WRITTEN BY: SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This is the perfect time to talk about something often overlooked —warning signs of a loved one’s drinking behavior. In this post, we’ll walk you through 5 warning signs of your loved one’s drinking behavior. We hope that by the end of this read, it will help you better understand when it’s time to be concerned.
Alcohol is often associated with fun, parties, and connection. Coming together with friends and family, especially in the context of celebrations and certain culture (like military families and Latino communities), alcohol is usually in the mix. However, alcohol intake and drinking can sometimes shift from casual to concerning without us realizing it. Whether it’s part of weekend gatherings or used as a way to unwind, alcohol can quickly become a harmful coping mechanism. In worse cases, it can negatively impact relationships, emotional health, and overall well-being.
Let’s talk about the difference between social drinking and something more serious—and what to do when that line starts to blur.
Understanding Alcohol Use vs. Abuse
Not all drinking is bad or harmful. But knowing the difference between alcohol use and alcohol abuse can help you recognize when it’s time to speak up.
- Moderate alcohol use is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men, according to the CDC.
- Alcohol abuse begins when drinking becomes excessive, impacts daily functioning, or harms relationships.
- Binge drinking is 4 or more drinks in one sitting for women, or 5 or more for men.
If (you or) your loved one is consistently drinking beyond these limits, it may be time to consider the impact of their alcohol use.
5 Warning Signs of Your Loved One’s Drinking Behavior
1. Tolerance is Increasing
If it takes more alcohol for your loved one to feel the same effect. Specifically, they’re drinking more often than they used to. This could be a sign of dependence forming.
2. Alcohol Is Always on Their Mind
Spending a lot of time drinking, talking about drinking, or planning around when they can drink again is a red flag. When alcohol becomes a central part of their day or week, it’s no longer just a social habit—it’s a priority.
3. Risky or Dangerous Behavior
Alcohol impairs decision-making. If your loved one is drinking and driving, engaging in aggressive behavior, or making impulsive choices while intoxicated, their drinking is putting them—and others—at serious risk.
4. It’s Affecting Their Responsibilities
Has your loved one missed work, skipped family obligations, or shown up intoxicated to important events? Alcohol abuse often gets in the way of important things. It can cause problems personally, professionally, or with family life, making it hard to ignore.
5. Emotional or Mental Health Changes
Despite being viewed as a stress reliever, alcohol is a depressant. It can worsen anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and mood swings. If your loved one seems more emotionally unpredictable or withdrawn, alcohol might be part of the problem—not the solution.
What You Can Do
If these signs sound familiar, you don’t have to handle them alone. Here are a few first steps:
- Start the conversation. Approach your loved one gently and non-judgmentally. Share what you’ve noticed using “I” statements like, “I’ve been worried about how often you’ve been drinking lately.”
- Express care, not criticism. Avoid accusations. Focus on your concern for their well-being.
- Encourage professional help. A therapist or medical professional can help them explore their relationship with alcohol and take meaningful steps forward.
Support for You Matters Too
If your loved one isn’t ready to get help—or doesn’t think their drinking is a problem—that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You deserve support and to have a good quality of life too. If your gut is telling you something isn’t right—trust it. These 5 warning signs of your loved one’s drinking behavior are meant to help you spot concerns early and take meaningful steps with compassion and clarity.
At La Luz Counseling, we work with individuals who are worried about a family member’s substance use and need a safe space to process, set boundaries, and explore next steps. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to care for your mental and emotional health. You’re not alone. We’re here to help.
Recent Comments