Knowing if your drinking is hurting you can be important for staying healthy. One way to tell is if you start to feel sick more often, like having headaches, stomachaches, or feeling tired all the time. If you find it hard to remember things or if you’re getting into trouble at school or home because of drinking, these are signs it might be a problem. Also, if friends or family say they’re worried about your drinking, it’s good to listen to them.
Another way to know if drinking is hurting you is if you feel like you need to drink more to have fun or to feel better. If you start to choose drinking over other activities you used to enjoy, like playing sports, reading, or hanging out with friends, it could be a sign. Drinking can also hurt your relationships if it makes you act mean or do things you wouldn’t normally do. It’s important to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or doctor, if you think drinking might be hurting you. They can help you figure out what to do next.
