4 Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Most people like a drink from time to time. A lot of people find a few drinks after work the perfect end to a stressful day, for example, but what happens when these habits get a little more extreme, and how do you know when a few drinks turn into a problem? If you think your loved one might have unhealthy drinking habits, or if you’re concerned about your own drinking, here are four signs of addiction or alcohol abuse to look out for.

However, it’s worth noting that everyone is different: The image of problematic alcohol use can look different from person to person. The signs below are common things to look out for but may not be the whole story.

If you think you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, there’s no time like the present to approach the topic and get help. Organisations like Help Me Stop are available across the UK to offer support to those struggling with addiction and those trying to help their loved ones through recovery.

You / They laugh off struggles

Laughter is the best medicine but isn’t the cure.

When you laugh, there’s a release of happy endorphins which can help to regulate mood and make you feel better. However, it’s important to read between the lines when someone makes light of their struggles – as it can be a sign that things aren’t quite as good as they seem.

For example, if someone is making jokes about how long it takes them to wake up in a morning or how they had ‘one too many’ last night, think about what they could really mean? Sometimes these seemingly trivial comments actually expose a sadder reality.

That’s not to say these jokes are always a sign of alcohol abuse. Sometimes, they may simply be throwaway comments that don’t need to be taken seriously. It’s when this habit of ‘laughing off the bad stuff’ becomes more frequent that it’s a cause for concern.

You’re / They’re hiding their drinking habits

If you find yourself lying or hiding the amount you’re drinking from those around you, this could be a major sign that things are getting too much.

The shame and stigma alcoholics experience can quickly lead people to hide how much they drink from others. Addiction or alcohol abuse can feel shameful, however, recognising these problematic habits can be a step in the right direction.

Hiding your drinking might include avoiding questions or conversations about your daily activities or masking your struggles with a constantly cheerful mood when around others. If you’re looking out for a loved one, and notice a sudden change in their behavior or start feeling suspicious that something isn’t quite right, it’s a good idea to try and approach the subject as gently as possible. A forceful confrontation could not just throw their defenses up but also damage your relationship if you have accused them of something untrue.

Other obligations and activities decline in priority

Everything from working hard to hanging out with friends or keeping up with self-care can take a hit when someone is struggling with an addiction. These simple tasks and activities are often the first things to go in order to make time for the addiction to grow. Reducing social time may seem like a way to hide the issue, or isolate yourself, but this can quickly make dependency even more problematic.

Gaslighting

While the term ‘gaslighting’ has only appeared recently, the concept is nothing new. People often minimise or undersell the problem’s seriousness – whether it’s their mental health, work stress, or problematic substance use. People struggling with addiction may reassure those around them that everything is fine and under control, but this can quickly cause issues within their family or friendship groups.

Gaslighting can also be manipulative. ‘Don’t you trust me?’ can often be paired with ‘it was a onetime mistake’ or ‘everything is fine’. This concept that you’re in the wrong if you don’t trust their words leads many people to ignore clear signs that someone is suffering or to doubt themselves. Manipulation isn’t something that every alcoholic will do, but it can be extremely common.

While these behaviors may come from a good place at first, they can quickly develop into deeper habits that are hard to stop. If you’re worried about a friend or relative who appears to be showing signs of alcohol abuse, it’s important to approach the topic with caution, or to try and understand what might be triggering their alcohol use.

Being as educated on the topic as possible before confronting them is a good idea. That way, you’ll be able to recognise signs of gaslighting or deflection. Plus, with the right tools and support around them, they’ll feel strong enough to make the changes they need to for a successful recovery.