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Drinking In The Morning Before Work
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Ferri
January 4, 2025
Table of Contents
Drinking alcohol in the morning before work is a serious concern that often indicates an underlying alcohol use disorder (AUD).
If you find yourself drinking before you start your day, it may create a need for outside help.
Music City Detox offers detox programs in Nashville that can help you restore your mind, body functioning.
Why Does Someone Drink In The Morning Before Work?
Morning drinking typically develops gradually as alcohol dependency increases. Some individuals begin drinking in the morning to ward off alcohol withdrawal symptoms, while others use it to manage workplace anxiety or stress.
The behavior might stem from an extension of nighttime drinking or develop as tolerance builds, requiring alcohol throughout the day to function. Often, morning drinking serves as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
How Does Alcohol Affect The Body?
Morning alcohol consumption significantly disrupts the body’s natural rhythms and functions.
Alcohol Use Disorder interferes with normal sleep-wake cycles, leaving individuals feeling fatigued and disoriented throughout the day.
Cognitive abilities become impaired, making complex decision-making and concentration difficult.
The liver, tasked with processing alcohol at unusual hours, experiences additional stress. This disruption extends to hormone production, immune system function, and the body’s ability to maintain proper nutrition.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol-Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder manifests through various behavioral and physical signs.
The need to drink first thing in the morning often accompanies withdrawal symptoms when alcohol isn’t consumed.
Individuals may find themselves unable to limit or control their drinking despite wanting to stop. Work performance typically suffers, and personal relationships become strained. Memory lapses or blackouts become more frequent, and physical tolerance continues to increase, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect.
The Risks of Drinking In The Morning Before Work
Morning drinking poses severe professional and personal risks. Job performance inevitably suffers as alcohol impairs coordination, judgment, and cognitive function.
The risk of workplace accidents increases significantly, potentially endangering both the individual and colleagues.
Legal consequences, including DUI charges during morning commutes, become a real possibility. Professional relationships deteriorate, often leading to job loss and career damage.
The financial burden compounds as alcohol-related expenses increase while work performance declines.
How To Stop Drinking In The Morning
Recovery from morning drinking requires acknowledging the problem and committing to change.
Medical evaluation is crucial, as suddenly stopping alcohol consumption can be dangerous.
Creating a structured morning routine helps replace drinking habits with healthy activities. Identifying personal triggers and developing alternative coping mechanisms proves essential for long-term success.
Building a support network of understanding friends, family, and professionals provides crucial encouragement during the recovery journey.
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Morning drinking often indicates a severe progression of alcohol use disorder, requiring professional intervention to safely stop alcohol use.
When someone needs alcohol to start their day, it typically signals physical dependence, which can make stopping dangerous without proper medical supervision – this is why structured treatment programs are essential for both safety and long-term recovery success:
Alcohol Detox
Medically supervised detox provides a safe environment for alcohol withdrawal under 24/7 medical supervision. This initial phase of recovery typically spans 5-7 days, during which medical professionals monitor vital signs and administer medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. The structured environment ensures patient safety while laying the groundwork for ongoing treatment.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient programs offer comprehensive care in a residential setting, typically lasting 30-90 days. Patients receive round-the-clock support while participating in various therapeutic activities. The controlled environment removes external triggers and allows full focus on recovery, with structured days filled with individual therapy, group sessions, and wellness activities.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient care, providing intensive treatment while allowing patients to return home each evening. Treatment occurs 5-7 days per week, with full days of therapy and support. This level of care helps individuals maintain family connections while receiving intensive treatment support.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP offers flexible yet structured treatment, typically meeting 3-5 days per week for several hours each session. This program allows individuals to maintain work or school commitments while receiving comprehensive care. Treatment includes group therapy, individual counseling, and skill-building sessions focused on relapse prevention.
Alcohol Treatment Therapies
Recovery from morning drinking requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach that addresses both the addiction and its underlying causes.
Various therapeutic modalities work together to help individuals develop coping skills, process trauma, and build a foundation for lasting sobriety.
Psychiatry
Psychiatric care focuses on evaluating and treating co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction. Practitioners assess psychological needs, prescribe appropriate medications, and monitor progress throughout recovery. This approach ensures comprehensive treatment of both addiction and underlying mental health concerns.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to support recovery. These medications help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on therapeutic work. Treatment occurs under close medical supervision, with regular adjustments based on progress and needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and drinking behaviors. Through this therapy, patients learn to identify triggering situations and develop healthy coping strategies. The focus remains on changing harmful thought patterns and building practical skills for maintaining sobriety.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive techniques with mindfulness practices, teaching individuals to manage intense emotions without turning to alcohol. This therapy emphasizes building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Patients learn to accept difficult situations while making positive changes.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy uses music to support recovery through emotional expression and stress reduction. Sessions might include listening to, creating, or performing music in individual or group settings. Music therapy helps process emotions, reduce anxiety, and build connections with others in recovery.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one counseling provides a private space to explore personal challenges and develop recovery strategies. Therapists work with clients to process trauma, set meaningful goals, and build confidence in recovery. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, addressing specific challenges and celebrating progress.
Find Help For Morning Drinking Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with morning drinking, help is available.
At Music City Detox, our addiction specialists can help you discuss options and create a life free-from the grips of alcohol. Recovery is possible with the right support and commitment to change.
Call us now at 615-695-1009 or verify your insurance.