What are some signs that someone may be misusing alcohol?

• A. Drinking to cope with emotions, secrecy, neglecting responsibilities, drinking more than planned, withdrawal when not drinking
• B. Drinking to socialize in moderation
• C. Regularly attending sports
• D. Not seeing any changes in behavior

Answer: (A)

Recognising signs of alcohol misuse involves looking for patterns where drinking is used to cope with emotions, there is secrecy about drinking, responsibilities are neglected, you end up drinking more than planned, and there are withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Using alcohol to cope with feelings is a key warning sign because it shows alcohol is being used as a problem-solving tool rather than a social or recreational choice. Secrecy around drinking often accompanies trying to hide the habit, which suggests it’s affecting the person’s life in ways they don’t want others to know. When responsibilities like school or chores are neglected, that shows the drinking is taking priority over important parts of life. Drinking more than planned indicates loss of control and possible increased tolerance. Withdrawal when not drinking—feeling irritable, anxious, shaky, or unwell—points to physical dependence. Taken together, these patterns signal problematic use rather than healthy, moderate drinking.

Choosing to drink in social, moderate amounts is not the same as misuse, and regular healthy activities like attending sports don’t point to misuse. If there were no changes in behavior, that would also not suggest misuse.