Identifying a drinking problem in a loved one can be tricky since alcohol consumption is typical during parties, holidays, dinners, and other social outings. How can you tell whether someone is merely engaging in occasional social or binge drinking or has developed a drinking problem that warrants some attention? Learning how to distinguish between moderate and problem drinking behaviors is the first step toward determining whether a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence.
If someone in your life needs the support of an alcohol rehab in Florida, look no further than My 5 Palms. Our comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs include various therapies and medications to help you take your life back from alcohol. Contact us today at 1.844.675.1022 or complete our online form to learn more about our treatment options.
Binge Drinking vs. Excessive Drinking
The first thing to understand before trying to figure out if your loved one has a drinking problem is the difference between moderate drinking and problem drinking behaviors.
Moderate Drinking
Moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. One drink or serving of alcohol consists of 12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of liquor.
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking involves consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time, typically to get intoxicated very quickly. More specifically, binge drinking refers to four or more drinks within two hours for women and five or more for men.
Excessive Drinking
Excessive drinking refers to regularly consuming more than moderate amounts of alcohol—more than seven drinks per week for women and more than 14 for men.
Signs Your Loved One Has a Drinking Problem
Identifying if a loved one has a drinking problem can be challenging, but there are some common signs to watch out for. These signs may include:
- Increased tolerance to alcohol – The person needs to consume more drinks than before to achieve the same level of intoxication.
- Frequently drinking alone – Rather than reserving drinking for social events, the person often drinks at home or bars alone.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work or home due to drinking – Your loved one may call out of work frequently or fail to keep up with child care or other household tasks.
- Being secretive about their alcohol consumption – The person might lie about how much alcohol they have consumed or hide alcohol around the house and drink in secret. You may also notice they develop a new habit of frequently chewing gum or mints to mask the scent of alcohol.
- Becoming aggressive or having frequent mood swings – When a person has a drinking problem, their mental health can suffer, and they will be more irritable, anxious, or depressed.
If you notice the above signs in a loved one, it may be an indication that they have a drinking problem that requires attention and support.
Getting Help for a Drinking Problem
Having a drinking problem is not the same as having an alcohol addiction. Binge drinking and excessive drinking are both problematic drinking behaviors, but a person participating in these behaviors is not necessarily addicted. However, engaging in these behaviors over time will undoubtedly lead down the path to alcohol addiction.
If someone in your life shows signs of a drinking problem, talk to them about your concerns and let them know about reputable alcohol addiction treatment programs in their area.
Contact My 5 Palms in Florida to Enroll in Alcohol Rehab
Counseling and medication are crucial components of alcohol addiction recovery. When you put your trust in My 5 Palms, you will receive comprehensive addiction treatment that addresses all areas of your life. To learn more about our whole-person approach to addiction recovery, call us at 1.844.675.1022 or fill out our online form, and one of our friendly staff members will be in touch.
