A lot of people like a bit of “liquid courage” when socialising, but if you need it to get through a night out, there’s a problem.
Source: Unsplash Britain has a serious alcohol problem, and the reliance on booze to get through even basic conversations is really not good. If you need a drink (or five) to actually enjoy interacting with other people, here are some things you need to think about (and perhaps do something about).
1. Your social anxiety might be more severe than you realise.
If you can’t imagine facing a social gathering without liquid courage, it’s possible your anxiety runs deeper than you’ve admitted to yourself. Alcohol might be masking a problem that needs addressing. Recognising this can be the first step towards finding healthier ways to manage your anxiety.
2. You’re missing out on genuine connections.
Source: Unsplash When you’re tipsy or drunk, you’re not fully present. That means you’re likely missing out on forming real, meaningful connections with people. Those surface-level drunk chats rarely lead to lasting friendships. By relying on alcohol, you might be trading depth for temporary comfort.
3. Your self-esteem might be lower than you think.
Source: Unsplash Needing alcohol to feel confident in social situations often points to underlying self-esteem issues. It’s worth exploring why you don’t feel good enough as you are, without the boost from booze. Building genuine self-confidence takes time, but it’s far more rewarding than the fleeting bravado alcohol provides.
4. You’re not developing crucial social skills.
Source: Unsplash By relying on alcohol, you’re not learning how to navigate social situations sober. This can stunt your emotional growth and leave you feeling even more anxious when you can’t drink. Developing these skills sober might be challenging, but it’s essential for long-term social confidence.
5. Your friends might not know the real you.
Source: Unsplash If you’re always drinking in social situations, your friends might only know the ‘alcohol version’ of you. This can lead to feelings of inauthenticity and disconnect in your relationships. Showing your true self, vulnerabilities and all, can lead to deeper, more fulfilling friendships.
6. You’re potentially putting yourself in dangerous situations.
Source: Unsplash Regularly drinking to excess in social situations can lead to poor decision-making and potentially dangerous scenarios. It’s uncomfortable to admit, but it’s a real risk you’re taking. Your safety should always be a priority, and it’s worth considering if your drinking habits are compromising that.
7. Your health is likely suffering more than you realise.
Regular drinking, even if it’s just in social situations, can take a toll on your physical and mental health. The long-term effects might be more serious than you want to admit. It’s worth considering how your future self might thank you for addressing this habit now.
8. You might be using alcohol to avoid dealing with other issues.
Drinking to feel comfortable socially could be a way of avoiding other problems in your life. It’s worth considering what you might be trying to escape from or ignore. Facing these issues head-on, while uncomfortable, can lead to significant personal growth and improved well-being.
9. Your perception of a good time might be skewed.
Source: Unsplash If you can’t imagine having fun without alcohol, your idea of enjoyment might be distorted. There’s a whole world of sober activities and genuine joy you could be missing out on. Exploring these can open up new experiences and perspectives you never considered before.
10. You’re likely spending more money than you realise.
Source: Unsplash Drinking regularly in social situations can be a significant drain on your finances. Tallying up how much you spend on alcohol might be an uncomfortable but necessary wake-up call. Imagine what else you could do with that money if it wasn’t going towards drinks.
11. Your relationships might be suffering.
Relying on alcohol in social situations can strain relationships, especially with people who don’t drink or who are concerned about your habits. It’s worth considering how your drinking affects those around you. Open conversations about this, though difficult, can strengthen your relationships and support network.
12. You might be using alcohol as a crutch for creativity or wit.
If you feel like you’re only funny, creative, or interesting when you’re drinking, it’s time to confront this belief. Your true self is likely far more capable than you give it credit for. Discovering and nurturing your sober creativity can be a rewarding journey of self-discovery.
13. Your emotional growth might be stunted.
Alcohol can numb emotions and prevent you from processing experiences fully. This can hinder your emotional growth and ability to handle life’s challenges sober. Learning to face and process emotions without the buffer of alcohol can lead to greater resilience and self-awareness.
14. You might be missing out on morning activities.
Regular drinking can lead to rough mornings, meaning you might be missing out on early activities or feeling less than your best at work. This cycle can impact your overall quality of life. Imagine how much more you could accomplish and enjoy if you weren’t nursing a hangover.
15. Your definition of ‘normal’ drinking might need reassessing.
If you can’t imagine socialising without alcohol, it might be time to reassess what you consider ‘normal’ drinking. Your habits might have crossed into unhealthy territory without you realising it. Taking an honest look at your relationship with alcohol can be the first step towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
