If you're wondering about dependent drinking, you're not alone. It's a question that requires courage to ask, and it's important to approach it with understanding rather than judgment. Through my experience supporting others, I've observed several key patterns worth considering:
Physical Signs to Notice:
Morning shakes or anxiety that ease with alcohol
Needing to drink more to feel the same effects
Finding it difficult to stop once you start
Physical discomfort when not drinking
Daily Life Changes:
Planning activities around drinking
Drinking earlier in the day than intended
Missing work or family commitments
Financial strain from alcohol spending
Emotional Patterns:
Using alcohol to manage stress or anxiety
Feeling unable to socialise without drinking
Experiencing guilt or shame about drinking
Finding it hard to imagine life without alcohol
Relationship Impact:
Others expressing concern about your drinking
Hiding or minimising your alcohol consumption
Relationships becoming strained
Preferring to drink alone
Control Issues:
Difficulty having alcohol-free days
Drinking more than you plan to
Failed attempts to cut down
Finding reasons/excuses to drink
Understanding dependent drinking isn't about labelling yourself - it's about recognising when alcohol might be taking more control than you'd like. If you're relating to several of these patterns, it's important to know that dependent drinking is a medical condition that requires proper support for safe recovery.
Many people successfully overcome dependent drinking with the right help. The key is reaching out for professional support to ensure a safe journey to recovery.
Don't forget, if you would like to learn more about how Phenomenal might work for you, don't hesitate to get in touch.