It can be hard to gauge if your drinking habits have crossed a line. Alcohol consumption is common and built into our social lives, so how do you know if you are drinking too much? Your body might be sending signals. Paying attention to these physical symptoms can provide clarity on your alcohol intake.
How Alcohol Interacts With Your Body
When you drink, alcohol travels through your bloodstream to various parts of your body, including your brain and liver. The liver works to metabolize the alcohol, but it can only process a certain amount at a time. Consuming more than your liver can handle causes your blood alcohol concentration to rise, leading to the physical and mental effects of intoxication. Over time, excessive drinking can damage your body’s organs and systems.
Digestive System Issues
One of the first places to show signs of excessive alcohol use is your digestive system. Alcohol irritates the lining of your stomach, which can result in these problems:
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach pain or gastritis
- heartburn and acid reflux
Chronic heavy drinking might also interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients, leading to malnutrition even if you eat a balanced diet.
Skin Problems
Your skin can also reflect your drinking habits. Alcohol dehydrates your body, and this lack of moisture can make your skin appear dull and dry. You might also notice these symptoms:
- redness or flushing, particularly on your face
- broken capillaries on the nose and cheeks
- worsening of conditions like rosacea or psoriasis
Changes in Sleep and Energy
While a drink might make you feel sleepy at first, alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle. It can interfere with the restorative REM sleep stage, leaving you feeling tired and groggy the next day. This constant fatigue can affect your daily functioning and overall energy levels. If you find yourself consistently struggling with poor sleep or low energy after drinking, it might be a sign to re-evaluate your habits.
Listen to Your Body
These physical symptoms are your body’s way of communicating that you may be drinking too much. If you recognize these signs in yourself, it could be an opportunity to consider your relationship with alcohol. For some people, that means leveraging the benefits of holistic substance abuse treatment to kick the habit and heal the physically interconnected issues. For others, it could just mean cutting back to no more than seven standard drinks a week. Regardless, taking steps to reduce your alcohol intake can have a positive impact on your physical health and overall well-being.
