{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/5-signs-of-drinking-problem","path":"/library/5-signs-of-drinking-problem","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/5-signs-of-drinking-problem","title":"Signs You May Have a Drinking Problem","family":"Library detail","description":"Signs of a drinking problem: drinking alone, binge drinking, using alcohol to cope with stress, developing tolerance, disregarding consequences.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/5-signs-of-drinking-problem","wordpressId":"4312","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[],"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:26Z","dateModified":"2025-08-27T18:52:01Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library\">Library</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/substance-use-disorders\">Substance Use Disorders</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Signs You May Have a Drinking Problem</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page article-standard\" data-library-standard><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>Signs You May Have a Drinking Problem</h1><div class=\"article-dates\"><span>Published on <time datetime=\"2024-05-31T23:31:26Z\">May 31, 2024</time></span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> · </span><span>Updated on <time datetime=\"2025-08-27T18:52:01Z\">August 27, 2025</time></span></div></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><div class=\"snippet-lead-in clearfix\">\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<span id=\"is-drinking-bad-drinking-alcohol-can-be-a-safe-social-activity-when-done-in-moderation-in-fact-moderate-consumption-of-wine-can-have-numerous-health-benefits-such-as-decreasing-the-risk-of-dementia-and-cardiovascular-problems-however-excessive-and-overindulgent-alcohol-use-is-characteristic-of-far-too-many-people-if-you-re-concerned-that-your-drinking-behaviors-may-be-compulsive-or-troublesome-then-read-on-to-learn-5-signs-that-your-drinking-habits-might-be-dangerous\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"is-drinking-bad\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"is-drinking-bad\">Is Drinking Bad?</h2>\nDrinking alcohol can be a safe social activity when done in moderation. In fact, moderate consumption of wine can have numerous health benefits such as decreasing the risk of dementia and cardiovascular problems. However, excessive and overindulgent alcohol use is characteristic of far too many people. If you're concerned that your drinking behaviors may be compulsive or troublesome, then read on to learn 5 signs that your drinking habits might be dangerous.\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<div class=\"snippet-img-wrap ib\"></div>\n</div>\n</div><p></p><hr><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-11670.webp\" alt=\"People lean toward one another during a small group conversation.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"></figure><section class=\"article-takeaways\" aria-labelledby=\"key-takeaways\"><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>Drinking alone, binge drinking, and using alcohol to manage stress can signal problematic drinking.</li><li>Increasing tolerance can lead to greater consumption to achieve the same effects.</li><li>Continuing to drink despite health, safety, or relationship consequences is another important warning sign.</li></ul></section><span id=\"1-drinking-alone-there-is-a-difference-between-having-a-couple-drinks-at-the-bar-or-a-party-with-your-friends-or-family-and-drinking-alone\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"1-drinking-alone\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"1-drinking-alone\">1. Drinking Alone</h2><p>\nThere is a difference between having a couple drinks at the bar or a party with your friends or family and drinking alone.\n</p><div class=\"row snippet-cols mb\">\n<div class=\"col-md-4\">\n<p>If you find that you are often drinking alone, this may be a sign of deeper psychological or emotional issues.</p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\">\n<p>Many people drink alcohol in order to cope with unwanted feelings or emotions such as sadness, depression, frustration, abandonment, etc.</p>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-md-4\">\n<p>Self-medication is not a healthy behavior and only further perpetuates the problem.</p>\n</div>\n</div><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<ul class=\"snippet-list-icons\">\n    <li>\n<div class=\"content\">If you persistently drink alone as opposed to in social settings, you may want to consider seeking alcohol rehabilitation treatment.</div></li>\n    <li>\n<div class=\"content\"></div></li>\n    <li>\n<div class=\"content\"></div></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div><p></p><hr><span id=\"2-binge-drinking-according-to-the-substance-abuse-and-mental-health-services-administration-samhsa-binge-drinking-is-defined-as-drinking-5-or-more-alcohol-drinks-on-the-same-occasion-on-at-least-1-day-in-the-past-30-days\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"2-binge-drinking\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"2-binge-drinking\">2. Binge Drinking</h2><p>\nAccording to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), binge drinking is defined as \"drinking 5 or more alcohol drinks on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.\"\n</p><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"content\">It is recommended that <strong>men don't drink more than 2 drinks per day and women don't drink more than 1 drink per day</strong>. This is considered to be moderate drinking behavior. <strong>One drink is the equivalent of .6 ounces of alcohol, or:</strong>\n<ul>\n    <li>5 ounces (\"a shot\") of 80 proof liquor.</li>\n    <li>5 ounces of wine.</li>\n    <li>12 ounces of beer.</li>\n    <li>8 ounces of malt liquor.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div><p>\nIf you notice that you frequently engage in binge drinking, then you may need to evaluate your drinking habits. Binge drinking can lead to an <strong>addiction to alcohol </strong>and many <strong>physical ailments</strong>, for example:\n</p><div class=\"snippet-img-wrap snippet-img right\"></div><ul>\n    <li>Liver cirrhosis (scarring).</li>\n    <li>Pancreatitis (inflammation).</li>\n    <li>Cancer.\n<ul>\n    <li>Liver.</li>\n    <li>Mouth.</li>\n    <li>Throat.</li>\n    <li>Breast.</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n    <li>Alcoholic hepatitis.</li>\n    <li>Cardiomyopathy (stretching and weakening of heart muscle).</li>\n    <li>Irregular heart beat.</li>\n    <li>Stroke.</li>\n</ul><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"content\"><strong>Binge drinkers are nearly 40% more likely to have a stroke</strong> as compared to those who don't binge drink and over 2 million people in the United States have a liver disease caused by alcohol abuse.</div>\n</div><p></p><hr><span id=\"3-drinking-to-cope-with-stress-many-people-drink-alcohol-in-order-to-cope-with-stressful-situations-in-their-lives-and-although-you-may-temporarily-feel-better-from-drinking-it-usually-ends-up-exacerbating-stress-in-the-long-run-instead-of-relieving-it\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"3-drinking-to-cope-with-stress\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"3-drinking-to-cope-with-stress\">3. Drinking to Cope with Stress</h2><p>\nMany people drink alcohol in order to cope with stressful situations in their lives, and although you may temporarily feel better from drinking, it usually ends up exacerbating stress in the long-run instead of relieving it.\n</p><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"content\">If you turn to alcohol when problems arise in life, whether they have to do with school, work, or relationships, your drinking habits may be dangerous and you could be at-risk for developing a dependency and subsequent addiction.</div>\n</div><p><strong>Studies show that long-term alcohol consumption negatively changes the brain's chemistry and how it responds to stressful situations</strong>.\n</p><div class=\"row snippet-cols mb\">\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<ul>\n    <li>The brain releases excessive amounts of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which <strong>increases anxiety when faced with stress</strong> as compared to those who drink moderately or not at all.</li>\n    <li>This increased anxiety in response to stress only further <strong>perpetuates the cycle of drinking</strong> to cope with stress.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"col-md-6\">\n<ul>\n    <li>Furthermore, one study found that <strong>stress can decrease the desirable effects of alcohol, which may cause a person to drink even more</strong> to elicit a pleasurable response.</li>\n    <li>In this manner, <strong>alcohol and stress influence each other in a bi-directional relationship</strong>.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"snippet-img-wrap\"></div>\n<div class=\"content\">Dual diagnosis facilities focus on treating any mental disorders that co-occur with alcoholism, which is incredibly important in maximizing recovery. Even if you don't feel that you're addicted, treatment can help to prevent an addiction.</div>\n</div><p></p><hr><h2 id=\"4-a-growing-tolerance-to-alcohol\">4. A Growing Tolerance to Alcohol</h2><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"content\">Drinking alcohol increases tolerance over time, which means that the individual experiences a decreased effect when consuming the same amount of alcohol or an increase in alcohol is necessary to achieve the same desired effect.<strong>This causes people to drink more than they previously did, which increases the risk for dependence and addiction.</strong></div>\n</div><p>\nAlcohol is metabolized by the liver, which breaks apart the alcohol molecule, making it possible to remove the toxin from the body.\n</p><ul>\n    <li>The liver enzyme responsible for alcohol metabolism is alcohol dehydrogenase and when a person consumes large amounts of alcohol over time, the liver produces more of this enzyme, which <strong>allows the body to eliminate the alcohol quicker</strong>.</li>\n    <li>When the body gets rid of alcohol at a faster pace, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is lowered and the <strong>desired effects are dulled</strong>.</li>\n    <li>This is the <strong>mechanism responsible for metabolic tolerance in the liver and what causes people to consume more and more alcohol</strong> to achieve the same \"buzz.\"</li>\n</ul><p></p><hr><h2 id=\"5-drinking-without-regard-to-consequences\">5. Drinking Without Regard to Consequences</h2><div class=\"snippet-img-wrap snippet-img right\"></div><p>\nDrinking can be safe when done in moderation and in responsible situations, but drinking without regard to the consequences can signify problematic drinking behaviors.\n</p><ul>\n    <li><strong>Drinking alcohol before driving</strong> is one major indication that your drinking habits have become dangerous, as you put yourself and others at risk when driving impaired.</li>\n    <li><strong>Drinking heavily on a Sunday night or weeknight before you have to work the next day</strong> is one common sign that your drinking has become troublesome.</li>\n    <li>Additionally, <strong>if you have a physical or mental health problem that you know is exacerbated by alcohol use, yet you continue to drink anyway</strong>, you may be dependent on alcohol and should seek rehabilitation before experiencing further negative ramifications.</li>\n    <li>Finally, <strong>if your drinking is interfering with your work, relationships, hobbies, or is clashing with your values</strong>, yet you continue to drink, you should begin to evaluate the pros and cons of continuing to engage in this type of behavior.</li>\n</ul><div class=\"snippet-callout\">\n<div class=\"snippet-img-wrap\"></div>\n<div class=\"content\">Are you finding it increasingly difficult to abstain from drinking for a day or two? Do you crave alcohol on the days in which you don't drink? If yes, you might need treatment.</div>\n</div><h2 id=\"instantly-check-the-insurance-coverage\"><b>Instantly Check The Insurance Coverage</b></h2><ul class=\"ul1\">\n    <li class=\"li2\"> We’ll instantly check the coverage offered by your insurance provider.</li>\n    <li class=\"li2\"> You may receive treatment at one of our facilities at a reduced rate.</li>\n    <li class=\"li2\"> Though not required, entering your policy membership ID will help expedite your verification process.</li>\n</ul><p></p><hr><h2 id=\"sources\">Sources</h2><ol>\n    <li>Hannah, R. (2012). Health benefits of wine and alcohol from neuroprotection to heart health. <em>Frontiers in Bioscience,</em> <em>4</em>, 1505-1512. doi:10.2741/476.</li>\n    <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prefention (2015, November 16).Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved December 5, 2015, from <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-library-5-signs-of-drinking-problem&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\">CDC</a>.</li>\n    <li>Drinking Levels Defined. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2015, from <a href=\"http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-library-5-signs-of-drinking-problem&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\">niaaa.nih.gov</a>.</li>\n    <li>Alcohol Absorption | Health Promotion and Prevention Services | Colonial Health Center | Division of Student Affairs | The George Washington University. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2015, from <a href=\"http://prevention.gwu.edu/alcohol-absorption?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-library-5-signs-of-drinking-problem&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\">prevention.gwu.edu</a>.</li>\n    <li>University of Rochester. (2014, April 10). Retrieved December 7, 2015, from https://www.rochester.edu/uhs/healthtopics/Alcohol/tolerance.html.</li>\n    <li>Beyond Hangovers: Understanding alcohol's impact on your health. (2015, October 1). Retrieved December 8, 2015, from <a href=\"http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Hangovers/beyondHangovers.pdf?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-library-5-signs-of-drinking-problem&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\">pubs.niaaa.nih.gov</a>.</li>\n    <li>Alcohol Alert. (2012). Retrieved December 8, 2015, from <a href=\"http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA85/AA85.htm?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-library-5-signs-of-drinking-problem&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\">pubs.niaaa.nih.gov</a>.</li>\n    <li>Emma Childs, Sean O'Connor, Harriet de Wit. Bidirectional Interactions Between Acute Psychosocial Stress and Acute Intravenous Alcohol in Healthy Men. <em>Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research</em>, 2011; DOI:<a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01522.x?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-library-5-signs-of-drinking-problem&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\">1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01522.x</a>.</li>\n</ol></article><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-about article-panel\"><h2 id=\"about-mentalhealth-com\">About MentalHealth.com</h2><p>MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.</p><div class=\"article-contributors\"></div></section><section class=\"article-medical article-panel article-pending\" role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Pending medical review\"><h2 id=\"medical-review-status\">Pending Medical Review</h2><p>We take mental health content seriously and follow industry-leading guidelines to ensure our users access the highest quality information. All editorial decisions for published content are made by the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, with guidance from our Clinical Affairs Team.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy\">Our medical review process</a></section><section class=\"article-expert article-expert-mobile\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/18538.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">Roger P. Watts <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Ph.D.</span></a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Addiction therapy and recovery</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-mobile\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-9900.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Emotional Health</h2><p>Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/emotional-health\">Explore community</a></section></div></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" tabindex=\"0\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"#is-drinking-bad\" title=\"Is Drinking Bad?\" aria-label=\"Is Drinking Bad?\">Is Drinking Bad?</a></li><li><a href=\"#1-drinking-alone\" title=\"1. Drinking Alone\" aria-label=\"1. Drinking Alone\">1. Drinking Alone</a></li><li><a href=\"#2-binge-drinking\" title=\"2. Binge Drinking\" aria-label=\"2. Binge Drinking\">2. Binge Drinking</a></li><li><a href=\"#3-drinking-to-cope-with-stress\" title=\"3. Drinking to Cope with Stress\" aria-label=\"3. Drinking to Cope with Stress\">3. Drinking to Cope with Stress</a></li><li><a href=\"#4-a-growing-tolerance-to-alcohol\" title=\"4. A Growing Tolerance to Alcohol\" aria-label=\"4. A Growing Tolerance to Alcohol\">4. A Growing Tolerance to Alcohol</a></li><li><a href=\"#5-drinking-without-regard-to-consequences\" title=\"5. Drinking Without Regard to Consequences\" aria-label=\"5. Drinking Without Regard to Consequences\">5. Drinking Without Regard to Consequences</a></li><li><a href=\"#instantly-check-the-insurance-coverage\" title=\"Instantly Check The Insurance Coverage\" aria-label=\"Instantly Check The Insurance Coverage\">Instantly Check The Insurance Coverage</a></li><li><a href=\"#sources\" title=\"Sources\" aria-label=\"Sources\">Sources</a></li></ol><button type=\"button\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-expert\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/18538.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">Roger P. Watts <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Ph.D.</span></a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Addiction therapy and recovery</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-9900.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Emotional Health</h2><p>Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/emotional-health\">Explore community</a></section></aside></div></div></div>","text":"HomeLibrarySubstance Use DisordersSigns You May Have a Drinking ProblemSigns You May Have a Drinking ProblemPublished on May 31, 2024 · Updated on August 27, 2025 Is Drinking Bad? Drinking alcohol can be a safe social activity when done in moderation. In fact, moderate consumption of wine can have numerous health benefits such as decreasing the risk of dementia and cardiovascular problems. However, excessive and overindulgent alcohol use is characteristic of far too many people. If you're concerned that your drinking behaviors may be compulsive or troublesome, then read on to learn 5 signs that your drinking habits might be dangerous. Key takeawaysDrinking alone, binge drinking, and using alcohol to manage stress can signal problematic drinking.Increasing tolerance can lead to greater consumption to achieve the same effects.Continuing to drink despite health, safety, or relationship consequences is another important warning sign.1. Drinking Alone There is a difference between having a couple drinks at the bar or a party with your friends or family and drinking alone. If you find that you are often drinking alone, this may be a sign of deeper psychological or emotional issues. Many people drink alcohol in order to cope with unwanted feelings or emotions such as sadness, depression, frustration, abandonment, etc. Self-medication is not a healthy behavior and only further perpetuates the problem. If you persistently drink alone as opposed to in social settings, you may want to consider seeking alcohol rehabilitation treatment. 2. Binge Drinking According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), binge drinking is defined as \"drinking 5 or more alcohol drinks on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.\" It is recommended that men don't drink more than 2 drinks per day and women don't drink more than 1 drink per day. This is considered to be moderate drinking behavior. One drink is the equivalent of .6 ounces of alcohol, or: 5 ounces (\"a shot\") of 80 proof liquor. 5 ounces of wine. 12 ounces of beer. 8 ounces of malt liquor. If you notice that you frequently engage in binge drinking, then you may need to evaluate your drinking habits. Binge drinking can lead to an addiction to alcohol and many physical ailments, for example: Liver cirrhosis (scarring). Pancreatitis (inflammation). Cancer. Liver. Mouth. Throat. Breast. Alcoholic hepatitis. Cardiomyopathy (stretching and weakening of heart muscle). Irregular heart beat. Stroke. Binge drinkers are nearly 40% more likely to have a stroke as compared to those who don't binge drink and over 2 million people in the United States have a liver disease caused by alcohol abuse. 3. Drinking to Cope with Stress Many people drink alcohol in order to cope with stressful situations in their lives, and although you may temporarily feel better from drinking, it usually ends up exacerbating stress in the long-run instead of relieving it. If you turn to alcohol when problems arise in life, whether they have to do with school, work, or relationships, your drinking habits may be dangerous and you could be at-risk for developing a dependency and subsequent addiction. Studies show that long-term alcohol consumption negatively changes the brain's chemistry and how it responds to stressful situations. The brain releases excessive amounts of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which increases anxiety when faced with stress as compared to those who drink moderately or not at all. This increased anxiety in response to stress only further perpetuates the cycle of drinking to cope with stress. Furthermore, one study found that stress can decrease the desirable effects of alcohol, which may cause a person to drink even more to elicit a pleasurable response. In this manner, alcohol and stress influence each other in a bi-directional relationship. Dual diagnosis facilities focus on treating any mental disorders that co-occur with alcoholism, which is incredibly important in maximizing recovery. Even if you don't feel that you're addicted, treatment can help to prevent an addiction. 4. A Growing Tolerance to Alcohol Drinking alcohol increases tolerance over time, which means that the individual experiences a decreased effect when consuming the same amount of alcohol or an increase in alcohol is necessary to achieve the same desired effect.This causes people to drink more than they previously did, which increases the risk for dependence and addiction. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, which breaks apart the alcohol molecule, making it possible to remove the toxin from the body. The liver enzyme responsible for alcohol metabolism is alcohol dehydrogenase and when a person consumes large amounts of alcohol over time, the liver produces more of this enzyme, which allows the body to eliminate the alcohol quicker. When the body gets rid of alcohol at a faster pace, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is lowered and the desired effects are dulled. This is the mechanism responsible for metabolic tolerance in the liver and what causes people to consume more and more alcohol to achieve the same \"buzz.\" 5. Drinking Without Regard to Consequences Drinking can be safe when done in moderation and in responsible situations, but drinking without regard to the consequences can signify problematic drinking behaviors. Drinking alcohol before driving is one major indication that your drinking habits have become dangerous, as you put yourself and others at risk when driving impaired. Drinking heavily on a Sunday night or weeknight before you have to work the next day is one common sign that your drinking has become troublesome. Additionally, if you have a physical or mental health problem that you know is exacerbated by alcohol use, yet you continue to drink anyway, you may be dependent on alcohol and should seek rehabilitation before experiencing further negative ramifications. Finally, if your drinking is interfering with your work, relationships, hobbies, or is clashing with your values, yet you continue to drink, you should begin to evaluate the pros and cons of continuing to engage in this type of behavior. Are you finding it increasingly difficult to abstain from drinking for a day or two? Do you crave alcohol on the days in which you don't drink? If yes, you might need treatment. Instantly Check The Insurance Coverage We’ll instantly check the coverage offered by your insurance provider. You may receive treatment at one of our facilities at a reduced rate. Though not required, entering your policy membership ID will help expedite your verification process. Sources Hannah, R. (2012). Health benefits of wine and alcohol from neuroprotection to heart health. Frontiers in Bioscience, 4, 1505-1512. doi:10.2741/476. Centers for Disease Control and Prefention (2015, November 16).Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved December 5, 2015, from CDC. Drinking Levels Defined. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2015, from niaaa.nih.gov. Alcohol Absorption | Health Promotion and Prevention Services | Colonial Health Center | Division of Student Affairs | The George Washington University. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2015, from prevention.gwu.edu. University of Rochester. (2014, April 10). Retrieved December 7, 2015, from https://www.rochester.edu/uhs/healthtopics/Alcohol/tolerance.html. Beyond Hangovers: Understanding alcohol's impact on your health. (2015, October 1). Retrieved December 8, 2015, from pubs.niaaa.nih.gov. Alcohol Alert. (2012). Retrieved December 8, 2015, from pubs.niaaa.nih.gov. Emma Childs, Sean O'Connor, Harriet de Wit. Bidirectional Interactions Between Acute Psychosocial Stress and Acute Intravenous Alcohol in Healthy Men. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2011; DOI:1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01522.x. About MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.Pending Medical ReviewWe take mental health content seriously and follow industry-leading guidelines to ensure our users access the highest quality information. All editorial decisions for published content are made by the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, with guidance from our Clinical Affairs Team.Our medical review processSubject matter expertRoger P. Watts Ph.D.Addiction therapy and recoveryView experienceRelated communitiesEmotional HealthExplore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionIs Drinking Bad?1. Drinking Alone2. Binge Drinking3. Drinking to Cope with Stress4. A Growing Tolerance to Alcohol5. Drinking Without Regard to ConsequencesInstantly Check The Insurance CoverageSourcesView moreSubject matter expertRoger P. Watts Ph.D.Addiction therapy and recoveryView experienceRelated communitiesEmotional HealthExplore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.Explore 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