Of all the substances a person could abuse, alcohol is the most available. No matter where you are, you probably only have to travel a few blocks to get your hands on the hooch, and you’ll find it at virtually every social gathering. But this doesn’t negate the dangers of alcohol abuse. There are many.

If you take it too far and become addicted, you run the risk of developing major health issues like cancer, heart disease, liver disease and brain damage. No one chooses to walk that path. It only happens after addiction takes over.

This is why it’s important for everyone in our society to learn how to have a healthy relationship with alcohol. It’s everywhere you turn, so you need to know how to handle it.

Here are some tips for forming a healthy relationship with alcohol:

1. Limit drinks per sitting

Binge drinking is a major problem and can lead to alcoholism. To avoid this outcome and give your body a chance to process the alcohol you consume, limit yourself to about a drink per hour.

 2. Sip your alcohol

Get in the habit of sipping instead of chugging your drinks. This will help you drink in moderation, and you’ll appreciate the drinks you’re having more.

3. Don’t drink alone 

Drinking alone is usually a bad sign. Alcoholics often drink alone and hide their consumption from everyone else. If you start down this path, you may not like where it leads. Avoid drinking alone, and you’ll keep alcohol as a social thing instead of something you are likely to abuse.

4. Take a break

There may be periods of time where you drink more than others. If you find yourself drinking every night, try taking a break. Alcoholics cannot stop drinking without physical withdrawal symptoms, so you’ll be able to test your limits. Problem drinkers can stop drinking for periods of time, but they find it difficult and undesirable. If this sounds like you, then consider taking extended breaks from alcohol. Problem drinking may lead to alcoholism before you know it, so do all you can to maintain a healthy attitude towards alcohol.

5. Evaluate your emotional state 

If you drink whenever you’ve had a bad day, this could signal a problem. Many alcoholics and problem drinkers start by using alcohol to handle difficult emotions. This is not a healthy way to handle your problems, and it will only lead to more trouble down the road.

If you are starting to wonder whether your drinking is a problem, you may already be developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. But it’s not too late to turn things around before you get addicted. Try the tips on this list to regain your positive relationship with alcohol and talk to someone about what’s going on. The worst thing you can do is keep problem drinking a secret. If no one thinks there’s a problem, they may encourage unhealthy habits. Get everything out in the open and try changing your perspective.

OR

Simply avoid alcohol in life.

Trevor McDonald

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Author Bio: Trevor is a freelance writer and recovering addict & alcoholic who’s been clean and sober for over 5 years. Since his recovery began, he has enjoyed using his talent for words to help spread treatment resources, addiction awareness, and general health knowledge. In his free time, you can find him working with recovering addicts or outside enjoying about any type of fitness activity imaginable.