outside of drinking. We offer various therapeutic activities to help you find new passions.

8. Memory Blackouts

Warning Sign: You frequently forget what happened while you were drinking.

What to Do: This is a serious sign that your drinking is out of control. Limit your intake and ensure you eat before drinking to slow alcohol absorption. Consider seeking professional help from our experienced team.

9. Concerns from Loved Ones

Warning Sign: Friends or family have expressed concern about your drinking habits.

What to Do: Listen to them. They care about your well-being. Reflect on their concerns and consider seeking support from a counsellor or a support group.

Taking the Next Step

Recognising that you might have a drinking problem is a crucial first step. Here’s what you can do next:

1. Self-Assessment: Take an honest look at your drinking habits and their impact on your life.

2. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups.

3. Professional Help: Consult a healthcare professional or a therapist specialising in addiction.

4. Set Goals: Whether it’s cutting back or quitting, set realistic and achievable goals for yourself.

5. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on improving your overall well-being through exercise, healthy eating, and new hobbies.