“Just a Few Drinks” Too Many? Recognising and Healing From Binge Drinking
- Welsh Therapy
- May 26
- 2 min read
Binge drinking can quietly become a harmful pattern — even if it doesn’t feel like a problem yet. Learn how therapy can help you regain control, protect your mental health, and redefine your relationship with alcohol.
“It’s Just What Everyone Does... Right?”
Weekend blowouts. A bottle of wine after a long day. A few drinks that turn into blackout nights.
In today’s culture, binge drinking is often normalized — even glamorized. But when alcohol becomes your go-to escape, it may be time to take a closer look at how it’s impacting your life.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this too much?” — you're not alone. And asking that question is a powerful first step.
What Is Binge Drinking, Really?
Binge drinking isn’t about drinking every day — it’s about how much you drink in a short period of time, and how often that happens.
Binge drinking is defined as:
6+ units of alcohol in a single session for women (about 2 large glasses of wine)
8+ units for men (about 4 pints of beer)
More importantly, it’s about how alcohol affects your choices, your mood, and your relationships — not just how many drinks you had.
Signs You Might Be Binge Drinking More Than You Realise
“I’m only drinking on weekends... but I always go overboard.”
“I can’t stop once I start.”
“I keep waking up with anxiety, shame, or regret.”
“Drinking feels fun at first — then messy, emotional, or dangerous.”
“I say or do things I wouldn’t normally.”
“People have commented on my behaviour when I drink.”
If any of these sound familiar, therapy can help — without judgment or labels.
What do you think is the most common trigger for binge drinking?
Social pressure
Stress and anxiety
Habit/routine
Escapism
Binge Drinking and Mental Health: What’s the Link?
Many people use alcohol to cope with:
Anxiety or social discomfort
Depression or emotional numbness
Past trauma or stress
Loneliness or heartbreak
Burnout and overwhelm
Over time, binge drinking can worsen these issues — even if it temporarily feels like a relief. The after-effects (low mood, shame, sleep disruption) can create a vicious emotional hangover.
Binge Drinking and Mental Health: What’s the Link?
Many people use alcohol to cope with:
Anxiety or social discomfort
Depression or emotional numbness
Past trauma or stress
Loneliness or heartbreak
Burnout and overwhelm
Over time, binge drinking can worsen these issues — even if it temporarily feels like a relief. The after-effects (low mood, shame, sleep disruption) can create a vicious emotional hangover.
What consequence of binge drinking concerns you most?
Blackouts or memory loss
Risky behavior
Strained relationships
Mental health impact
It’s Not About Quitting Overnight — It’s About Choosing You
Whether you want to cut back, stop altogether, or simply feel more in control, your story matters. You don’t have to wait until things are “bad enough” to get help.
No labels. No shame. Just a safe place to figure things out.
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