What are the signs of alcohol addiction, and when does drinking become a problem? Learn the warning signs, causes, effects on family and ways to get support.
A glass raised at a dinner, a bottle opened at a celebration, or a drink taken "to unwind after a tiring day"... Alcohol is part of many people's social lives. So when does drinking stop being a habit and become a problem? Alcohol addiction does not develop overnight; it often progresses quietly, gradually and without the person noticing. In this article we look at the point at which drinking becomes problematic, the warning signs, the causes, the effects on the family and the routes to support you can turn to in Turkey.
When Does Drinking Become a Problem?
It is misleading to think of alcohol use as two extremes, "never drinks" and "addicted". In fact there is a wide spectrum in between. In the field of mental health, this spectrum is generally approached with the concept of "alcohol use disorder" and assessed as a continuum from mild to severe.
The main criteria that may suggest drinking has become problematic are the following:
- Loss of control: Drinking more than you planned or for longer, starting with "just one glass" and being unable to stop.
- Continuing despite consequences: Carrying on drinking even though you know alcohol is causing problems in your health, work or relationships.
- Becoming an emotional tool: Using alcohol as the main way of coping with stress, anxiety, sadness or loneliness.
- Tolerance: Needing to drink more and more to feel the same effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing trembling, sweating, restlessness, sleep problems or anxiety when you do not drink.
These criteria are not a diagnostic checklist but a framework for you to observe yourself. A definitive assessment can only be made by a specialist.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?
The signs of alcohol addiction can vary from person to person. The following signs are among the situations to watch for.
Behavioural signs
- Wanting to cut down or stop drinking but not managing to,
- Looking for opportunities to drink during the day, becoming tense when unable to get a drink,
- Neglecting work, school or household responsibilities because of alcohol,
- Hiding the amount they drink from those close to them, drinking secretly,
- Giving up activities they used to enjoy because of alcohol,
- Engaging in risky behaviour such as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Physical signs
- Symptoms such as trembling, sweating and nausea in the mornings,
- Marked disruption of the sleep pattern,
- Frequent headaches, stomach problems, changes in appetite,
- Memory gaps; being unable to remember what happened on a night of drinking.
Emotional signs
- Restlessness, irritability and anxiety when not drinking,
- Guilt, shame and regret after drinking,
- Increasing low mood, a sense of hopelessness,
- A feeling of being unable to relax or socialise without alcohol.
The most honest way to tell whether alcohol is a problem is to look not at how much you drink, but at how you feel when you don't.
What Causes Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction cannot be explained by a single cause. It generally develops through biological, psychological and social factors coming together.
Biological factors
The risk may be higher in people with a family history of alcohol addiction. This is linked as much to behaviour patterns learnt in the family as to inherited predisposition. Alcohol also affects the brain's reward and stress systems; regular and heavy use can over time lead the brain to become accustomed to alcohol and to struggle to function without it.
Psychological factors
Anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences and intense stress can increase alcohol use. Although alcohol gives a feeling of relaxation and relief in the short term, in the long term it can make symptoms of anxiety and depression worse. This creates a vicious circle that leads the person to drink more. People who struggle to express their feelings and avoid facing problems directly may use alcohol as a way of escape.
The cycle between alcohol, anxiety and sleep
Many people use alcohol because "it helps me sleep" or "it clears my head". Alcohol can indeed make it easier to fall asleep at first; but later in the night it impairs the quality of sleep, leading to frequent waking and unrefreshing sleep. The next day tiredness and tension increase, which feeds the wish to drink again in the evening.
There is a similar picture with anxiety. After the effect of alcohol wears off, some people feel more restless, more tense and more anxious. This state, commonly known as "hangxiety", can cause the person to turn to alcohol again. Noticing this cycle helps you see that alcohol has become part of the problem rather than a solution. If you are having sleep problems, the suggestions in our article on how to overcome insomnia may also be useful to you.
Social factors
Alcohol being seen as ordinary and expected in social settings, the sense at work of "not being able to bond without drinking", pressure from the circle of friends and loneliness can all feed alcohol use. Difficult life events such as financial hardship, unemployment, relationship problems and grief can also increase the risk.
Alcohol use and stigma in Turkey
In Turkey, alcohol use is perceived in different ways both culturally and socially. In some circles alcohol is completely ignored, while in others it is seen as an ordinary social activity. This difference can make it harder to talk about alcohol-related problems.
People experiencing alcohol addiction often carry an intense fear of stigma. Worries such as "What will people say?", "What if my family finds out?" and "What do I do if it's heard about at work?" can delay help-seeking. Within the family too, the problem is often hidden; spouses, children or parents try to conceal the situation from those around them.
The fear of stigma sometimes echoes in a person's own inner voice as well. The thought "I'm not an alcoholic, I just drink a bit too much" can be a way of protecting oneself from the shame of accepting the problem. Yet you do not need to accept the label "addicted" in order to question your drinking. Asking yourself "What place does alcohol hold in my life, and is it a place I want it to have?" can be a gentler and more honest starting point. Asking this question is often the first step towards change.
It is important to remember that addiction is not a weakness of character but a health problem that needs support. Using stigmatising language or belittling the person makes it even harder for them to ask for help.
The Effects of Drinking on Family and Those Around
Alcohol addiction also deeply affects the person's close circle. Spouses often experience worry, anger and helplessness all at once. Behaviours such as constantly checking, hiding bottles, making excuses or covering for the person can wear family members out over time.
Children who grow up with a parent who drinks may experience anxiety, insecurity and shame because of the unpredictability at home. Some children are forced to "grow up" early; they look after their siblings and try to calm the tension at home. These experiences can affect relationships and self-worth in adulthood.
In addition, outbursts of anger and violence under the influence of alcohol can lead to serious safety problems in the family. In such a situation you need to put your safety first and call 112 (Turkey's emergency services). We cover the difficulties faced by those with an addicted relative in detail in our article on addiction and the family.
Practical Suggestions for Cutting Down Drinking
If you think your drinking has become problematic, the following steps can guide you. But one important warning must be given at the outset: For people who have been drinking heavily for a long time, stopping alcohol suddenly can be medically risky. In this case the process of stopping must be planned with a doctor.
- Observe yourself. For a few weeks, note down when, where, with whom and how much you drink. This record lets you notice patterns.
- Identify the triggers. What situations increase the urge to drink? It could be a stressful work day, evenings spent alone, certain friend settings or arguments.
- Set concrete goals. Instead of "I'll cut down a bit", set clear and measurable goals such as "I won't drink on weekdays."
- Reduce the alcohol at home. Easily available alcohol increases the chance of unplanned drinking.
- Develop alternative ways to relax. Find ways of relaxing that are alternatives to alcohol, such as a walk, breathing exercises, a hot shower, music or talking to a friend.
- Go into social settings prepared. Think in advance about how you will refuse when a drink is offered. It is also possible to be in the setting with a non-alcoholic drink.
- Ask for support. Telling someone close whom you trust about your intention can motivate you and gets you support in moments when you struggle.
- Be compassionate towards yourself. On some days you may not reach your goal. This does not mean everything is over. Instead of blaming yourself, try to understand what made it hard.
Imagine an executive in their forties who started having "a drink or two" every evening to cope with work stress. Over time the amount increased, they began waking up tired in the mornings and arguing often with their spouse at weekends. After keeping a record of their drinking for a while, they notice that they drink most on the hard days at work. This awareness can be a starting point both for addressing the drinking and for coping with work stress in other ways. This fictional example shows that alcohol is often used as the "solution" to another problem.
When Should You Seek Professional Support?
If you are experiencing one or more of the following, it is important to get professional support:
- If you have tried to stop or cut down drinking but have not managed to,
- If you experience trembling, sweating, intense anxiety or sleeplessness when you do not drink,
- If your work, family or health problems are increasing because of alcohol,
- If you have memory gaps,
- If you feel intense depression, anxiety or hopelessness along with alcohol,
- If there is a risk of harming yourself or others.
The resources you can turn to in Turkey for alcohol addiction are the following:
- ALO 191 Addiction Helpline (Turkey's addiction counselling line): You can call for information, counselling and referral.
- AMATEM (state addiction treatment centres): You can apply for addiction assessment and treatment.
- Psychiatry outpatient clinics: An assessment by a psychiatrist is important especially for managing withdrawal symptoms and assessing accompanying mental health problems.
If you are curious about the difference between the roles of a psychologist and a psychiatrist, you can look at our article on the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. If there is a medical emergency or thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 (Turkey's emergency services) immediately.
How Is Alcohol Addiction Approached in Therapy?
The treatment of alcohol addiction is often multifaceted. When medical support, psychotherapy and family support are approached together, the process can move forward more strongly.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches frequently used for alcohol use problems. In this process:
- The thoughts, feelings and situations that trigger drinking are examined in detail,
- The realism of thoughts such as "One glass won't hurt" and "I can't relax without drinking" is assessed,
- Skills for coping with the urge to drink are developed,
- Alternative ways of coping with stress, anxiety and anger are worked on,
- A relapse prevention plan is created; risky situations are identified in advance.
The motivational interviewing approach is also often used with people who are not ready for change or who are undecided. The aim is to help the person discover their own reasons for change.
Alcohol use is sometimes connected with past traumatic experiences, a sense of worthlessness or difficulty coping with feelings. In this case, understanding early schemas and coping styles can contribute to lasting change.
The therapy process can be carried out as individual therapy according to need; where necessary, it is important to proceed in cooperation with a psychiatrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drinking a small amount every day alcohol addiction?
Drinking every day does not by itself mean addiction; but it is a pattern to pay attention to. What matters is assessing loss of control, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and the place of alcohol in your life. A specialist can give the most accurate assessment on this.
Is it dangerous to stop drinking suddenly?
In people who have been drinking heavily for a long time, stopping alcohol abruptly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms and can be medically risky. For this reason it is important to plan the process of stopping with a doctor.
Can alcohol addiction be treated?
Alcohol addiction is a health problem that can be addressed with appropriate support. When medical support, psychotherapy and social support are used together, many people can bring their drinking under control or stop altogether. The process differs from person to person.
A relative of mine drinks and doesn't want help. What can I do?
You can share your concerns at a calm time without blaming. It is important to protect your own boundaries and to get support for yourself too. The ALO 191 line can also provide information and referral for relatives.
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Eda Erkan Alapala
Klinik Psikolog. İstanbul Kent Üniversitesi Klinik Psikoloji Tezli Yüksek Lisans mezunu; bilişsel davranışçı terapi, çocuk merkezli oyun terapisi ve çocuk-ergen psikoterapisi alanlarında eğitimlerini tamamlamıştır.
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