Last Updated:
April 14th, 2025
Alcohol is a part of many cultures, making it hard to recognise when drinking starts to become a problem. Does alcoholism happen overnight or are there early signs? If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of alcohol addiction and how to spot them before they take hold.
Understanding the different types of drinking
Understanding alcoholism starts with recognising the different types of drinking that can lead to it. While many people drink socially without issue, others may find themselves unknowingly slipping into more problematic patterns. Here are the three main types of drinking to be aware of:
Recognising where drinking habits fall on this spectrum is crucial in identifying early warning signs of alcoholism.
Early signs of alcohol addiction
It’s easy to read about the early signs of alcohol addiction in a list but recognising them in real life isn’t always as straightforward. Small changes in drinking habits can seem harmless at first, making it difficult to spot when alcohol is becoming a problem.
Seeing these signs play out in a real-world scenario can help make them easier to identify, whether in yourself or someone close to you.
(Note: we’ve highlighted the early signs of alcohol addiction in bold)
Example of early signs of alcohol addiction
Jack never considered himself someone with a drinking problem. He enjoyed a few beers after work and the occasional night out with friends, but it never felt excessive. Lately, though, his routine had started to change without him fully realising it.
Work had been stressful, and he found himself relying on alcohol to unwind most evenings. At first, it was just a way to relax, but soon, he noticed that without it, he felt tense and irritable. Social events felt easier after a drink, and nights out that once ended with a couple of pints were now stretching longer, with stronger drinks replacing his usual choices.
His girlfriend started making small comments, asking if he really needed another drink or mentioning how his mood seemed different when he hadn’t had one. Jack brushed it off, convinced she was overreacting. But then, on a night he decided to skip drinking, he felt restless and on edge, struggling to focus on anything. It was the first time he realised that alcohol was something his body had started expecting.
Can you always recognise alcoholism in someone?
Not always. Alcohol addiction isn’t always obvious, as some people become skilled at hiding their struggles. You may have heard the term ‘functioning alcoholic’, which refers to someone who maintains daily responsibilities while secretly battling addiction. However, this ability to conceal the problem doesn’t last forever. Over time, cracks begin to show, and the signs of alcoholism become more apparent.
If you’re concerned about a loved one or even yourself, here are the key signs to look out for:
- Frequent hangovers: Regular hangovers can indicate excessive drinking.
- Excessive sweating: Alcohol affects the nervous system, causing sweating without exertion.
- Unsteady hands: Shaking, especially in the morning, may signal withdrawal.
- Weight loss: Alcohol can replace proper meals, leading to poor nutrition.
- Mood swings: Drinking causes emotional instability and irritability.
- Memory lapses: Struggling to recall events suggests excessive consumption.
- Restlessness: Feeling anxious when not drinking can indicate dependence.
- Depression: Alcohol often worsens mental health issues.
- Drinking alone: Alcohol becomes a need rather than a social activity.
- Hiding alcohol: Stashing bottles suggests awareness of overconsumption.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work or obligations due to drinking.
- Making excuses: Justifying alcohol use in inappropriate situations.
Recognising these signs is the first step toward understanding whether alcohol has become a problem. If any of these resonate, it may be time to take a closer look at your relationship with drinking or encourage a loved one to seek support.
Checking in on yourself or a loved one
If you or someone close to you has been drinking frequently, it’s always worth taking a moment to check-in. Addiction has a way of weaving itself into everyday life, masking its presence until it becomes difficult to ignore. It’s only when we take the time to sit down and reflect on our actions that things start to become clearer.
Here are six questions to ask yourself or a loved one. If you find yourself answering ‘yes’ to any of them, it could be a sign that alcohol is playing a bigger role in life than intended.
- Do you feel uneasy or irritable when you haven’t had a drink for a while?
- Have you ever tried to cut down or stop drinking but found it difficult to do so?
- Do you often drink more than you originally planned?
- Have you started to neglect responsibilities, hobbies or relationships because of drinking?
- Do you drink to cope with stress, anxiety or difficult emotions?
- Have you continued drinking even after experiencing negative consequences, such as arguments, health issues or financial trouble?
If any of these questions resonate with you or a loved one, consider seeking support. Recognising the signs is the first step toward change.
I think I or my loved one may have an alcohol addiction – what can I do?
If you’ve noticed some signs of alcohol addiction or just have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, it’s always worth seeking professional help. Addiction isn’t always obvious, and it doesn’t have to reach a crisis point before taking action. Many people continue for years thinking they’re in control, only to realise later how deeply alcohol has impacted their lives.
The fact that you’re questioning it now is a good reason to explore support options.
Professional rehab programmes offer a safe space to detox, with medical teams who can help ease withdrawal symptoms and make the process as comfortable as possible.
Rehab provides therapies such as one-on-one counselling and holistic approaches (like mindfulness and relaxation techniques), helping to rebuild life without alcohol.
Taking the first step towards recovery
Recognising that alcohol has become a problem can be overwhelming but seeking help is the most important step towards a better future. There is no shame in struggling with alcohol addiction and recovery is possible with the right support.
If you or someone you care about is battling alcoholism, reaching out for help can change everything. Addiction Helper can provide guidance on finding the right treatment and support tailored to individual needs. No one has to go through this alone, and help is available.
Contact Addiction Helper today to take the first step towards recovery.