We live In New Orleans where the emphasis is often on pleasure, festivity and celebration. You can drink alcohol in the streets in New Orleans, which is unlike many cities. Many bars are open 24/7 here. Almost everything is celebrated with a drink here, even death. As mental health practitioners in the Greater New Orleans area, we are highly aware of the harm that alcohol is having on individuals, couples and families.
In Louisiana, 2,278 annual deaths are from excessive alcohol use. Alcohol related deaths for under 21 years of age are the highest in the nation. Nationally, 60 % of divorces involve alcohol related issues. National research also shows that mismatched drinking habits are linked to higher divorce rates.
As humans, our relationship with alcohol can be complex. For some, it’s occasional or social. For others, it becomes a regular part of life in ways that begin to cause problems. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to take a closer look at your drinking, here are three key warning signs.
1.Your Life Feels Unmanageable
One of the clearest signs that alcohol might be taking up too much space in your life is a growing sense of unmanageability. This can look different for different people. For some, this might look like missing work deadlines, letting responsibilities slide, or feeling like you’re not functioning at your best. For others, you may find yourself drinking to cope with stress or arguing with a family member over your drinking habits. Unmanageability can show up by habits that you’re not feeling good about, such as over drinking, behaving in ways that are uncharacteristic or being dishonest about your drinking habits. Unmanageability doesn’t always look dramatic. For many it’s not the “rock bottom” that we might assume comes along with problem drinking. We don’t have to be drinking daily or having withdrawal symptoms for alcohol to impact our lives or relationships negatively. That is a common myth.
2. You’re Drinking Despite Negative Consequences
Drinking even when it’s harming your health, your relationships, your finances, or your mental clarity is a powerful red flag. It suggests that alcohol may have more control over you than you’d like. Again, this can look different for everyone: frequent hangovers, arguments with a partner, regretful behavior, or using alcohol to numb emotions even when you know it’s not helping long-term. If you continue to drink despite consequences, it might be time to take an honest look at it.
3. Someone Has Expressed Concern About Your Drinking
If a loved one, friend, coworker, Doctor, or therapist has brought up concerns about your alcohol use, don’t dismiss it too quickly. It can be hard to hear, and it might feel uncomfortable or even triggering—but the fact that someone cared enough to speak up is meaningful. Others often notice changes in us before we’re ready to see them ourselves. Their feedback doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or that you’ve failed—it just means there may be something here that deserves reflection.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to decide it’s time to make a change. When we notice these signs, we can begin to reflect and get curious. We can take gentle steps forward, whether that means cutting back, taking a break, or seeking support. Change is always possible.
Modern Therapy and Wellness is a therapy practice in New Orleans, Louisiana. We provide individual and couples’ therapy. We also offer couples intensive sessions, EMDR and brainspotting. Email us for a free consult or for information. We would love to hear from you. Email: infomoderntherapyandwellness.com