British culture is big on alcohol — there’s no way around it.
Every social activity is based around booze, and it’s got to the point that many people don’t seem to know what to do with themselves without a drink in hand. Because it’s so ubiquitous, it’s easy to assume you’ve got your drinking under control. After all, you’re not doing that much it, you think. A glass of wine or a pint or two after work every night, a few cocktails or spirits on the weekend — totally normal, right? Here are some signs you’re in denial about how much alcohol you’re consuming, and you may need to make a change.
1. You always drink more than you planned.
If you’re constantly saying, “Just one more,” and it turns into three or four, it might be time to rethink things. Sure, everyone goes overboard now and then, but if this is your usual routine, it’s worth considering whether your drinking is becoming harder to control.
2. You’re not honest about how much you drink.
If you’re regularly downplaying the number of drinks you have when someone asks, that’s a red flag. Whether it’s with your mates or your GP, if you’re not being straight about your intake, it’s a sign that deep down, you know you’re drinking more than you should.
3. You hide or stash alcohol.
Hiding bottles around the house or sneaking a quick drink when no one’s watching is never a good sign. It means you’re trying to keep your drinking under wraps, which points to a bigger issue. If you feel the need to hide it, it’s probably time to ask yourself why.
4. Drinking solo has become a habit.
There’s nothing wrong with the occasional glass of wine by yourself, but when solo drinking becomes a regular thing, especially if you’re keeping it secret, it could mean you’re relying too much on alcohol. Ask yourself why you’re choosing to drink alone instead of in social settings.
5. You use booze to cope with stress.
If you’re reaching for a drink whenever you’ve had a tough day, you’re not really dealing with the root of the problem. Alcohol might take the edge off temporarily, but in the long run, it’s only masking your stress. Finding healthier ways to cope is key.
6. You’ve tried to cut back, but couldn’t stick with it.
If you’ve ever told yourself you’d drink less, but end up back in the same pattern, it might be a sign that cutting back isn’t as easy as you thought. It’s easy to brush this off, but if moderation feels impossible, it’s time to reconsider your relationship with alcohol.
7. You experience memory lapses after drinking.
If you’re starting to experience regular blackouts or can’t remember parts of your night out, that’s a huge warning sign. Not only are blackouts dangerous, but they show that you’re drinking to a point where your body literally can’t function properly. That’s not something to take lightly.
8. Guilt is creeping in.
Feeling guilty after drinking, whether it’s because of what you said, did, or just the amount you consumed, shows that part of you knows something’s off. If you’re constantly regretting your choices, it’s a sign that alcohol might be taking more of a toll on you than you realise.
9. You prioritise drinking over other responsibilities.
When drinking starts taking priority over work, family, or even basic personal tasks, that’s a major problem. If you’re skipping obligations or showing up late because of your drinking habits, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate how much control alcohol has over your daily life.
10. You’ve faced legal or financial issues due to drinking.
If you’ve found yourself in legal trouble—like a DUI—or your bank account is suffering because of your drinking habits, it’s time to take a hard look at things. These kinds of issues show that alcohol isn’t just something you do for fun anymore; it’s causing real problems.
11. You need more drinks to get the same buzz.
If it takes you twice as many drinks to get the same feeling you used to get from one or two, that’s a sign your tolerance is building. When your body starts needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect, it’s often a sign that dependence is creeping in.
12. You feel shaky or anxious when you’re not drinking.
If you start feeling irritable, anxious, or physically unwell when you’re not drinking, you could be experiencing withdrawal. This means your body is becoming reliant on alcohol, and that’s a serious sign that things are out of balance.
13. Friends or family have commented on your drinking.
Source: Unsplash If the people around you have mentioned your drinking—whether as a joke or with genuine concern—it’s worth paying attention. They might be noticing something you’re not willing to admit to yourself. Instead of getting defensive, try listening to what they have to say.
14. You find yourself lying about your drinking habits.
If you’re hiding the truth about how much you’re drinking, whether from yourself or other people, that’s a pretty big sign things aren’t as under control as you think. Lying about your habits usually means you’re trying to avoid facing a difficult truth.
15. Your health is suffering, but you’re still drinking.
If your doctor has told you that your drinking is affecting your health—whether it’s weight gain, liver issues, or something else—and you’re still drinking the same amount, it’s time to acknowledge that your habits are doing serious harm. Ignoring these warning signs won’t make them go away.
16. Your day revolves around when you can drink.
If you find yourself planning your day around when you can have a drink, that’s a sign that alcohol has taken a central role in your life. Whether it’s waiting for that after-work pint or scheduling your weekend around drinking plans, it shows booze is becoming a priority.
17. You’ve lost interest in activities you used to love.
When drinking starts replacing other activities—like hobbies, sports, or spending time with loved ones—it’s a sign your focus has shifted. Losing interest in the things that used to bring you joy is a big indicator that your drinking is affecting more than just your social life.
18. You drink at inappropriate times or in inappropriate places.
If you’re sneaking drinks at work, before social events, or in places where it’s not appropriate, you might be relying on alcohol in ways that aren’t healthy. Drinking in secret or at odd times shows that alcohol is becoming more than just a social activity for you.
19. You’ve developed a high level of secrecy around your drinking.
If you’re sneaking drinks or hiding alcohol around the house, it’s a clear sign something’s up. When drinking becomes something you feel the need to hide, it’s not just a social activity anymore—it’s a problem. Being secretive is a big red flag that you’re not comfortable with your habits and might be trying to avoid facing the truth.
20. You’re defensive about the idea that you might have a drinking problem.
If you instantly get defensive or brush off any concerns about your drinking without really thinking it through, you might be in denial. When people around you or even your own instincts are telling you something’s not right, it’s worth stopping to reflect. Denying there’s a problem won’t make it go away, and being open to a self-check can only help you in the long run.
