Are you an alcoholic?

How do you know if you drink too much or too often? Do you find yourself asking, am I an alcoholic? Well, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), for healthy adults, drinking more than these single-day or weekly limits is considered "at-risk" or "heavy" drinking:

Men: More than 4 drinks on any day or 14 per week
Women: More than 3 drinks on any day or 7 per week

I can't say that I fully agree with this. I know plenty of people who drink double these amounts and feel okay about their relationship with alcohol. On the other hand, I know people who consume just one glass of wine, and a wave of thoughts and emotions come crashing over them. Anxiety, shame, guilt, depression, to name a few.

Numbers are great. They make people feel comfortable and safe, as if they have control and order. However, when it comes to the question of, "Am I an alcoholic?" the numbers don't add up. I can recall my drinking days, and for me, it didn't matter if I had seven drinks or one and a half; the same feelings were still there. I knew the choice I made to drink was wrong for me. I knew alcohol was keeping me small, dimming my light, and was counterproductive to the goals I had for myself. It kept me comfortable and complacent. I always said, "It's not that bad; many are worse. I can stop when I want." That was a lie. It was so much harder to step outside the norm, go against the grain, not drink, and face why I drank in the first place.

Statistics, smatistics! If you don't feel good spiritually, morally, physically, or mentally when you drink, maybe it's time to give it a break and change your relationship with alcohol. You don't have to wait for something big or horrible to happen. You can listen to your mind and body right now and make a choice. You get to choose your relationship with alcohol.

Chances are, if you are reading this, then you are curious about your relationship with alcohol. Maybe labels scare you; I get it; I don't love them either, but the focus is on how you feel. Are you using alcohol as a coping mechanism? Are you bored? Are you stuck or stressed the fuck out? How do you feel about your life, and does alcohol ultimately add anything positive to it? 

START HERE: Making changes can be scary and riddled with fear — even changes that are good for you. I know this all too well, and that is why we created tools and programs to help you take control of your life and ditch the booze once and for all. It really is overrated, and hangovers suck. Don't be just another statistic. Live your life feeling empowered, confident, and energized.

Through accountability and community, feel the love and support of like-minded women. Get off the hamster wheel and make the most of your healing journey!