10 Tell Tale Signs You May Have a Problematic Relationship with Alcohol

You don’t need to have a clinical definition of a “problem” to benefit from a reconsideration of your relationship with alcohol!  Most of my clients are women going through big changes in their lives or extremely stressful situations and they have realized that alcohol wasn’t serving them in the same way it maybe did in their twenties.  

Bottom line, empowered decision making comes from a place of mental and physical clarity.   Quitting alcohol was a huge game changer for me in terms of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  Ultimately it was chipping away at my confidence to make decisions, show up authentically and go after my bigger goals in life.

#1. You won’t go to a restaurant that isn’t licensed.

So many healthy or ethnic restaurants don’t serve alcohol, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great experience eating there once in a while, and if it does seem impossible to eat out without alcohol that is definitely something to consider.  

#2. You won’t want to go to a party or wedding that you know will be dry.

Many different cultures and faiths don’t glorify alcohol as an essential or even moral aspect of a celebration.  If you can’t just go and be merry for a night without alcohol, that is a big red flag in your relationship with this everyday toxin.

#3. You are uncomfortable socializing or getting to know someone without alcohol.

Listen, I get it, especially online dating can be hard and depressing, but mixing it with alcohol will not bring you any clarity.  True connection is made when we are clear-headed. 

#4. You only want to dance after a few drinks.

I have realized that one of the things I loved about drinking was that it was the socially acceptable way to get my body on a dance floor and unapologetically move to music in my teens, twenties and thirties.  Dancing is such an incredible healing tool, stress reliever and way to connect and celebrate!  You don’t need the buzz to boogie, trust me!

#5. You only want to talk about your emotions, feelings, problems after a few drinks.

In Western culture we are socialized from a young age that there is a ‘time and a place’ to be expressive.  As adults those ‘times and places’ are fewer and far between.  Like, the only place it is socially acceptable to be a little wild, crazy and silly is at a bar!  Let’s rethink how you can bring silly and play into your life without the hangover!

#6. You think alcohol helps you sleep.

Sure it might help you get to sleep or pass out, but it is directly interfering with your restorative sleep in phase 4 and REM. The cumulative damage is hard to measure, but let’s say it puts you at a higher risk for all chronic lifestyle diseases and it ages you. 

#7. You think people who don’t drink are losers or not as cool or as cultured as you.

That used to be me!  You can read my wine story here. 

Does your tribe only feel at home with a drink in their hand after 4pm?  Do you feel high brow with all your knowledge about wine, wine pairings, and wine travel?  Would you feel the need to defend your “right” to drink in any social situation?

#8. You still think wine is good for you.

Guess what, it is.  Especially for women.  Check out these extremely well written pieces here and here. 

#9. You can’t be vulnerable or intimate without it.

Sober sex is amazing!  Seriously, it might take some getting used to, but I promise it is so much more fulfilling and memorable when you find a deep connection, intimacy or just safe space to have fun and express yourself without the haze!

#10. You prefer making friends with, working with and promoting people who drink like you?

Well, if this is the case, it is a problem.  Not only is it a DEI problem because on average ⅓ of the population does not drink alcohol – be it for religious reasons, health reasons, or because they are in recovery.  Excluding a third of your workforce isn’t cool.  What is your company doing to facilitate team building?  Is there pressure to drink?  Is their favoritism to those that do?

CURIOUS TO RECONSIDER YOUR COMMITMENT TO ALCOHOL?  But you don’t think you have a clinical problem?  Let’s chat. (Yes, this is permission to slide into my DMs on IG @meganswanwellness)

Megan Swan Wellness

Welcome to the Wellness as a Way of Life where we talk about how to master your health and wellness routines as a way of life.

WHO IS THIS PODCAST FOR?

This podcast is for ambitious women who are looking to live with more sustainable energy, confidence, mental clarity and ease. I’m your host Megan Swan, creator of the Wellness as a Way of Life course and the Sustainable Integrated Wellness Approach. I have more than a decade of experience in the wellness industry and on my own personal wellness journey – learning how to tune into and trust my intuition and drown out all the noise.

WHO IS MEGAN SWAN?

As a certified IIN Health Coach, Detoxification Expert, Plant-based Chef, Yoga Teacher and Coach I will help you distill down the information overload and feel more at ease in your own skin again. At 30 I sold everything to embark on my own “Eat, Pray, Love” journey of sorts and now at 44 I’m still on my first stop where I fell in love with one of my English students. We have two beautiful boys and three adorable dogs and love to travel and explore the lesser-known beaches of Mexico. I am also 5 years sober.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

This podcast will teach you how less is more and that there is no one-size-fits-all in terms of wellness practices! It will also teach you how to identify which wellness trends are really for you, personalize them and make them a part of who you are instead of another checkmark on your to-do list. So, let’s Swan dive in!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH MEGAN: 

• Wellness as a Way of Life on Spotify

• Wellness as a Way of Life on Apple Podcasts 

• Megan Swan Website

• Follow along with Megan on IG at @meganswanwellness 

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

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