Some people perceive building a tolerance to alcohol as positive. However, this idea is a major misconception. If you’re able to consume increasingly larger amounts of alcohol, you may be developing a dependency on or addiction to the substance. Understanding the signs of increased tolerance to alcohol can help you to know when the time has come to seek professional help.
Signs of Increased Alcohol Tolerance
One sign that you’re building an increased tolerance to alcohol is the ability to consume more drinks without feeling ill or getting drunk quickly. However, when you’re out drinking, you might not be counting the exact number of beverages that you’re having. Also, as the night goes on, the count could become lost or incorrect. Therefore, you should be aware of other signs that you’re tolerance for alcohol is increasing:
- going through drinks more quickly
- higher bills at the bar
- regularly being intoxicated
- loved ones commenting on your drinking
- negative responses to comments
- depleting physical health
Going through Drinks More Quickly
One way to tell that you’re drinking more without actually counting the number of beverages is to note how quickly you’re going through alcohol at home. For example, if in the past, it would take a week for you to finish a bottle of wine and you are now having to purchase a new bottle every other day, you are then quite possibly building a higher tolerance to alcohol. In short, if you notice that you’re buying more alcohol, you are then probably consuming more.
Higher Bills at the Bar
Gauging the extent to which you’re drinking has increased might be more difficult if your consumption typically happens outside of the home. Take a look at your most recent tabs at the bar. An itemized list can help you to see how much more you’re drinking now than in the past. Even if you don’t have the full receipt available, pulling up the bill to look at the bottom line can also give you an idea.
Regularly Being Intoxicated
If you are constantly or regularly in a state of intoxication, you have likely built up a tolerance to alcohol. Thinking back to the past, you might realize that there were certain situations that you couldn’t function in if you were drunk. Now, however, you might be showing up to work, school, or family gatherings while intoxicated. As you build up a tolerance, the signs of intoxication might not be as prominent. These issues are signs that you have a problem with drinking.
Comments from Loved Ones
Even when you aren’t showing extreme signs of intoxication, the people closest to you can likely tell when you aren’t your sober self. Listen to these comments. While hearing criticisms about your drinking can be difficult, recognize that your relatives and friends are about you. If your loved ones are commenting that you are drinking too much, your use of alcohol is likely a problem.
Negative Reactions
You should also consider how you respond when your loved ones tell you that you are drinking too much or that they are concerned about the amount of alcohol that you’re consuming. Aggressive or defensive reactions could indicate that you’re building up a tolerance to alcohol. If your immediate response is to defend your drinking, consider the reason why.
Depleting Physical Health
Although you may be able to consume more drinks than in the past, your body can start to experience negative side effects in other ways. For example, your mind could be constantly foggy, or you may not have the energy in participating in activities that you used to love. As a result of the excess drinking, you might also start to put on weight, which can lead to other health issues. Building up a tolerance for alcohol can be seriously dangerous. As you continue to drink more, you might participate in additional risky or aggressive actions and behaviors. Instead of allowing alcoholism to destroy your life, connect with a professional. Take the first step toward starting a treatment program by calling 772-266-5320 today.
