Recognising Alcoholism Red Flags: The Lies We Tell Ourselves
Episode Overview
Recognise rationalisations and justifications for drinking as red flags. Be aware of increasing tolerance as a sign of worsening addiction. Stay connected with support groups to avoid isolation. Watch out for replacing one addiction with another. Maintain self-care routines to stay grounded in recovery.
If you have to justify a behaviour, that is a red flag right there
In this episode of The Sober and Happy Podcast, Tim Phillips takes a deep dive into the often overlooked red flags of alcoholism, both during active addiction and in recovery. Tim, who has over a decade of sobriety under his belt, shares his personal experiences with these warning signs and the lies we often tell ourselves to justify our drinking habits.
He covers everything from the subtle rationalisations we make, like 'I only drink on weekends', to more glaring red flags such as increasing tolerance and isolating oneself from supportive friends and family. Tim doesn't just focus on the red flags during active addiction; he also sheds light on those that appear in recovery. For instance, he discusses the dangers of replacing one addiction with another and the risk of romanticising past substance use.
He emphasises the importance of staying connected with support groups and maintaining self-care routines to avoid falling back into old habits. One particularly striking moment is when Tim talks about how defensively he would react when someone questioned his drinking, even going as far as to hurt others to protect his addiction. This raw honesty serves as a powerful reminder of how cunning and baffling addiction can be.
By recognising these red flags early on, you can take proactive steps to address them before they escalate into more significant issues. Tim encourages listeners to take a moment to reflect on their own lives and identify any warning signs they might be ignoring. If you're questioning your drinking habits or are in recovery, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you stay on track.
Don't miss out on this candid and informative discussion that could make a significant difference in your journey towards a healthier, happier life.