Alcohol is an accepted part of social culture for many people, which can make it difficult to recognize when drinking transitions from occasional indulgence to a serious problem. A drinking problem doesn’t just mean physical dependence on alcohol—it encompasses patterns of use that negatively impact someone’s health, relationships, work, and emotions. Recognizing the signs someone has an alcohol problem early is crucial for preventing further harm and getting professional help.
At Woodmont Treatment Center, we specialize in helping individuals and families address alcoholism with evidence-based therapies and compassionate support. If you’re worried that you or someone you care about has a drinking problem, these 10 signs can help you identify whether alcohol use has become unhealthy.
1. Drinking to Cope with Stress
Many people use alcohol to cope with stress, sadness, or anxiety, but relying on alcohol for emotional comfort is a sign of unhealthy drinking patterns. Over time, this behavior can worsen mental health issues and intensify alcohol dependency. If you notice someone drinking to cope with stress, it may be a sign someone has an alcohol problem or is developing one.
At Woodmont Treatment Center, we focus on identifying underlying issues that may be driving drinking habits and helping clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
2. Neglecting Responsibilities
A drinking problem often leads to neglecting work, education, family, or other important responsibilities. Missing deadlines, failing to show up for commitments, or underperforming due to drinking or hangovers are red flags that alcohol use may be interfering with daily life. If someone is using alcohol and avoiding responsibilties, it may be a sign that someone has an alcohol problem.
3. Drinking More Than Intended
If someone frequently finds themselves drinking more than they planned or struggling to stop once they’ve started, this could be a sign of losing control over their alcohol consumption. Over time, this can evolve into binge drinking or addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is consuming 5 or more drinks for men (or 4 or more for women) within a two-hour period.
4. Increased Tolerance
Building a tolerance to alcohol means someone needs to drink increasingly larger amounts to feel the same effects. While this may not seem dangerous at first, it can lead to increased consumption and a higher risk of health complications over time.
5. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the clearest signs of alcohol dependency is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, irritability, nausea, or insomnia may signal that the body has become physically reliant on alcohol.
At Woodmont Treatment Center, we help individuals safely detox from alcohol in a medically supervised environment while managing withdrawal symptoms to minimize discomfort.
6. Drinking Despite Negative Consequences
Does drinking continue even though it causes problems at work, in relationships, or with physical health? Ignoring these negative effects in favor of alcohol consumption is a key indicator of a drinking problem.
7. Secretive Drinking
Hiding drinking habits from loved ones, avoiding conversations about alcohol consumption, or drinking alone in secrecy can indicate shame or awareness that alcohol use has become problematic.
If you’ve noticed these behaviors in yourself or someone else, it’s a sign that professional support is needed.
8. Failed Attempts to Cut Back
Someone struggling with an alcohol problem may attempt several times to reduce their drinking, only to find themselves unable to stick to their goal. This inability to regulate consumption often signals underlying addiction or dependence.
9. Blackouts and Memory Loss
Alcohol-related blackouts, where someone forgets events that took place while drinking, or memory lapses, are signs of excessive drinking. Blackouts occur due to alcohol impairing the brain’s ability to process and retain memories.
At Woodmont Treatment Center, we help individuals understand the dangers of heavy drinking and equip them with tools to regain control.
10. Changes in Personality and Behavior
Alcohol addiction can cause dramatic mood changes, irritability, aggression, or other behavioral shifts, especially while drinking or when sober. Sudden emotional outbursts or impulsivity may stem from alcohol’s effect on the brain and overall health.
Why Early Intervention Matters if Someone Has an Alcohol Problem
Alcohol use disorder affects millions of people across the U.S. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 14.5 million adults struggled with alcohol use disorder in 2019 (source). Early recognition of the signs of a drinking problem provides the opportunity to intervene before the addiction worsens.
At Woodmont Treatment Center, we understand that seeking help can feel intimidating. That’s why our programs are designed to offer compassionate, judgment-free support to anyone who is ready to confront their drinking problem.
If You Notice Signs Someone Has an Alcohol Problem, Contact Woodmont Treatment Center
If you or a loved one shows signs of having a drinking problem, don’t wait to take action. At Woodmont Treatment Center, we specialize in treating alcohol addiction with evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. From medically supervised detox to inpatient and outpatient care, we provide comprehensive treatment designed to rebuild lives.
Contact us today to discover how we can assist you. Recovery starts here, and we’ll work alongside you every step of the way.
