How to Break the Habit of Drinking Alcohol Every Evening?

The key to understanding how to break the habit of drinking alcohol every evening is relatively simple, yet a lot more complex than you may think. First off, the best answer to this conundrum is to simply abstain from drinking alcohol, but it is your choice to do as you please. This habit also starts when you return home from work, claim you had a “busy day,” and pour yourself a drink. It may seem innocent, but remember what alcohol does to the body. Alcohol is a toxin, whether we choose to believe so or not, and even in small doses, it can have long-term effects.

What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Alcohol Every Night?

Drinking a few glasses of wine or beer a night may not seem like much, but the daily habit can be harmful to the body. While people drinking even small quantities every night may not think they are showing the warning signs of alcoholism, alcohol is a toxin that can cause liver damage, mental health problems (including but not limited to insomnia, depression, and anxiety), and brain damage. Even social drinking can lead people to get hooked on the substance, which is when it becomes a dangerous routine that warrants attention. In its purest form, consuming too much alcohol causes a lot of physical issues, but it also has negative ramifications on those around you and your loved ones, including causing a sense of inebriation, which can lead to arguments and even violence. 

How Much Drinking Is Considered Alcoholism?

Many assume that the problem is under control, but when trying to learn how to break the habit of drinking alcohol every evening, one drink may turn into many, and this is when it becomes a problem. A normal amount is two drinks or less daily for men and one drink or less for women, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. When it reaches the plateau of five or more drinks in a given day or 15 or more per week, then you are considered a heavy drinker, and learning how to stop drinking tips is vitally important.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most prevalent killers out there. According to the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact Application, there are roughly 178,000 deaths that are contingent on alcohol use. While you may feel you can hold your own, remember that if you are ingesting more than five drinks in a given day over an extended period, the thought of “having just one drink to calm me down” can easily escalate.

Is A Bottle Of Wine Too Much?

Yes, consuming one bottle of wine a day is quite a considerable amount of alcohol, exceeding the recommended guidelines for moderate drinking. The amount and potency of the alcohol also varies based on the percentage of alcohol in the wine bottle (13.5% ABV on average) and its size. The same is true for beer. While many can function on one bottle of wine, the body is working overtime to handle the immense amount of toxins you are consuming on a nightly basis. 

What Are Signs That You Are Drinking Too Much Alcohol?

Many seem to believe that because drinking is legal, then therefore it is safe. This is far from the truth. Alcohol can cause many health issues, including strokes, alcohol use disorder (AUD), problems with digestion, and a weakened immune system. If you are experiencing trouble with bowel movements, pains in your stomach, or have prior experiences with heart or liver issues, these are all signs that you are drinking too much, and it’s vital to seek help to safely detox from alcohol.  

Break the Habit of Drinking Alcohol Every Evening With Professional Treatment

One of the important steps to learn how to break the habit of drinking alcohol every evening is to find a new routine. Instead of drinking after work, try exercising or joining a community group that helps distract you from the triggers of drinking every night. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer a comprehensive approach to dealing with drug and alcohol use, utilizing professional treatment methods to help patients achieve sobriety and live happier lives. Please contact us at 855-458-0050 to learn more about our addiction treatment options for alcoholism. 

External Sources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol’s Effects on Health
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol-Related Emergencies and Deaths in the United States
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial