You must have heard that excessive alcohol is a grave danger to your health and you wonder when it is excessive. To help you reach the right conclusion, we will ask a few questions and you should follow diligently.
🟡 Is Your Drinking A Problem?
You enjoy a drink after work, maybe a few more on weekends — but how much is too much?
Many people don’t realise they are at risk of excessive alcohol use until serious health or lifestyle issues arise.
This article breaks down the warning signs, health risks, and what to do if you’re concerned about your drinking habits.
🔵 What Is Considered Excessive Alcohol Use?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control, drinking becomes excessive when it goes beyond moderate levels (1) (2).
Here’s how it’s defined:
For men: More than 4 drinks in a day or 14 per week
For women: More than 3 drinks in a day or 7 per week
Binge drinking: 5+ drinks in one occasion (men), 4+ for women
Heavy drinking: Binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month
đź”´ Signs You May Be At Risk
- You Need More Alcohol To Feel the Same Effect
This is called tolerance and is a major red flag for dependency. -
You Drink Alone or Hide Your Drinking
Drinking in secret often points to emotional or physical dependency.
- You Use Alcohol To Cope With Stress or Emotions
If you turn to alcohol when you’re sad, anxious, or stressed, it’s no longer just recreational. -
You Have Trouble Cutting Back
Have you ever said “I’ll stop next week” and didn’t? -
You Miss Work or Social Commitments Due to Drinking
Alcohol may be interfering with your responsibilities or relationships. -
You Experience Blackouts or Memory Loss
If you can’t recall parts of your night, it’s a serious warning sign.
đźź Health Risks Linked To Excessive Alcohol Use
Excessive alcohol intake could lead to liver disease (fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis), high blood pressure and heart disease, mental health issues (depression, anxiety), weak immune system and increased risk of cancer (mouth, throat, liver, breast) (3).
Others are male infertility and low testosterone and accidents and injuries (drunk driving, falls).
🟣 What To Do If You’re Concerned
Once you become concerned here are a few things you should do.
Track your drinking habits with a journal or app
Talk to your doctor about screening and treatment
Seek professional help – therapy, AA, or a treatment center
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Limit access at home – reduce temptation
Find healthy replacements – exercise, hobbies, support groups.
🔵 Final Word From So Healthy Nigeria: Awareness Is The First Step
You don’t have to hit rock bottom before making a change. If you wait until things are already wrong, what will you gain?
Once you begin to notice any of these signs, it’s worth exploring your relationship with alcohol. Don’t wait for later.
If you will just take that bold step, your health, relationships, and future self will thank you.