From time to time a glass of wine in front of the TV or a drop of frustration to wash away anger and worries. But when does it actually become too much? These 7 signs will tell you if you’re drinking too much alcohol.
Especially in Corona times, we often sit in front of the television in the evenings. We also like to treat ourselves to a glass of wine. But how much is actually too much? The transition from occasional to routine tends to happen slowly and unnoticed… These are signs that tell if we’re already consuming too much alcohol .
1. More than one glass
Do you regularly find it difficult to stop after one glass? This is problematic. According to the BZgA (Federal Center for Health Education), 12 grams per day are considered low-risk alcohol consumption for women – as long as they remain alcohol-free for at least two days a week.
A glass of wine (0.1 l) or a small glass of beer (0.25 l) covers 12 grams of pure alcohol.
2. Less than two alcohol-free days per week
As described in point one, two alcohol-free days per week is the minimum for low-risk drinking behavior. If you have consumed a lot on other days, you should pause for even more days. So anyone who reaches for the bottle more than five times a week is approaching a critical level.
Also interesting: This is what happens to your body if you abstain from alcohol for 30 days >>
3. Repetition Patterns
Those who have had trouble stopping drinking are particularly at risk. The feeling of not being able to stop is already a clear warning sign of abusive consumption. This is very dangerous to your health! Because in addition to the hangover headache , there are long-term damage to the heart, immune system, liver and brain.
4. People ask you about your drinking. Has
a friend or family member noticed that you’ve been drinking a lot lately? Perhaps even critically questioned or commented on your alcohol consumption? If people close by are noticing these changes, it’s probably time to scale back. Most of the time you perceive yourself differently than others. Use the openness of your loved ones and reflect on your drinking habits .
5. Staying alcohol-free is difficult
If you have to take a break from drinking, for example to drive in traffic or, for example, during pregnancy , do you notice that it is really very difficult for you? Your drinking behavior has definitely crossed a critical line! Seek urgent help from a professional counseling center.
It can help temporarily to switch to alcohol-free alternatives . If you don’t want to give up that glass of wine with dinner, these non-alcoholic wines might be something for you.
6. You hide how much you drink from family and friends
Of course it can happen that you are alone at home and have a glass of wine without telling anyone about it. However, as soon as you regularly hide how much alcohol you drink or even do so secretly, your alcohol consumption has reached a critical stage.
7. You need alcohol to feel good
According to a British study , drinking alcohol can make you feel more attractive. However, if you only feel confident and attractive when you’ve been drinking, then that’s a sign of addiction .
There are counseling centers here:
Alcohol? Know your limit: Telephone advice & advice center
finder Federal Center for Health Education: Advice center addresses
