Some people in Fayetteville believe they can detect an alcoholic or alcohol abuser when they see one. However, as seasoned alcohol abuse experts, we know that there are many misconceptions about alcoholics too. These misconceptions are dangerous because they can impair an alcoholic’s resolve to get treatment. One of such myths is that sheer willpower can cure an alcoholic’s addiction.
Unfortunately, that’s not true. When a person becomes addicted to alcohol, it’s dangerous to cure themselves. They must seek help and support from external factors — experienced alcohol treatment providers, family, and friends, etc., to detox safely. Otherwise, they may risk relapsing or dying due to self-motivation.
A second misconception is that people who drink only on weekends don’t have a drinking problem. Again, that is a dangerous fallacy. This article will discuss all you need to know about who a weekend alcoholic is. We’ll also show you how to overcome your problem if you’re a weekend alcoholic.
Who Is a Weekend Alcoholic?
As mentioned earlier, many Fayetteville residents believe that alcoholics are always very easy to spot. They also believe that alcoholics drink every day, at all times, and everywhere. However, that is another misconception because weekend addicts have proven them wrong.
A weekend alcoholic is someone who takes alcohol only on weekends. They are different from social drinkers. Unlike social drinkers who may also drink alcohol on weekends, these types of individuals engage in binge drinking.
According to the CDC, binge drinking is the most common and deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States. It means drinking lots of alcohol in a very short period. Binge drinking on the weekends is very dangerous and can lead to long-term problems for the abuser.
What Are the Risks Associated With Weekend Alcoholics?
The following are the common risks associated with these drinkers in Fayetteville:
-
Insomnia
There’s a direct link between alcoholism and insomnia. Normally, a little alcohol before bed can help you sleep better. However, over time, binge drinking can kill the sedating effects of alcohol and cause you to lose sleep.
-
Alcohol Dependence
Weekend drinking can make you dependent on alcohol so much that it disrupts your regular daily routines.
-
Risky Judgements and Irrational Behavior
Alcohol can affect your reasoning when you abuse it. Addicts to alcohol are prone to a lack of self-control and violence. They can cause unintentional accidents due to an inability to make sound decisions.
-
Cancer
Drinking alcohol excessively, even only on weekends, puts you at a higher risk of developing breast, throat, and liver cancer.
How Do I Know If I’m a Weekend Alcoholic?
Here’s how to know if you’re a weekend alcoholic:
-
You Use Alcohol as a Reward or Coping Mechanism
Many weekend drinkers use alcohol to relax after a hard week’s work. They may also use it to cope with specific challenges in their lives.
-
You Act Differently When You Drink
Suppose you act differently from how you usually would after taking alcohol, you may be an alcoholic. Weekend alcoholics typically feel guilt after drinking too much.
-
It’s Hard to Stop Drinking
These drinkers find it different to stop drinking no matter how hard they try.
-
You Drink Every Weekend
You may not drink on weekdays, but you binge drink on weekends.
-
You’ve Gotten in Trouble for Drinking in the Past
Have you been arrested for DUI before? Did you beat up someone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Then you may be a weekend alcoholic.
How Can I Manage My Weekend Alcohol Problem?
The first step to recovery may begin with accepting that you have a drinking problem and having the will to change. However, while willpower helps overcome your drinking problem, it is not enough. You need professional help from experienced alcohol abuse and alcoholism experts to overcome your bad habit.
Visit Our Carolina Recovery Center in Fayetteville Immediately!
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse is more dependent on how much you drink at time intervals than how long you drink. As such, you might be an alcoholic even if you only drink from the close of work on Friday to Sunday night. Weekend alcoholism is a serious problem. If you or your family member has developed this problem, you must see an alcohol abuse expert as soon as possible.
At Carolina Recovery, we have numerous treatment options for people like you. Our services provide the best-personalized care possible to ensure that you cure your challenge as quickly as you can. Visit our recovery center in Fayetteville today. We are always ready to answer any questions you may have.
