The 9 signs your loved one has dangerous booze dependency – and 7 ways to help

MOST people like a drink now and again and can stop at a glass or two of red or a couple of beers.

But for others, alcohol can become problematic, with some becoming dependent on it.

Alcohol can become problematic for some people, with many being dependent on booze just to get through the dayGetty

More than half a million Brits are dependent on booze and it’s estimated that two thirds of people with an alcohol problem also suffer with depression, studies show.

Alcohol dependence affects different people in different ways, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that if your loved one is dependent then they might have started to drink every day.

They might also reach for booze first thing in the morning, or in the evening, guidance states.

But what are the main signs you should be looking out for if you’re worried your partner, friend or family member is struggling?

According to the HSE, signs of alcohol dependence may include:

not being able to function without alcohol – for example, not being able to do your job or carry out daily tasksdrinking has become an important, or the most important, thing in lifecontinuing to drink despite negative consequences for you or your loved onesfinding it difficult to control the amount or the times when you drinkfinding it difficult to stop drinking when you want tonot always being able to plan with certainty how much you are going to drink on an occasiondrinking increasing amounts of alcoholcraving alcohol or having withdrawal symptomsnot seeming to be drunk after drinking large amounts.

The experts state that some people might not be completely dependent on alcohol, but may indulge in harmful patterns of alcohol use.

This could include periods of binge drinking followed by restrictions.

If you’re worried about someone else’s behaviour then it can be hard to know what to say or what to do.

Experts at Drinkaware state that before approaching them, you should try and think about how you would feel if a friend or a loved one started a conversation with you about your drinking.

Here’s how to approach the situation:

Choose a safe and comfortable place and use supportive languageShow you are concerned and try the following phrase: “I’ve noticed that you aren’t so positive since you’ve been drinking more. This isn’t the kind of person I know you to be. I’m not bringing it up to upset you, but because I’m concerned.”Express how it’s making you feel: “I feel sad that we don’t do X, Y or Z anymore because it meant we had quality time together.”Highlight that they have stopped doing things they enjoy: “I thought it was great when you were going to yoga/football/your night class etc.”Ask what it is that makes them want to drinkAvoid criticism and try and keep questions open such as ‘don’t you think you have a problem?Complete the Drinkaware unit calculator to start a conversation about consumption.

Sometimes, discussing the issue with your loved one is enough.

However, they might also need professional help, so it’s key that you encourage them to speak to their GP about the feelings they are having.

They’ll be able to discuss the services and treatments available after assessing drinking habits by using screening tests. 

Treatment usually involves counselling and medicine that helps you to slowly cut down on drinking and avoid withdrawal symptoms.

There are also a number of charities, support groups, and private clinics to help.

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