Many people will sometimes have a drink or two to relax. But you might be wondering if your drinking has become a problem. If drinking is hard to stop and is affecting your life or health, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder.
About 400 million people around the world live with this common condition. Some people have mild cases, but others have more severe symptoms. For some, it’s a coping mechanism that they turn to when they’re going through challenging times and want to get out of their thoughts for a bit. It can appear on its own or along with other substance use disorders, like opioid or cannabis use disorders.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting alcohol (if consumed) to no more than two drinks a day for people assigned male at birth and one for people assigned female at birth. Regularly drinking in excess may lead to cravings, health conditions, and even strained relationships.
Knowing the signs that you or a loved one may have alcohol use disorder is an important first step. Fortunately, there are many different options for treatment to ease these symptoms and improve well-being.
Let’s explore eight ways to tell if you or a loved one may have alcohol use disorder and how to find support.
8 signs of alcohol use disorder
Whether you are wondering about your drinking or concerned about someone, it’s helpful to understand the potential signs of alcohol use disorder.
However, these signs don’t look the same for everyone. Sometimes the signs may be subtle, especially for mild alcohol use disorder. But if they’re identified early, you or a loved one can get treated early and help make recovery more effective. Alcohol use disorder may appear with opioid use, cannabis use, depression, or anxiety, which can affect how severe or noticeable the signs may be.
If you think you see one or more of these signs in your own drinking, it’s OK to seek support. Understanding the signs of alcohol use disorder can help you know if help is needed. Here are eight you may notice:
1. Drinking more than intended
Sometimes people plan to just have a drink or two, but end up drinking much more. This may look like finishing a bottle of wine instead of one glass. If you or a loved one has a little more than intended, it may not be a warning sign. But if going far past these limits becomes a habit, it may mean that alcohol use is harder to control.
2. Trouble cutting back
You or a loved one may have a hard time reducing your number of drinks. Maybe you try to limit drinking to the weekend, but end up drinking anyway. A new habit can be difficult to adapt. But if there’s an ongoing pattern of not being able to cut back, it can be a sign of alcohol use disorder. If trying to have fewer drinks isn’t working out on your own, it may take additional help to bring it under control. If so, it’s OK to reach out for help.
3. Spending a lot of time drinking
With alcohol use disorder, drinking or recovering from drinking can take up a big part of your day. This can include getting alcohol, drinking, and recovering from a hangover. If drinking is taking up too much of your schedule, it’s a sign that alcohol is becoming a central part of your life rather than an occasional activity.
4. Cravings or strong urges
Alcohol cravings can make it hard to concentrate. Even if you’re busy with things to do, strong urges can break your focus, causing you to think about your next drink. Someone with alcohol use disorder may talk about drinking a lot, sneak drinks, or frequently look for opportunities to drink. Strong urges may be a sign of physical dependence on alcohol.
5. Impact on responsibilities
While having an occasional drink or two is OK in many cases, alcohol can become a problem if it interferes with everyday life. It should not get in the way of work, school, or other responsibilities. You might miss deadlines, show up late, or not do well on tasks due to your drinking. If a loved one has alcohol use disorder, they may focus more on drinking and less on responsibilities they used to manage.
6. Strain on relationships
Drinking can affect relationships with friends, family members, and co-workers. You might argue more, isolate yourself from others, or become secretive about your drinking habits. If you see warning signs in a loved one, you might notice tension or repeated conflicts. Alcohol use may lead to lying, financial issues, or aggression, which can strain relationships.
7. Drinking despite health problems
Alcohol can lead to or worsen health issues. It can affect your sleep, blood pressure, liver function, or mental health. Your provider may suggest not drinking or to reduce drinking, but you find either very difficult. You could also see a friend drinking despite having health risks or provider’s orders not to. Drinking under these conditions may indicate alcohol use disorder.
8. Increased tolerance
Over time, you may notice that it takes a higher number of drinks to feel the effects of alcohol. If you see this sign in a loved one, you may notice them drinking a lot without looking affected. They may also turn to stronger drinks. Increased tolerance means the body has gotten used to drinking. This can lead to drinking more and make it more difficult to stop.
Support options for recovery
If you see any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, help is available. Sometimes, alcohol use disorder occurs on its own. Other times, it can take place alongside another condition. For instance, about 68% of people with cannabis use disorder also meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Also, about 26% of people with opioid use disorder drink a lot of alcohol. When alcohol use disorder occurs with cannabis use disorder or opioid use disorder, the right treatment can address both conditions at once. This approach can help you or your loved one receive comprehensive treatment during recovery. Getting help early can make a difference, and there are many options to look into.
Get expert support for alcohol use disorder at Groups
Now that you know common signs of alcohol use disorder, you can be better prepared to spot them. This can be an important first step toward recovery for you or your loved one. Alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe, so it looks different for everyone. It can also occur with cannabis use disorder or opioid use disorder. Whether you or your loved ones are facing one condition or more, help is available.
Groups offers personalized treatment for alcohol use disorder in Iowa, and we are working on expanding this service to our other locations. We provide counseling, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. In-person and online addiction recovery support groups are great options to consider. Plus, we offer the opportunity to connect with others who can relate to this condition. If you’re unsure which option is the best choice, it’s OK to ask. Our
Recovery Support Coordinators can guide you or your loved one toward a safe and effective treatment. If you need additional support for a co-occurring disorder or live outside of Iowa, we can help you find treatment and resources in your area.
Have questions about your treatment options? Our Recovery Support Coordinators are here to help. Call 888-858-1723 for more information. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
