Taking How Many Drinks A Day Qualifies As Being An Alcoholic?

A large proportion of healthy adults enjoy drinking beer and wine regularly. But, there is always a thin line between ‘normal’ and too much alcohol. Yes, many people do wonder just how much alcohol is too much. So, taking how many drinks a day qualifies as being an alcoholic? 

How much drinking is too much?

It turns out that the threshold of becoming an alcoholic is lower than most people imagine. According to studies, men consuming more than 4 drinks per day or 14 in a week are considered heavy drinkers. On the other hand, women taking more than 3 drinks per day or 7 in a week are considered alcoholics. Nonetheless, these levels are measured on a standard-sized quantity, which stipulates that a drink should contain pure alcohol content of approximately 14 grams. This limit is equivalent to 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, 8-9 ounces of malt liquor, and 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. 

Clearly, it is very easy to consume more than the standard level, even in a single sitting. Considering that many alcohol glasses hold more than the standard amount, taking two glasses over a meal will automatically exceed this limit. Similarly, drunkenness is a popular misconception regarding alcoholism. Research shows that some people are highly tolerant to alcohol since they experience mild and slow after-effects after taking several alcoholic drinks. Therefore, even more people are at risk of suffering from alcoholism but they actually aren’t aware of it! 

Facts about Alcoholism.

Studies show that women are more vulnerable to alcohol but alcohol abuse tends to be more prevalent among men. That said, the effects of alcohol cut across the social divide. Anyone can be an alcoholic and of course there is a danger in drinking too much. It can cause significant harm to the body, leading to several health disorders and even death. Some of the common health disorders caused by alcoholism include liver problems, heart or nerve damage, sexual dysfunction, and memory problems. There is also the socio-economic ripple effects caused by alcohol abuse around the world. 

Now, how do you fight against alcoholism? Well, there are a number of ways to stop drinking but the key is to stay committed on the course. 

Ways to Fight Alcohol Addiction

It is important to note that any alcohol addiction methods should be applied through help from professionals and people around you such as family, counselors, therapists, psychologists, friends etc. In other words, there is no fool-proof way to stop drinking and the solution will definitely depend on your situation. Here are a few effective ways to stop drinking: 

Medications and Treatment (The Sinclair Method)

Although no drug can instantly cure alcoholism, some can help you through your recovery journey. For example, The Sinclair Method (TSM) otherwise known as TSM Alcohol Treatment is a highly effective technique that makes you lose interest in drinking. This alcohol treatment method uses an approach known as pharmacological extinction. It involves the use of an opiate blocker, which turns the human habit-forming behavior into an erasing behavior. Hence, it returns your alcohol craving to the state where it was at during the pre-addiction stage. TSM involves taking Nalmefene and Naltrexone an hour before you consume your first daily drink. You will do so for an entire lifetime as long as you choose to continue taking alcohol. The chemical contained in TSM drugs serves to disrupt your body’s reward cycle or behavior, causing you to desire fewer drinks. Studies suggest that TSM can either work on its own or when combined with therapy. 

Group Therapy. 

Joining a support group can help you take the initiative to quit or reduce drinking. Also, a therapist-led group comes in handy during recovery as it assists you to stay on track. Both of these options offer solace and advise to reach your goals and in the end help you stop being an alcoholic.

Support networks can also be an effective way to stop drinking. Leaning on family and the right friends will build your support network in your journey to stop drinking. They are likely to support you through therapy and other personal issues that might otherwise push you to alcoholism. Also hang around sober friends as this is important to staying on track towards a sober life. 

Managing Drinking Urges

Most alcohol urges last for about 15 to 30 minutes. Although this may seem like a short time, it is often hard to resist them. You could try to substitute your drinking urges with other habits like chewing gum, eating foods that reduce alcohol cravings, etc. 

Explore Other Fun Activities

You could also find an interesting activity that will help keep you busy and perhaps help you reduce your time on the den. Having a fun activity can actually occupy your mind whenever the drinking urge comes. You can start a routine for exercising or any other constructive hobby you are into. As you exercise or participate in other exciting undertakings, your brain releases endorphins, a brain chemical that will make you feel good: a feeling you won’t seek to find in a drink. 

Stopping drinking alcohol is easier said than done but you will get there! Again, there is no magical route but a combination of approaches can help you reduce and in the end help you stop drinking. Remember, alcoholism is a disease and you should always seek medical assistance if you are really struggling to quit drinking.