Am I drinking dependently?

The truth can hurt - here's how.

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.