Before I figured out how to stop drinking, I was always looking for signs that it was time.
Deep down, I already knew the answer. But because I wasn’t a rock-bottom drinker, I could sometimes convince myself that I was overreacting and being silly.
I wasn’t though. The clues were all there. Some of them were subtle and some were really obvious.
Today I’m sharing 6 surprising signs you should watch out for – and might not have considered yet…
6 surprising signs:
1 – You’ve always got one eye on the booze
You know exactly how much is left in the bottle. You keep an eye on what everyone else is drinking and wonder if there’s enough left; you often feel anxious about getting to the shops in time so you can buy more.
2 – You’re touchy about your drinking
Perhaps a friend makes an offhand, jokey comment about your love of wine and you replay the remark over and over in your head. What did they really mean by it? You worry about what other people think.
3 – You’re relieved when you know you’re going to be able to drink
You worry that you won’t be able to drink in the way you want, so it’s a relief when you can. You feel delighted when someone else volunteers to drive, or you get home early so you can have a few drinks alone.
4 – You create a lot of rules around your drinking
Perhaps you make yourself wait until a certain time of day. Maybe you have rules about what you can drink or where. These rules can appear to work initially, but you’re soon back to square one.
5 – There’s a lingering feeling of fear and unease
You have this sense that something bad is about to happen, you’re just not sure what. Perhaps you’ve already had a few close calls or put yourself in situations that could’ve ended with you hurting yourself or someone else.
6 – You’re here
If you’re asking yourself whether you need to stop drinking, then there’s a very good chance you do. If alcohol is making you unhappy, you have nothing to lose by experimenting with sobriety and taking a proper break from booze.
14 responses
I’m so looking forward to this masterclass which, I hope, will focus my mind and provide some determination to put myself on a better path. I have tried so many ways/times to end my complicated relationship with alcohol but I am always persuaded I don’t need to STOP and don’t get any kind of judgement for drinking or wanting to drink. I’m not enabled but neither am I discouraged. Thank you for doing this, Kate.
I look forward to showing you a fun and empowering way to take a break from drinking that will focus your efforts for the last time Joanne. 🙂
I’m terrified but excited at the same time! Like Joanne (above), I’ve tried so many times but always fall back into that, “just one more time” (to drink). I stopped completely (again) beginning August 31st and since this is “National Recovery Month” here in the U.S., I believe this is an ideal time to renew my efforts. Kate, I’ve read so many positive things I can’t help but believe I’ve come to the right place! I’m eagerly looking forward to joining your master class. Thank you so much!
You’re in exactly the right place, at the right time. I’d be honoured to help you make sobriety stick in National Recovery Month – very apt! 🙂
I’m looking forward to the master class to see if this encourages me to start a permanent sobriety life. I’m not a rock bottom drinker and have days that I don’t drink. Therefore I excuse myself and don’t think it’s a problem. But the day after even just having a couple of glasses, it makes me depressed and I hate that low mood. I start running myself down and feel lonely. On the days after I don’t drink anything, I feel so much better, sleep and look better and feel more upbeat, so this is how I want to feel permanently.
I am wanting to try anything to help me get sober. I’ve used all of these signs and can relate to all of them. It is a comfort to know I am not the only one.
You’re definitely not alone Marie and I look forward to showing you a different way to escape the alcohol trap. 🙂
The alcohol trap. I couldn’t have described it better myself. It’s such an easy habit. I can relate to all 6 of the signs above.
Alcohol now impacts decision making on recreational plans!
I feel so lucky to have found Kates sober school and can’t wait to get started.
I’m so happy with the things I’ve learned about neuroscience and brain chemistry through the class and the Stay Sober Club. I frequently think about why it would feel great to have a drink but I can’t argue with science. After being solidly alcohol-free for a month (finally) I sleep better than I have since I was a child and mornings are heavenly. I wake up knowing I can conquer just about anything, my head doesn’t hurt and I have no terrors or regrets about any dumb thing I might have done the night before. Sometimes I get “little kid cranky” about sticking to my goals but Kate offers help that actually brings benefit. By-the-way, I can still do dumb things during the day that have nothing to do with alcohol.
We can all do dumb things occasionally Ann, but it’s good to hear sleep is improving, mornings are heavenly and no headache! These are undeniable benefits of sobriety, and they just keep improving! 🙂
I’ve been sober curious for a while and although i dont drink every day, I identify as a binge drinker. I’ve realised I spend too much time trying to moderate my drinking so I’ve decided to stop drinking for 100 days. I’m currently on day 3 and am determined to succeed. I’m looking forward to hangover free weekends. I already feel great about my decision
That’s great to hear and well done for committing to a good period of time not drinking – that’s when you really start to feel the many, many benefits of alcohol-free living! If you need any support on this journey, please take a look at my next online coaching programme that will help you transform your mindset and achieve long term sobriety: https://thesoberschool.com/course/
Hi I am exactly the same.
I don’t drink everyday day but when I do I have no control or stop button! We went to London at the weekend to meet friends and they all commented ” Marie you need to try and pace yourself as you became drunk and slurry”. Although my hubby has told me this on numerous occasions, it really hit home that all my friends said the same thing. The worst though was one of my friends said ” its lucky you have a carer as your hubby!” I felt mortified. They are speaking the truth, my poor hubby has had to get me home on numerous occasions as I don’t have that cut off switch .It’s time for me to give it a rest. I have already pre planned by getting sparkling water in( i always have it but now its going to be ” instead of and not after to help a hangover”
Hi Marie, Well done for taking action. It can be a lonely journey when you’re doing this on your own. If you need any more support, my 7 day reset programme would be a great fit for you. Here are some more details: https://thesoberschool.com/reset-rethink-take-back-control/