How to Know if Someone Has a Drinking Problem

April 19th, 2007 · No Comments

There are two patterns of drinking: early and late onset. Some people have been heavy drinkers for many years. But, as with great Uncle George for instance, over time the same amount of [tag]liquor[/tag] packs a more powerful punch. Other people, like Grandma Betty, develop a [tag]drinking problem[/tag] later in life. Sometimes this is due to major life changes like shifts in employment, failing health, or the death of friends or loved ones. Often these life changes can bring loneliness, boredom, anxiety, and depression. In fact, [tag]depression[/tag] in older adults often goes along with alcohol misuse.

At first, a drink seems to bring relief from stressful situations. Later on, drinking can start to cause trouble.

Not everyone who drinks regularly has a drinking problem, and not all problem drinkers drink every day. You might want to get help if you or a loved one:

Drink to calm your nerves, forget your worries, or reduce depression.
Gulp down drinks.
Frequently have more than one drink a day. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of beer or a wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
Lie about or try to hide drinking habits.
Hurt yourself, or someone else, while drinking.
Need more alcohol to get high.
Feel irritable, resentful, or unreasonable when not drinking.
Have medical, social, or financial worries caused by drinking.

Review other resources on this site about getting help.