A former alcoholic has explained the three key differences between someone who drinks casually and someone who may have an alcohol problem.
Alcohol can often be part of daily life, whether used to unwind after a challenging day or as a toast to a special occasion.
However, at what point does casual drinking potentially become problematic? While many enjoy a drink every now and then, it’s important to recognize when it might be excessive.
Corey Warren, known for his presence on TikTok and YouTube, highlighted the distinctions between a social drinker and someone struggling with alcohol dependency.
Warren, who is in recovery from alcoholism, shared insights from his own journey and the realization that he had an issue with drinking.
Many people find themselves reaching for a drink in various emotional situations, but is this behavior indicative of a deeper problem?
Warren pointed out that ‘normal drinkers’ always have reasons not to drink, whether it’s responsibilities like early mornings with children, work commitments, or fitness routines. They have practical motivations to abstain.
He stated, “For me, I had a reason to drink. A bad day? Drinking. Stressed out? Drinking. Arguing with my wife? Drinking. Wanting to celebrate something good? Drinking.”
Socializing with friends can make it challenging to recognize when to stop drinking. If you consistently struggle to draw the line, it might suggest a reliance on alcohol.
Warren noted, “Normal drinkers know when enough is enough, I never had that switch. Alcohol decided for me. If a drink was in front of me, I was drinking it. Faced with a case, I’d finish it. A bottle? I wouldn’t stop until it was empty.”
“When I would stop, it was only because the bottle was empty, I was passed out, or I had blacked out.”
This aligns with research from the Cleveland Clinic, which notes that individuals with alcohol dependence struggle to quit drinking, even when it negatively impacts their lives and those around them.
Another key difference between a social drinker and someone with an addiction is the internal questioning often faced by those with a dependence.
“Normal drinkers don’t wonder if they have a problem with alcohol,” Warren explained. “They don’t grapple with the thought that maybe they shouldn’t drink. But I was constantly questioning, ‘Is this good for me?’ ‘Should I be doing this?’ ‘Am I taking this too far, am I an alcoholic?’ These are the questions that don’t concern normal drinkers.”
If you’re dealing with addiction and need confidential support, you can reach out to the American Addiction Centers at (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or visit their website for more information.