How to stop closet drinking?

The Dangers of Closet Drinking

Closet drinking is when someone hides their alcoholism from those around them. This can be a dangerous thing to do as it leads to increased risks of health problems, accidents and addiction. If you’re struggling with closet drinking, then it’s important to seek help from professionals who can provide the support you need to overcome this addiction.

Understanding Closet Drinking

Closet drinking is a very secretive form of alcoholism. Many people who drink excessively try their best to hide it, but those who engage in closet drinking go to greater lengths to avoid detection. They may drink alone in their bedroom or hide alcohol containers around the house. They may also drink when nobody is around, or when their family is out of the house.

There are many reasons why people might engage in closet drinking. Some common reasons include depression, social anxiety, shame, guilt or fear of judgement from others. It’s important to remember that alcoholism is a disease, and it’s not your fault if you fall into this trap. Remember, it’s not a weakness, and it’s not something that can be beaten with willpower alone.

How to Recognize the Signs of Closet Drinking

It can be difficult to identify signs of closet drinking, but there are a few indicators that can help identify the issue:

  • Consuming more alcohol than usual
  • Feeling anxious or irritable when alcohol is unavailable
  • Secretly drinking or hiding alcohol around the house
  • Becoming defensive or angry when alcoholism is addressed
  • Experiencing blackouts or memory loss due to drinking

Why You Should Stop Closet Drinking

Closet drinking carries many risks and dangers that you should be aware of. Here are some reasons why you should consider quitting this habit:

  • Closet drinking often leads to isolation and loneliness
  • There is a high risk of accidents or falls due to impaired judgement
  • Long-term drinking can cause liver damage or other health problems
  • Closet drinking can make it harder to maintain healthy relationships with loved ones
  • Alcoholism can take a toll on your emotional and mental health, leading to depression and anxiety.

It’s important to remember that it’s never too late to start making positive changes in your life. If you feel like you’re struggling with closet drinking, then reaching out for help is the first step towards improving your well-being.

Ways to Stop Closet Drinking

Here are some simple and effective strategies to help you overcome closet drinking and take control of your life:

1. Seek Professional Help

Professional help can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome your addiction. This might involve talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or enrolling in an addiction treatment program.

2. Find a Support System

It’s important to have a support system that can help you stay on track and provide encouragement when needed. This might be friends, family, or a professional support group.

3. Create a Sobriety Plan

A sobriety plan can help you stay on track and ensure you’re making progress in your recovery. Consider setting goals, identifying triggers or high-risk situations, and developing healthy coping strategies.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Closet drinking is often linked to other unhealthy behaviors, such as poor sleep or lack of exercise. Making positive changes to your lifestyle, such as getting daily exercise, eating a balanced diet, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help you stay on track.

The Benefits of Stopping Closet Drinking

Stopping closet drinking can be challenging, but it’s an essential step towards improving your health, well-being, and relationships with others. Here are some benefits of stopping closet drinking:

1. Improved Physical Health

Alcoholism can take a toll on your physical health and wellbeing, leading to liver disease, heart problems, and other health issues. Quitting closet drinking can help prevent these problems from developing, and improve your overall health and well-being.

2. Improved Emotional Health

Alcoholism can take an emotional toll on your life, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Quitting closet drinking can help you develop healthier coping strategies for stress and other triggers, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

3. Improved Relationships

Alcoholism can strain your relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. By quitting closet drinking, you can work to rebuild and strengthen these relationships, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

4. Greater Self-Awareness

Quitting closet drinking can help you become more self-aware and develop greater insight into your behaviors and thought patterns. This can lead to greater self-growth and personal development.

The Importance of Getting Help

If you’re struggling with closet drinking or alcohol addiction, then getting professional help is essential. Remember, addiction is a disease, and it’s not something that can be beaten alone. By reaching out for help, you can access the support and resources you need to develop a strong recovery plan and overcome your addiction.

Common Questions about Closet Drinking

  • Can I stop closet drinking on my own?
    While it’s possible to quit closet drinking on your own, seeking professional help can greatly increase your chances of success.
  • How do I know if I have a problem with closet drinking?
    If you’re struggling to control your drinking, or find yourself hiding your alcohol consumption from those around you, then it’s important to consider seeking help.
  • What are some of the long-term effects of closet drinking?
    Long-term closet drinking can lead to health problems, such as cirrhosis, heart disease, and other chronic health issues. It can also lead to strained relationships with loved ones, and emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.
  • Is it possible to overcome closet drinking?
    Yes, with the right support and resources, it is possible to overcome closet drinking and lead a happy, healthy life in sobriety.

References

  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Alcohol use disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2014). Alcohol use disorder. NIH. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-use-disorder-comorbidities
  • RachBeisel, J., Scott, J., & Dixon, L. (1999). Co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders: a review of recent research. Psychiatric Services, 50(11), 1427–1434. https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.50.11.1427
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Addiction science: from molecules to managed care. NIH. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/can-drug-addiction-be-treated
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.