Many of us like a drink and for the most part, that’s not really a problem. A quick pint on a Friday after work or a glass of wine with dinner can all be done in moderation and as part of a well balanced diet.
However, there are points when our alcohol consumption can become problematic too and shift towards dependency. And it’s happening with more and more of us. The number of people needing alcohol help has shot up in recent years, in many cases as a result of drinking patterns established during the pandemic, while in others the stresses of work and everyday life in a cost of living crisis has also played its part.
Culturally, we’re in a society of drinkers and that can heighten the chance of developing an addiction. And given that it can have major consequences on our physical health, mental wellbeing and relationships, it’s important to monitor our relationships with alcohol.
There are many warning signs that a relationship with alcohol is becoming problematic, so if any of the following apply to you, it may be worth reviewing that relationship…
Increased tolerance
One of the earliest signs of developing dependency is a rising tolerance to alcohol. This means needing to drink larger quantities to achieve the same effect. For example, someone who used to feel relaxed after one or two drinks might now need four or five. Tolerance can creep up slowly, making it easy to dismiss as “just getting used to it”, but it signals that the body is adapting to regular alcohol intake.
Drinking more frequently
If you find that occasional drinking is turning into a more frequent or even daily habit then that red flag is probably being waved. If your drinking has turned into routine, a non-negotiable after work to unwind, for example, then your drinking has turned into a necessity rather than choice. Think about whether you’re building your day around opportunities to drink and if that’s commonly the case then you’re losing control.
Loss of control over quantity
Loss of control can also occur over the amount you’re drinking too. If you’re setting limits and regularly exceeding those, or struggling to stick within those limits, then a loss of control is occurring and that’s risky, dangerous behaviour that does need addressing.
Using alcohol to cope
All too often alcohol is used as a coping mechanism. Opening a bottle after a hard day at work or after hearing difficult news. Alcohol is not a coping mechanism. It will make the problem worse.
Emotional reliance can deepen into physical dependency and over time not only will it become a more problematic habit, it will actually make it less effective as a coping strategy too.
Neglecting responsibilities
If drinking starts to interfere with work performance, studies, family duties, or social commitments, it’s a significant warning sign. Missing deadlines, arriving late, or skipping important events because of drinking — or because of hangovers — shows that alcohol is taking priority over important aspects of life.
Social withdrawal or changes in friendships
For people living with addiction, alcohol becomes the number one priority and that often means withdrawing from friends and family, particularly those that don’t share their habits. Alternatively, withdrawal can occur as a result of shame or wanting to downplay their habits in order to avoid any criticism.
This can often go unnoticed but if you find yourself choosing alcohol or missing out on social occasions in what you think is down to drinking and prioritising that, then take note.
Memory lapses or blackouts
Regular episodes of forgetting parts of a night, or losing whole stretches of time after drinking, indicate the brain is being affected by high alcohol intake. These blackouts are not simply “funny stories” — they are a sign of potential brain damage and a strong indicator of harmful levels of drinking.
Physical withdrawal symptoms
Feeling shaky, sweaty, anxious, or nauseous after not drinking for several hours can be a clear sign of physical dependence. Some people notice these symptoms in the morning and may drink early in the day to relieve them. This pattern is particularly concerning and should prompt immediate medical attention.
