Is Someone Drinking Too Much? Recognising the Signs and Knowing When to Get Help

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Is Someone Drinking Too Much? Recognising the Signs and Knowing When to Get Help

In Australia, alcohol plays a central role in many social settings. From after-work drinks to weekend celebrations, it’s deeply woven into the culture. But for some, what starts as casual or social drinking can slowly evolve into something more difficult to control.

The line between moderate use and harmful use isn’t always clear. Many people don’t realise their drinking has become problematic until it starts to affect their health, relationships or ability to function day to day.

This article explores the early signs of alcohol dependence, how to assess if there’s a problem, steps to take when seeking help, and what to look for in a rehab facility that supports long-term recovery.

Recognising the Early Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) doesn’t usually appear suddenly. It often begins with patterns that seem harmless. For example, using alcohol to unwind, socialise or deal with stress. Over time, those habits can increase in frequency, quantity or emotional reliance.

Some key signs to watch for include:

• Increased tolerance: Needing more alcohol over time to feel the same effects
• Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling shaky, anxious, nauseous or irritable without a drink
• Loss of control: Often drinking more or for longer than planned
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop: Trying to cut back but finding it difficult
• Prioritising drinking: Cancelling plans or neglecting responsibilities because of alcohol
• Changes in behaviour: Mood swings, secrecy, and avoiding situations without alcohol

These behaviours may develop slowly and are often rationalised or minimised. It’s not uncommon for someone to believe their drinking is still manageable until the consequences become harder to ignore. For a breakdown of clinical signs, see this alcohol addiction overview.

The Broader Impact of Alcohol Misuse

While physical health risks such as liver damage or poor sleep are well known, the effects of alcohol misuse extend much further. It can gradually start to influence a person’s mental wellbeing, social life and overall stability.

Common consequences include:

• Emotional struggles: Persistent anxiety, low mood, or emotional numbness
• Relationship tension: Conflict with partners, family or friends due to erratic behaviour or broken trust
• Work and financial issues: Missed days, poor concentration, or financial pressure from spending on alcohol
• Legal concerns: Drink-driving offences or other alcohol-related legal problems
• Loss of identity: Giving up hobbies, goals or values once important to the person

These issues often develop over time, making them harder to connect directly to alcohol use. But collectively, they signal that drinking may be doing more harm than good.

Not Sure if It’s a Problem? Here’s Where to Start

It’s common for people to wonder whether their drinking is “bad enough” to need support. That uncertainty alone is worth paying attention to. If someone is questioning their relationship with alcohol, it’s a good time to reflect.

There are a few practical ways to get clarity:

• Track drinking habits: A journal that notes how often, how much and why someone drinks can reveal patterns they might not notice otherwise
• Try a screening tool: Tests like the CAGE or AUDIT questionnaire can help identify potential risk
• Take a private quiz: The Alcohol Addiction Quiz by Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat offers a simple, anonymous way to reflect on alcohol use and its impacts

These tools aren’t meant to diagnose, but they can be an eye-opener and an important first step. If patterns suggest that alcohol is interfering with daily life, it’s worth having a conversation with a GP or health professional.

What Happens When You Seek Help?

Acknowledging the issue is often the hardest part. Once someone decides they want to make a change, support is available — and it doesn’t have to mean checking into a long-term rehab right away.

Initial steps might include:

• Speaking to a GP: A doctor can assess overall health and discuss options for support or referrals
• Accessing counselling: Therapy helps uncover the emotional and psychological roots of alcohol use, and gives people the tools to develop healthier coping strategies
• Exploring detox or rehab programs: Depending on the level of dependence, structured treatment may be the most effective path

It’s also worth looking into aftercare planning, which helps people stay on track after completing rehab.

Choosing the Right Rehab Facility

For those considering residential treatment, choosing the right rehab centre is an important step. Not all facilities offer the same level of care or flexibility, so it’s important to find one that aligns with the person’s needs, lifestyle and values.

Key things to look for include:

• Individualised care: Programs tailored to personal history, health and goals
• Qualified staff: Access to experienced clinicians, therapists and support workers
• A safe, peaceful setting: Environment matters, especially for emotional healing
• Aftercare support: Recovery doesn’t end at discharge. Long term success depends on continued support

This guide on how to choose the right rehab outlines what to look for when exploring options.

How Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat Can Help

Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat offers private, clinically supported rehab just outside Sydney. Their programs are designed to meet people where they are — whether they’re ready to detox, begin therapy, or rebuild after relapse.

Guests receive:

• Medically supervised detox, when needed
• Tailored rehab programs, including one-on-one therapy and group sessions
• Private accommodation, surrounded by 100 acres of tranquil bushland
• Access to superannuation to help fund treatment if eligible (cost and payment info here)
• Aftercare planning to ensure long-term support and stability

For those unsure what to expect, their Before, During & After page outlines each stage of the journey.

The environment is calm, confidential and completely free from judgement. It’s designed to help people feel safe enough to heal and strong enough to move forward.

Looking for answers, guidance or just a conversation?

Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat is located in the heart of the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, just a two-hour drive from both Sydney and Canberra.

Visit the contact page or call 0485 880 816 to speak with the team.

Recovery doesn’t start with all the answers. It starts with one honest question — and the willingness to ask for support.