Apr 27, 2025 | Alcoholism, drinking
If you are wondering if your partner is abusing alcohol, you can look for signs and clues from how they live their lives and interact with others. If you do think they are drinking too much, hopefully, you can get them the help that they need. One clue that they might be an alcoholic is if their social life revolves around alcohol. Another sign to look for is if they are cranky and irritable when they don’t drink. Another warning sign is people who don’t show outward signs of drunkenness even when they’ve had enough drinks to be intoxicated. And finally, if drinking is causing problems in their life it’s a clear red flag. All of these can be clues that your partner is drinking too heavily. Hopefully, you can provide a support system for them to get the help they need to get sober.
Signs That Your Partner is Abusing Alcohol: Signs and Symptoms of a Problem
Their Social Life Revolves Around Alcohol
One indication that your partner is abusing alcohol is that their entire social life revolves around it. If every date involves drinking and your weekends are filled with barhopping, it could be a red flag. Additionally, if they wind up drinking even when they don’t plan on it, it can be worrisome. For example, if your partner says they won’t drink but then give in and order something when they see others drinking, it could mean that they have a problem with resisting alcohol. While it’s fine to meet friends for drinks or order a fancy wine while out to dinner, if you’re entire social calendar revolves around alcohol, it’s a problem.
They Are Irritable When They Don’t Drink
Another sign that your partner is abusing alcohol is if they are irritable when they don’t drink. Excessive drinking can change the way your brain functions. It makes it so that your brain can no longer function normally without the alcohol. When you take that alcohol away, it can cause crankiness and irritability as your brain and body adjust to the absence of alcohol. This is one minor symptom of withdrawal. If your partner suffers from this or any other withdrawal symptom, it’s an indication that their body is too dependent on alcohol.
They Hold Their Liquor Too Well
It might be a sign that your partner is abusing alcohol if they hold their liquor too well. People who don’t show outward signs of drunkenness when they are intoxicated have a higher tolerance. But you can only get a higher tolerance for alcohol by drinking larger and larger quantities over time. While some people take pride in how much alcohol they’re able to handle, it can be a warning sign of an alcohol dependency problem.
Drinking Is Causing Problems in Their Life
One final sign that your partner is abusing alcohol is if drinking is causing problems in their life. Excessive drinking can lead to issues with family members and friends, partners, and even work. If they’re having trouble keeping up with personal relationships it can be a warning sign. Additionally, if they’re having issues with coming in late or hungover to work, it’s a definite red flag. Their family might be aware of any past drinking issues and be quick to get concerned if they’re drinking again. Take your cues from family members and long-time friends of your partner. If they seem concerned about the drinking, you should start analyzing your partner’s behavior for signs of alcoholism.
Unfortunately, many people are adept at hiding intense alcohol problems. However, there are signs that your partner is abusing alcohol if you look closely. Recognize if their entire social calendar revolves around drinking. Also, take note if they seem irritable when they abstain from alcohol because this might mean they are dependent. Furthermore, if they hold their liquor well and it’s difficult to tell when they are drunk even after many drinks, it can be a sign that they are drinking too much. And finally, if they’re having issues with family, friends, or their work it’s time to take a closer look. Hopefully, if you see these signs you can get your partner the help they need to get sober.
Mar 22, 2025 | Alcoholism
Alcohol support groups are helpful for many people on their journey to sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most famous twelve-step program, but there are many others available. It’s important to find the meeting that works best for you so that you can be successful. No matter which you choose, meetings will most likely help teach the foundations of sobriety and the steps to take to get there. They also provide accountability and support to peers. And finally, they give you a network of people with similar struggles who can share their journey and encourage yours. If you are struggling with addiction to alcohol or any other substances, a peer support group might be a great way to begin your sobriety journey.
How are Alcohol Support Groups Helpful for Recover?
They Teach the Foundations of Sobriety
Alcohol support groups often begin with teaching about addiction. Addiction is a complicated disease, and it’s important to understand how it affects your life. You will also likely learn steps to take that others find helpful for their recovery journey. Often this involves your family members or friends, making amends for past wrongs, and forgiving yourself. A huge part of your education will be learning your triggers and how to navigate them without alcohol.
Accountability
One of the main reasons why alcohol support groups are so helpful is because they provide accountability. Showing up week after week will allow you to make connections with the people in your meetings. They can help hold you accountable. In addition, you’re often encouraged to pick a sponsor or somebody who is further along in recovery, who can be there for you when you need support.
Hearing the Experiences of Others
For many people, being able to share their experiences and hear experiences from others is a very helpful part of alcohol support groups. Members are encouraged to share their stories, but it is always optional. Knowing that there are other people out there who share the same struggles can be empowering for many people. They can look to these peers and their accomplishments with sobriety and see that recovery is possible.
Global Network
Finally, one last positive benefit of alcohol support groups is the global network that they provide. Whether you are in your hometown or traveling, you can often find a meeting nearby. This allows you to rest assured that no matter where you go, you can find support quickly. You can even find support groups on cruises!
If you are struggling with addiction, alcohol support groups can be a great place to start your sobriety journey. They will educate you on how addiction works, and give you the tools to use to begin recovery. They will also give you a peer group of like-minded people who can support your journey and hold you accountable. No matter where you go, you should be able to find a group nearby. It’s important to find the right fit, though. If your first meeting doesn’t go well, try a few others to see if you find a group of people you connect with more. There are meetings just for women and men, religious groups, different addictive substances, and even meetings for family members of addicts. Finding the right meeting for you is very helpful for your recovery journey.
Dec 22, 2024 | Alcoholism
Falling off the wagon is, unfortunately, a very common part of recovery for many addicts. Many things can cause people to wind up drinking or using again even after quitting, but it can be hard to get back on track. You’ll need to acknowledge that you need help, and accept that the relapse happened. It’s helpful to try to pinpoint the root cause of the relapse so that you can try to avoid it in the future. Find support and refocus on the reason why you wanted to get clean and sober in the first place. It can be difficult to forgive yourself when you have a relapse, but recovery is not a straight line for anybody. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you continue to stay committed and ask for help when you need it, you can be successful in your goal of sobriety.
Falling Off the Wagon When in Recovery: Getting Back on Track
Acknowledgement and Acceptance
Falling off the wagon is a common occurrence for those in recovery for drugs or alcohol. Often, these occur due to stress or unexpected changes. But they are something that a lot of people face and move past successfully. Don’t try to make excuses, but instead, accept that the relapse happened. Apologize for anything you need to apologize for, and begin to forgive yourself for the mistake. Focusing too much on it will hinder your recovery, so try to use it as a learning opportunity.
Finding the Root Problem
One thing that can be helpful after falling off the wagon is to figure out what the root of the issue might have been. For many, stress is a huge contributing factor to relapse. It can also occur when you are going through emotionally draining situations like grieving a loved one, going through a breakup, or dealing with social issues. Learning healthy ways of handling stress is imperative because there will always be things that can cause stress in your life.
Finding the Right Kind of Support
It’s important to find support after going through a relapse. You might investigate recovery facilities in your area, reach out to your sponsor, speak with an addiction counselor, or start going to group support meetings again. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from getting the support you need because you’ll be less likely to be successful in your journey.
Refocusing on Your Why
Finally, after falling off the wagon, you’ll need to refocus on your why. That’s the thing that finally made you make the decision to get clean in the first place. Maybe it was something like getting healthy for the arrival of your child, a health scare, or problems with work or your social life. Try to bring that inspiration back to the forefront of your mind and refer to anything that helped you stay sober when you were first starting out. Forgive yourself for the mistake and begin to move forward.
Falling off the wagon when in recovery is something that a lot of addicts experience. You are always going to have ups and downs, and stresses that come up in your life. Learning to navigate these in a healthy way can help you avoid relapse in the future. Accept that it happened, and don’t make excuses. Take responsibility and forgive yourself. Then, start trying to figure out the root of the issue and why you think you relapsed in the first place. If you can identify certain triggers, you can work with a counselor to find ways to manage those. Ask for support, and investigate resources in your area. Finally, refocus on the reason why you decided to get sober in the first place. Hopefully, by forgiving yourself and moving forward, you can get back on track with your recovery and be successful in your journey.
Sep 22, 2024 | Alcoholism, drinking
Getting healthy while in recovery is a great idea as long as you have your doctor’s approval. You don’t want to strain your body with too much change at once. However, if you’ve been cleared for exercise and a diet change, it’s a great way to repair some of the damage that drinking can cause. Keep it gradual though. Slow and steady is the safest way to make any lifestyle changes. Get plenty of exercise, especially heart-healthy exercise like cardio. In addition, it’s a great idea to clean up your diet and aim for whole foods with as few additives as possible. Getting enough sleep is incredibly important for your overall health. And finally, don’t skip your mental health. Recovery is hard, so make sure to take care of yourself emotionally as well. Hopefully, you can be well on your way to a cleaner life. Your body will thank you!
Getting Healthy While in Recovery: Slow and Steady
Exercise
Exercise is very important for getting healthy while in recovery. Drinking can be very hard on your organs, especially your heart. Heart-healthy exercise like cardio can help repair some of this damage. Pairing cardio with strength training is a great way to increase your strength and tone your body. Take things slowly at first, and speak to a doctor before you attempt exercise if it’s been a while.
Eating Healthy
Eating healthy is another important factor for getting healthy while in recovery. Drinking can add on the pounds, as alcohol is chock full of empty calories, carbs, and sugar. If you’re looking to trim down while in recovery, aim for whole foods. Load up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Sleep
Another important factor for getting healthy while in recovery that often gets overlooked is sleep. Sleep is incredibly important for your overall well-being. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause sleep issues, so you might be having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Try to set the stage for good sleep by investing in room-darkening curtains, a sound machine, and comfortable sheets. Listen to calming music, take a warm bath, or inhale calming lavender before bed. And cut the screen time off within the last hour before you go to sleep.
Mental Health
Finally, your mental health can’t be ignored when getting healthy while in recovery. Detox and recovery are incredibly hard and stressful. You might be getting some therapy as part of a detox program. However, once you leave a rehab facility, it’s up to you to continue this. A therapist can help you grapple with stress and set you up for successful goal-setting. Make sure to set aside time in your schedule for taking care of your mental health. Perhaps that means booking a session with your therapist, making time for coffee with a friend, or just sitting outside for a little peace and quiet.
Getting healthy while in recovery is a great idea to change your entire life. You’re already making such a great decision for your health by cutting out substances. You might as well take this opportunity to invest in your overall health. If a doctor has given the okay for you to exercise, start with some gradual activities and slowly build up. Aim to eat cleanly by focusing on lots of fruits and veggies. Set yourself up for a successful night of sleep each night, and aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep overall. And finally, make sure to focus on your mental health while you take care of your physical health. You are well on your way to repairing many of the negative effects of long-term substance abuse and living a cleaner, happier life.
Aug 4, 2024 | Alcoholism, Drugs
Leaving rehab can be a little scary. Keeping up with sobriety in a place where that is the entire focus is manageable. But keeping up with sobriety once you leave and go back to normal life can be much harder. Work stress, family stress, and social pressures can all challenge your sobriety. Try to follow up with therapy to keep your goal in mind. It’ll be important to make some significant lifestyle changes as well. You may even need to find a new social group to hang out with. And finally, keep yourself busy because being bored can be a trigger for many people. Hopefully, you’ll be able to come home from rehab and continue your journey of sober living.
Leaving Rehab: Set Yourself Up for Success in Sobriety
Follow Up Therapy
One important thing to plan for when leaving rehab is follow-up therapy. Sobriety will likely be a lifetime struggle for you. But the reward is so high that it’s worth it. But there will be times when you are tempted to drink. In fact, you are most likely to relapse within the first six months after leaving rehabilitation. To prevent this, seek therapy once you come home. Find an intensive outpatient therapy or a 12 step program like Alcoholics Anonymous to attend. This will help keep you focused and give you an outlet to connect with others going through the same thing.
Lifestyle Changes
It’s likely that after leaving the rehab you’ll need to make some pretty significant lifestyle changes. You want your home to be a safe place, so get rid of any alcohol or illegal substances. If your spouse drinks, consider asking them to abstain while you are fresh out of recovery. Or ask them only to drink outside the home and with other people. Part of your rehab will likely be figuring out what your specific triggers are. They might be specific people, places, or stressors. You’ll need to make some lifestyle changes to avoid these things so that you aren’t triggered to start drinking again.
Social Life
For many people leaving rehab, a new social group is a necessity. If you are coming from a group that puts a lot of focus on drinking and partying, you really should avoid seeing them. Unless they’re willing to support you with your sober living, they will most likely be a trigger. See if you can find a new group that is supportive of your goals. There are meetup groups that you can find that specifically cater to sober activities.
Stay Busy
Finally, after leaving rehab, it’s important to keep yourself busy. Recovering alcoholics often find that boredom is a major trigger for them. If you’re bored at home, there’s not really anything to distract you from your desire to drink. Therefore, it’s important to keep yourself busy and have a goal for each day. It’s especially important to make sure and stay busy if there are certain parts of the day that make you want to drink more. For example, if a cocktail hour is difficult for you, plan to find an exercise class for that time.
Coming home from rehab is something to be proud of and to celebrate. But it’s not the time to get too relaxed about your sobriety. In fact, the first weeks and months home can be the hardest for many recovering alcoholics. After leaving rehab, plan to continue intense therapy or treatment for a long time. You might even be in treatment or attending meetings for the rest of your life. Make lifestyle changes to help you avoid triggers. In addition, you might need to meet some new friends who will be supportive of your goals. And finally, keep yourself busy. Hopefully, you’ll come home from rehab and be able to continue your sober living without too much difficulty. Remember that the rewards for giving up alcohol are well worth the struggles.
May 29, 2024 | Alcoholism, drinking
If you are in alcohol recovery, you can achieve whole-body health by making sure to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Deciding to quit drinking shows that you care about your well-being. If you are getting clean, it’s a great time to focus your energy on getting your whole body more healthy. Start by eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise. Proper sleep is also very important for your overall well-being. And finally, never skip your mental wellness when trying to achieve whole-body health. It’s important to learn healthy ways to cope with stress so that you are successful with your sobriety. Hopefully, you can get your body in the best health it’s ever been now that you are focused on staying sober.
Alcohol Recovery: Whole Body Health While Staying Sober
Eating Healthy Foods
Whole-body health starts with eating healthy foods. Alcohol can lead to a lot of weight gain, so now that you are getting sober, you might see some weight come off. However, it’s important to also make good changes to your diet to continue this trend. Try to fill your plate with fresh fruits and veggies. Next, opt for whole grains instead of things made from white flour. And make sure to get plenty of lean proteins. It’s best to choose organic when possible so that you are getting all of the nutrients available without additives and preservatives.
Exercising
Another important aspect of whole-body health is exercise. Exercising is a great way to get your body leaner and more toned. However, it also can be stress-relieving and make you feel happier because of the endorphin rush. Aim to get around 30 minutes of cardio each day with some weight lifting mixed in every few days.
Sleep
Sleep is imperative for whole-body health. Drinking can negatively affect your sleep in many ways. Hopefully, you’ll be seeing the positive effects of getting sober already by falling and staying asleep more easily. If you are trying to get a good night’s rest, make sure to turn off all screens at least an hour before bed. Try not to eat heavy meals within an hour or two of bedtime as well. Make your bedroom and bed as inviting and comfortable as possible.
Mental Wellness
Finally, whole-body health wouldn’t be complete without including your mental wellness. Alcoholism and alcohol recovery is emotionally draining. It can take a huge toll on your mental health. It’s important to learn healthy coping strategies so that stress won’t make you go back to drinking. Speak to a therapist, or consider joining a group program like AA to learn some great techniques for handling stress. Consider meditation, focused breathing, and journaling as well to help you get focused on your sobriety and fight stress.
Whole-body health is very important when in alcohol recovery. You’re already making such a great decision for your well-being, it’s a great time to focus on all areas of your body. Make sure that you start by eating cleanly and in sensible portions. Try to get plenty of exercise during the week. Make sure that you set yourself up for successful and restful sleep each night. And finally, consider therapy or other techniques for tending to your mental wellbeing. Make sure that you learn some great coping skills for stress so that you aren’t tempted to drink when you feel overwhelmed. You’ve made a great decision for your overall well-being to give up drinking, now is the time to get in the best health of your entire life!
