There is a great misconception that people who struggle with alcohol abuse are weak-willed. In reality, the majority of people who have an alcohol abuse problem are highly motivated and determined. However, these characteristics often increase a person’s chances of suffering from perfectionism and a harsh inner critic, which can sometimes lead to the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. These traits can push people to work above and beyond and to isolate themselves in the process. At Paracelsus Recovery, we believe alcohol dependency comes from patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviours.
These patterns are often a coping strategy in response to trauma, unhappy childhoods, stress in current real-life circumstances, relational challenges in marriages, families, business and dissociation from self and others. Numerous studies show that
There is a great misconception that people who struggle with alcohol abuse are weak-willed. In reality, the majority of people who have an alcohol abuse problem are highly motivated and determined. However, these characteristics often increase a person’s chances of suffering from perfectionism and a harsh inner critic, which can sometimes lead to the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. These traits can push people to work above and beyond and to isolate themselves in the process. At Paracelsus Recovery, we believe alcohol dependency comes from patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviours.
These patterns are often a coping strategy in response to trauma, unhappy childhoods, stress in current real-life circumstances, relational challenges in marriages, families, business and dissociation from self and others. Numerous studies show that our environment and relationships impact our propensity for substance abuse. A downward spiral can occur whereby our reliance on alcohol begins to negatively affect our lives more and more, impacting our relationships and wellbeing.
For example, if we are going through a difficult period and rely more heavily on alcohol than usual, it can lead to secrecy or shame surrounding our drinking habits. Shame can create walls between our loved ones and us, therefore isolating us further. We can begin to feel misunderstood, afraid or out of control, all of which affects how we perceive ourselves, how we interact with others and how we engage with our environment
If you think you have an alcohol dependency, consider the following:
- In the last few months, have you failed to meet deadlines or expectations because of your drinking?Do you ever need alcohol to function after a night of heavy drinking?
- Do you often find it hard to identify what you are feeling when or after drinking?
- Have you ever had a blackout while drinking?
- Do you think, or know, your relatives and friends are concerned about your drinking?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might have an alcohol abuse problem.
