Drinking in moderation can be beneficial to your health and can also be a means of facilitating communication. As long as you drink it lightly, it shouldn’t be a problem. Excessive drinking , binge drinking , or alcoholism can cause social problems as well as personal health . According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the proportion of alcoholics in Korea is estimated at 1.55 million, which is 6.76% of the adult population.
If you can identify your drinking status before your addiction becomes serious, you can prevent yourself from becoming addicted to alcohol. Dr John F. Kelly, of the Massachusetts General Hospital Recovery Institute in the US, told the US health news ‘Health’ that ” If you discover that you are prone to alcohol dependence , you can use it as an opportunity to cut down on alcohol .” . How do you know that you are highly dependent on alcohol and have a tendency to drink too much?
◆ binge drinking even if you set the amount of alcohol before drinking
If you suffer from a hangover or make a mistake, you vow to reduce your drinking. You limit the amount of alcohol you drink before the party, but in the end, it is a problem if your promise to yourself is broken. According to Dr. Kelly, repeated excessive drinking even after limiting the amount of drinking can be a sign that you are losing control . In this case, it is better to analyze the reasons for not being able to avoid drinking . If you have no choice but to attend a drinking party, it is advisable to write down the reasons to avoid drinking too much and reflect on it.
◆ Are social activities always accompanied by alcohol?
When meeting people , there are people who are always drinking. If you enjoy drinking more than your past hobbies, it can be seen that your dependence on alcohol is increasing. Instead of drinking with friends, it ‘s a good idea to find other ways of doing things, such as watching a movie or exercising.
◆ If my acquaintances point out how much I drink
If friends or people around you talk about your drinking habits , it can be judged that your dependence on alcohol is increasing. Let’s compare how much you’re drinking compared to what you’re drinking. The recommended daily drinking amount is 2 glasses of soju for women and 3 glasses of soju for men. According to the National Institutes of Health, people who consume moderate alcohol intake have a lower risk of becoming addicted to one in 100 people. If you feel uncomfortable even with the recommended amount, you should further reduce the amount of alcohol consumed.
◆ Stress relieved by drinking alcohol with a shake?
Everyone is stressed by a variety of issues, from trivial things to big ones. How to relieve stress is different for each person. Drinking is often used as a way to relieve stress by boosting mood and making you forget your worries . However , this only relieves mood for a short time and is not a desirable solution. If you have a habit of drinking as much alcohol whenever you are stressed, find a healthier way to relieve stress, such as exercising, taking a walk, or meditating .
