Break up and move on to a sober life.

Have you ever been on a date with someone that makes you want to crawl into a hobbit hole and die? The very thought of them explaining how “crazy” their ex was or their randy political leanings makes your skin crawl. For many that insufferable date is a tall glass of poison disguised with a cute little umbrella. 

You deny the warnings from your friends and family, justifying the other person’s behavior. But, when you make it out of that relationship, you start to notice the red flags for what they truly are. As you heal, you discover that you deserve a love that doesn’t drag you down or leave you empty. 

When you are a high-functioning alcoholic, red flags are even easier to ignore. They may not be clear to everyone else, but you know what they are. It’s easy to justify decisions that wouldn’t be made if you were sober. After all, as long as you don’t look or act like the stereotypical Hollywood alcoholic, who are you really hurting? 

Just like in any toxic relationship, the person that hurts the most is yourself. Many people accept the treatment they believe they deserve, and an alcoholic will continue to empty themself until there is nothing left. Recognizing the red flags of addiction will propel you into a CLEARHEADED life. Here are five red flags to look out for in your relationship to alcohol.

• Your self-care is almost non-existent

  Several people that struggle with addiction will gradually lose interest in themselves, starting w​ith self-care. This can happen in several ways, but it may start with a lack of hygiene such as skipping showers or forgetting to brush your teeth. Some struggle to maintain a healthy diet which can lead to a significant weight change as well as a somber demeanor.

• You have a co-dependency issue

  As an alcohol abuser, it can seem impossible to have a good time without a drink in hand. In fact, not having an easily accessible resource can lead to severe anxiety. The lack of an open bar at a wedding could dictate your attendance because you have linked drinking with the ability to have a good time.

• Blackouts are frequent

  Several people, mainly teenagers and college students, have experienced a blackout night. You remember fragments of the party up until a certain point and then… nothing. But if you experience frequent blackouts, you may be in a toxic relationship with alcohol with no benefits in sight.

• There’s always an excuse to drink

  Bridal shower? Bring on the mimosas. Birthday party? Don’t mind if I have a specialty cocktail. Holidays? Forget about it, the options are endless. When you are in a relationship with drinking, you will always have an excuse to have a glass or two or three.

• You experience mood swings

  Listen, sometimes mood swings are understandable. You could have a stressful week, you're on your period, the daily news cycle gives you more BS to worry about. But experiencing constant mood swings when sober such as sadness, rage or depression could be an indication of addiction.