6 Ways to Tell Your Partying/Nightlife is an Addiction

There aren’t many college students who can say they’ve never been to a party. But just because you go to hang out with friends and enjoy a few beers doesn’t mean you have an addiction. However, there comes a point when it goes too far, and you might be in over your head with drug or alcohol addiction. If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve been concerned about your own partying habits or the party habits of your friends. Either way, there’s nothing wrong with having an active social life and drinking responsibly. But if your partying has become excessive—to the point where it affects other parts of your life—it might be time to reconsider your substance abuse. Here are some signs to watch for:

You Frequently Can’t Remember Important Details While You are Drinking

If you find yourself with memory gaps while you drink, this is very concerning. Alcohol in moderation is fine and a great way to relax and be social with your friends. But too much can cause damage to your brain over time. Frequent blackouts that you have too much to drink and can’t control your use. If this is the case, why not get help before something terrible happens?

You Feel Like Your Life Revolves Around Partying

When you first start going to parties it’s a lot of fun. Music, dancing, drinking with friends, none of this is inherently bad. However, when your college life starts to revolve around partying instead of working hard on your classes, it’s time to reconsider your habits. Some students do well with outpatient rehab or treatment near Santa Rosa, Napa, or nearby Vallejo. When you go to college nearby, it can help you to attend rehab as close to school as possible so you can continue with your studies. If you’re partying a lot and feeling like your life revolves around it, this may be a sign that you have an addiction problem.

Friends are Concerned About Your Partying Habits

If your friends are concerned about your partying habits, that is a good sign that you may have a problem. Sometimes we think we have everything under control when in reality we don’t. It’s okay to admit you need help, and if friends are coming to you with their concerns, they are doing it out of love, not because they want to control you. Friends can be a great source of outside perspective when it comes to your partying.  

Your Parents are Worried About you Drinking Too Much

If your parents are worried about you drinking too much while you’re in college, it’s time to talk to them. Talking to your parents about the issues that are affecting you is a great way to get help. Your parents can be an important support system for you and will want to do everything they can to help. They may even be able to get some professional support from a counselor themselves.

Your Relationship With Alcohol has Changed

You used to be satisfied with a drink or two, but now you can’t stop until you’ve had 5 or 6. You used to only drink once a week, but now you find yourself drinking daily. You used to only drink wine coolers, but now you’re bingeing on hard liquor. You have started drinking earlier in the day, which is new.

When your relationship with alcohol changes from the occasional want to a persistent need, you probably need help. Rehab centers offer not only detox options, but counseling, group sessions, and tools to help you stay sober.

You’ve Started Lying About How Much You Drink or Party

If you’ve been caught lying about how much you drink or party, it’s time to take a step back. Lying is a good indicator that you are concerned about how others will feel about your constant partying. You may be telling yourself that it’s okay to lie because your friends don’t understand you. But the truth is that you really don’t want them to know the truth. If you are starting to lie about your habits, then it’s a good sign that you need help.

Conclusion

If you want to quit partying, or if you think your partying has become an addiction, then it’s time to get help. Seek out a therapist trained in addiction recovery who can help you figure out what’s causing the problem and how to solve it. You can also attend group sessions like Alcoholics Anonymous if you want to start your journey to sobriety.