Sobering Up

Alcohol can be a way to escape reality, to run away from your fears and numb your feelings.

We live in a society that makes binge drinking cool. We live in a society that makes blackouts stories funny. We live in a society that doesn’t teach us how to cope in healthy ways.

The problem is when drinking becomes a habit, you might want to reconsider why you drink, how much and how often. It becomes a problem when alcohol becomes your only way of coping.

If you drink often, you will build a resistance to alcohol. You will need to drink more to feel the effects...but it doesn't mean it's not impacting your body. To think you are above alcohol is dangerous. Alcohol impacts our inhibition and our reaction time. Stay safe.

When you drink alcohol you care less about the consequences...check in with yourself. Would you do this if you were sober?

Let's be clear, your life doesn't need to be a complete shit show for you to have a problem with alcohol.

You don't need to get fired from work or lose all your friends...

• If you keep "blacking out"

• If you have a hungover every morning after a night out

• If you spend a big part of your paycheck on alcohol

• If you realize it's a common topic during fights with your partner, family or friends

• If you argue more when you're under the influence

• If you're incapable of saying no to "one more drink"

• If you don't know how to socialize without having a drink in your hand

• If you told yourself you were only drinking and yet when you drink you find yourself doing a line of coke, smoking a cigarette or a joint

• If you accidentally hurt yourself or put others at risk when drinking...

...You might have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

If you can't respect the limits you give yourself, you might have a problematic use of alcohol (it does not automatically mean you have an addiction).

Alcohol is also a depressant, so it will inevitably affect your mood.

Are you more anxious or depressed the week following a heavy drinking night?

Some simple questions to ask yourself when you want to drink:

How am I feeling right now and am I drinking to feel better?

Am I proud of the way I act when I drink?

What would I do instead if I wasn't drinking?

The people you surround yourself with are going to influence you.

Minimize the risks : try to use substances only with people that you feel safe around. Do they have your best interest at heart?