Psychotherapist reveals how a ‘normal’ person thinks about alcohol and warns it might ‘upset a lot of people’

Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing.

A psychotherapist has given a 'relatable' analogy which could provide insight into whether your relationship with alcohol is healthy or not.

For those who are taking part in Dry Jan, the end is in sight!

But for some, sobriety is something they partake in all year round.

For a number of reasons, abstaining from alcohol can have a positive effect on the body and the mind. But have you ever questioned your relationship with booze?

Psychotherapist Veronica Valli has revealed the healthiest way to think about alcohol - but she warned it could make some viewers 'angry'.

Taking to Instagram, she said: "A 'normal' person, the way they view alcohol, is the same way I think about sandwiches."

The expert continued: "So I might think today, 'oh I'll have a sandwich for lunch, that's nice' and I enjoy it.

"Tomorrow, I might have a salad, the day after I may have some soup."

Valli further explained that she may be going to a party on the weekend, and if a plate of sandwiches swings by, she may indulge in one or two.

She added: "And then a bit later, the plate of sandwiches goes by again, and I go 'no thanks, I'm good'.

"That is literally how much I think about sandwiches."

She compared this to the amount a 'normal' person thinks about alcohol.

Explaining the meaning behind her analogy, Valli said: "It is the thinking about drinking, the thinking about not drinking, that arguing with yourself."

She noted how these are all red flags which could indicate a complicated relationship with alcohol.

The psychotherapist added that thinking about who will notice you drinking is another cause for concern.

And people in the comments were quick to agree with her theory.

One said: "Completely agree. The sandwiches don’t do anything outside of provide a bit of enjoyment and satisfaction. They don’t believe they NEED the sandwiches."

Another user added: "Just so relatable. My every thought was consumed by alcohol. Three years sober today."

"As an alcoholic in recovery, I cannot comprehend how normals just don't think about alcohol," a third noted.

Another user had a similar experience, and added: "The amount of headspace alcohol took up for my entire adult life is extraordinary. And now since I've been silver for over 2 years."

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.