Have you ever wondered if your heavy drug & or alcohol use stems from something deeper?

Here are 8 warning signs to look out for… along with actionable steps you can take if you suspect you have a problem.

1. Mixing Alcohol & Drugs To Bury Bad Memories 

Warning Sign: You rely on drugs & alcohol to cope with something bad that has happened to you in the past. You use it to numb the memory.

What to Do: Take a moment to reflect on if the drinking is impacting your life. If drinking is impacting your life there may be underlying traumas that may be contributing to your drinking.

2. You’ve Changed, You No Longer Feel Like You Can Connect With People Unless You’re Drunk Or On Drugs…

Warning Sign: You’re still reaching for that drink or drug even though it’s messing up your relationships, work, or health, that’s a big red flag. You can’t tolerate people unless you’re high or drunk.

What to Do: Take a step back and evaluate how your substance use is affecting your life. Write down specific instances where it’s caused issues. Talk to friends or loved ones about why you’re feeling irritable or disconnected.

3. You’d Happily Neglect Responsibilities For A Bender

Warning Sign: Your drug & alcohol habits are causing you to neglect work, school, or family responsibilities. It’s not unusual for you to go on a bender and not be contactable by concerned loved ones.

What to Do: tart small. Choose one area like work, family, or self-care and commit to being present. If that feels too difficult, consider seeking professional help before things spiral further.

4. When Anxiety Hits, The Only Way To Soothe It Is To Turn To Drinking Or Drugs

Warning Sign: You frequently drink or use drugs alone to cope with anxiety, rather than in social settings.

What to Do: Count how many days of the week you drink alone and test if you can go for more than one day without drinking. If you find one day too difficult to go without drinking, you need to reach out for professional help.

5. You Can’t Remember When The Last Time You Were Healthy Or Sober

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

What to Do: Schedule a full check-up with a healthcare provider and be honest about your drinking habits. Follow their guidance and consider cutting back or quitting altogether.

6. You Take Pleasure In Risk-Taking & Secrecy 

Warning Sign: You’re engaging in risky behaviours, you take drugs & alcohol feel free and might even take risks such as driving under the influence or unsafe sexual practices.

What to Do: Acknowledge the dangers of these actions and make a conscious effort to avoid them. If stopping feels impossible, seek help from a counselor.

7. You Haven’t Told A Soul How Sad, Scared Or Lonely You Are

Warning Sign: The thought of speaking to someone about your feelings is terrifying. Instead, you take the edge off with drugs & alcohol.

What to Do: Start small, if you don’t have the courage to speak with a loved one, reach out us. 

8. When It Comes To Dealing With Your Anxiety, Drugs & Alcohol Get You Through

Warning Sign: When anxiety grips your chest and stomach, you know it’s been too long since your last drink or hit. 

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.

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. At Malvern Private Hospital Drug & Detox Clinic, we have helped thousands of Australian’s get back on their feet and take control of their addictions.
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.