Signs You May Be Drinking Too Much: When Social Drinking Becomes A Problem

January 3, 2026

8:04 pm

Signs your drinking too much

Table of contents

Signs you’re drinking too much alcohol

Alcohol is a mood altering drug. Recognizing signs that you’re drinking too much is important for your well-being.

When you drink alcohol your behaviour will change: That is perfectly normal.

Some people, when they drink, get emotional, some fall asleep, some get aggressive and some throw up!

Signs your drinking too much

However, if you keep drinking, on a regular behaviour, you will develop some long term behavioural changes. These can be difficult for others to deal with, aside from the damage you are doing to yourself.

Our experienced addictions clinicians, whom you can speak to for free for advice and signposting, suggest the following warning signs are classic when it comes to problem drinking.

Those close to you tell you they are worried

People may be telling you they are worried about how much you are drinking.

They may be expressing frustration because of how you behaved or just out of concern for your welfare.

Perhaps you have noticed a problem with a friend, loved one, family member of colleague. You could be an employer and notice an issue with one of your staff.

Self Medicating with alcohol

Alcohol, by it’s very nature, is a temporary stress reliver. This is due to the way it affects receptors in the brain.

The problem is that , due to the chemical changes that occur in the brain when you drink for a long time, you will need more and more to have the same effect as when you started with a small amount.

Alcohol is a depressant. It can make your mood worse even when the alcohol wears off.

When alcohol is your first port of call when you feel low, this is a clear sign that you need help.

Signs your drinking too much

You’ve become secretive about your drinking

Hiding bottles in the washing machine, slipping a hip flask into your work locker, making excuses to go out so you can buy alcohol: Our clinicians hear these stories everyday.

Secrecy is a very serious sign that you need help. With secrecy comes lying and deceit. Problem is, others can usually see right through you.

Your job and home life is beginning to suffer

When you drink heavily, in time, your work will suffer. Relationships will get damaged and friends will distance themselves from you.

Turning in projects after deadlines, arguing with your partner, getting arrested for drink driving and losing your job as a result. These are all possible outcomes when you drink.

Cutting Down Didn’t Work

People raised their concerns with you and you knew that it was time to take action.

Despite your best efforts, you couldn’t stop. Your efforts to reduce left you feeling on edge, nervous and craving alcohol.

You felt you couldn’t leave the house and deal with the normal every day stress without alcohol.

You drink alone to excess

Weddings, bar mitzvahs, even wakes: Alcohol is mostly present at social gatherings.

Having a can of beer when you get home, a glass of wine with dinner after a hard day, this is normal. However, when you can’t wait to get home to crack open a tin or open a bottle and it becomes a daily ritual, with ever increasing amounts being drunk, it is time to take action.

Your life is revolving around alcohol

You plan social activities that include alcohol. It becomes an essential item on your shopping list.

There is a bottle next to your bed and the moment you open your eyes, the bottle reaches your lips.

Without a drink to steady your nerves, first thing in the morning, you start to feel unwell.

This is now serious.

You are getting regular headaches. Your sleep is very patchy and you sweat without exercising.

Your mood is low , you are agitated and irritable. Sometimes you are confused.

These are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. You need to drink to prevent a medical emergency and get help: Fast.

The physical dangers of alcohol addiction

Alcohol is a mind altering drug but will also have physical manifestations such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Impaired vision
  • Passing out
  • Alcohol poisoning

Long-term risks of alcohol addiction

If you keep drinking, over a long period of time, you run the risk of serious and irreversible health problems, even fatality:

  • Liver damage
  • Cancer
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Nerve damage
  • Irreversible brain damage
  • Increased cardio-vascular risk

Key Takeaways

  • Recognizing the signs your drinking too much is crucial for your well-being.
  • Indicators include secrecy about drinking, self-medicating, and concerns from loved ones.
  • Heavy drinking can lead to job issues, relationship damage, and physical health risks.
  • Long-term alcohol use poses serious health threats, like liver damage and brain issues.
  • Seeking help from experienced addictions clinicians is essential for recovery.

Time to get help

Giving up alcohol has to be done under expert medical supervision.

Due to NHS commissioning your GP is unable to provide the necessary medication or the supervision needed.

An alcohol detox (as well as therapy and relapse prevention skills training) is only safely provided in a rehab centre. Rarely can this be done at home but every case is treated on it’s own merits.

Signs your drinking too much

Residential rehab need not be expensive. If you are prepared to travel a little further than your local area you can save a very substantial sum.

Our clinicians work in rehabs as well as:

  • Local authority statutory services
  • NHS GP shared care provisions
  • Private hospitals
  • Prisons

They can advise you as to what you need as well as what you don’t.

Yoga with miniature goats, shakra realignment and gong baths are all very nice but you don’t need them and you will pay for it.

Our clinicians have access to an up to date database so they can signpost you to the most cost effective service. We do not charge for making referrals.

Speak to an experienced addictions clinician for free advice and signposting

We are experienced addictions clinicians. Our free advice and referral service is available to all.

Our advice is given in total confidence. We can not discuss your conversation with anyone else: Not even your GP unless you give very explicit permission.

Our advice service is registered with the Information Commissioners office.

As rehab centres are legally required to be registered with the appropriate government regulator , we only signpost to those that are.

Need help finding the right rehab for you or a loved one? Get in touch today and take the first step toward recovery.

Speak to us