One Drink to Sleep – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do

From the book – Chapter 22: Advanced Psychological Issues

One Drink to Sleep

Vikram Chauhan, fifty-one, was a successful transport contractor in Jaipur. After a business loss, he began to have 'one drink' at night to switch off. Within a year it was three or four. He told himself he only drank after work, so he was not an addict. But he started drinking earlier on weekends, felt shaky and anxious in the morning, and hid bottles. His sleep was poor and his temper shorter.

His wife Meenakshi found a bottle in the garage and confronted him; he shouted that she was exaggerating. His son, nineteen, began avoiding him. After he missed an important meeting because of a hangover, Vikram was ashamed. When he tried to stop for a week, he felt sweaty, trembling and could not sleep, and he poured a drink to feel better.

What this story explains

The chapter's section on substance use disorders explains how use can slide into dependence and affect health, mood and family life. The story shows that recovery is possible with medical supervision, therapy and family support.

How to recognise it

Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, sleep or emotions, and needing more over time.
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and drinking or using earlier or more than planned.
Withdrawal signs such as shaking, sweating, anxiety or trouble sleeping when stopping.
Neglecting work, family and responsibilities, hiding use, or lying about it.
Continued use despite harm to health, money or relationships.

What to do

Admit the pattern honestly to yourself or a trusted person.
See a doctor before stopping heavy use, because sudden stopping can be dangerous.
Join a supervised treatment plan with counselling and relapse prevention.
Identify triggers, such as stress or boredom, and plan healthy alternatives.
Family members can seek their own support and learn how to help without enabling.

Do and don’t

Do	Don’t
Do seek medical advice before quitting heavy use.	Don't stop suddenly after heavy use without a doctor.
Do build a supportive routine and company.	Don't shame, lecture or threaten.
Do treat slips as lessons, not failures.	Don't cover up or make excuses for the person.
Do keep alcohol out of the house if you can.	Don't leave alcohol around as a test.
Do care for your own health too.	Don't give up after a relapse.

Read the full story

Read the full chapter – Chapter 22: Advanced Psychological Issues

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One Drink to Sleep – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do