What Seems Normal Might Not Be Harmless
In Codington County, drinking often feels like part of everyday life — after work, at birthday parties, around the dinner table. It can feel like no big deal, just how we relax, blow off steam, or stay connected. But sometimes, what starts small becomes something more — something we rely on, even when we don’t mean to.
And it’s easy to believe alcohol isn’t that bad for us — the packaging says things like gluten-free, low sugar, made with real fruit, even organic. It’s treated like a health product, not a substance that can quietly take over more than we expect.
Maybe it’s how you get through the week, how you quiet the noise in your head, or how you make social things less awkward. That doesn’t make you broken — it makes you human. But there’s a point where what feels “normal” starts taking more than it gives.
Reasons for Consuming Alcohol Look Different for Everyone
- A college student trying to keep up or calm down
- A worker using it to unwind after a long shift
- A mom who needs to “take the edge off” just to keep going
- A dad who sees it as the only way to loosen up or feel free
- Someone who's watched others drink their whole life and just followed suit
What’s Actually Going On When It Feels Like You Can’t Stop
If alcohol has started to feel like the only thing that helps — even when it’s hurting other parts of your life — that doesn’t make you weak. It could mean you’re dealing with something real: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It’s a medical condition, not a personal failure. And it’s more common than you think.
Here are some signs AUD might be part of your story:
- You drink more than you plan to — or more often than you want to
- You’ve tried to cut back, but it doesn’t stick
- You spend a lot of time thinking about drinking or recovering from it
- You crave it when you’re stressed, tired, bored, or upset
- It’s starting to interfere with your work, home life, or relationships
- You keep drinking even when it causes problems with people you care about
- You’ve stopped doing things you used to enjoy
- You drink in risky situations (like driving or when watching kids)
- It takes more to feel the same effect
- You feel anxious, shaky, or down when you don’t drink
No one checks every box. But if a few of these sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look.
Why Catching It Early Matters
AUD is easier to manage the earlier you notice it. You don’t have to wait for a rock bottom moment. If something feels off, trust that instinct — and know that reaching out is a strong move, not a shameful one.
They’re Watching, And Learning
Alcohol doesn’t just affect the person drinking. It shapes the world around them, especially for kids and teens. When alcohol becomes the go-to for winding down, celebrating, or getting through a hard day, it quietly teaches those watching what “normal” looks like. Without meaning to, we pass those patterns on, showing our children, nieces, nephews that alcohol is how adults cope, relax, and connect.
By age 12, 1 in 10 kids has already tried alcohol. By 15, it’s half. And by high school graduation, nearly 70% have taken that first sip.
But here’s the good news: you can change the story. For yourself. For them. For anyone who’s looking up to you and wondering what healthy can look like. What strong can look like. What real can look like. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing there’s another way, and that it’s never too late to start.
Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference
Not ready to quit entirely? That’s okay. There are still ways to take back control:
- Set limits for how much and how often you drink, and write them down
- Slow your pace, aim for no more than one drink an hour
- Track your intake so you stay aware of patterns
- Avoid situations that make it hard to say no
- Ask a friend to keep you accountable
- Talk to your doctor, they’re on your side, not here to judge
Treatment works, and it’s not one-size-fits-all
Most people find the best results with a mix of:
- Therapy – Like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, or family-based support
- Medications – Such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to reduce cravings and prevent relapse
- Community – Support groups or one-on-one mentoring can help you feel understood and encouraged
Whatever your next step looks like, it counts. And there are resources to walk it with you.
RESTART Your Story
You don’t have to wait for a breaking point to make a change. If something feels off, or if you’re just starting to question your relationship with alcohol, that’s enough. You’re not alone, and there’s no one right way to begin. Recovery isn’t about being perfect. It’s about moving forward, at your own pace, with the right support.