How to Tell If Someone Has Been Drinking Too Much

Understanding the signs and symptoms of abusing alcohol can be difficult, but it’s important to be able to recognize potential warning signs.

Many adults report that they drink at least occasionally, frequently in social situations or when they want to unwind. Alcohol can also be used as a way to relax, and while alcohol consumption in moderation isn’t necessarily problematic, it is a substance that can increase the likelihood of adverse consequences, and it can also lead to dependence and addiction. Understanding the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependency versus consumption can be a difficult distinction to make, but it’s important to be able to recognize potential warning signs of alcohol abuse if you think a loved one might have a problem. There can be a lot of blurred lines that come with identifying and distinguishing signs of alcohol abuse, and it can be harder to spot a problem as compared to warning signs that someone is on drugs.

What Are the Warning Signs of Drinking Too Much?

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between social drinking and excessive or hazardous consumption. However, understanding the potential warning signs can help you intervene before a problem becomes severe. Below are some ways to identify if someone may have been drinking too much:

Physical Indicators

• Slurred Speech: One of the most immediate signs of high blood alcohol concentration is slurred or incoherent speech. If you notice that someone is struggling to form words or is talking in a way that is noticeably slower and less articulate than usual, this may be a clear sign they have been drinking excessively.
• Bloodshot or Glassy Eyes: Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to appear red or bloodshot. Glassy, unfocused eyes are another telltale sign of intoxication.
• Loss of Coordination: Excessive drinking can impair motor skills, making it harder for someone to walk in a straight line, maintain balance, or perform fine motor tasks. Staggering, stumbling or bumping into objects can indicate that someone has consumed too much alcohol.
• Flushed Face and Sweating: Drinking alcohol can cause the blood vessels in the skin to expand, leading to a flushed or red face. Excess sweating is another possible sign that someone’s body is reacting to the depressant effects of alcohol.

Behavioral Red Flags

• Lowered Inhibitions and Risky Behavior: Alcohol impairs the judgment and decision-making parts of the brain. If someone is generally cautious but suddenly behaving recklessly — such as driving under the influence, picking fights, or ignoring social norms — it can signal that they have been drinking too much.
• Emotional Swings: Heavy drinking can lead to abrupt mood changes. A person might go from laughter and euphoria to anger or sadness in a brief span. These rapid emotional swings may indicate the influence of alcohol.
• Memory Lapses or Blackouts: If someone cannot recall what happened earlier in the night, or there are noticeable “gaps” in their memory during a gathering, that is a potential sign they consumed more alcohol than their body could handle.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: In a broader context, if someone frequently misses work or school, fails to keep appointments, or neglects household obligations due to alcohol use, it may be a sign of ongoing harmful drinking patterns.

Smell of Alcohol

Sometimes the most straightforward indicator that someone has been drinking is the scent of alcohol on their breath or clothing. While the strength of this smell can vary depending on the type of drink, a noticeable odor of alcohol is a fairly reliable indicator of recent drinking.

Identifying these signs does not necessarily mean you should immediately confront the person in a confrontational or judgmental manner. However, being aware of these warning signals can help you approach them with empathy and concern. By recognizing symptoms early, you may be able to encourage them to reduce or stop drinking, or even urge them to seek professional help if needed.

There can be warning signs of alcohol abuse without addiction, but abuse can often turn into an addiction and even a physical dependency on alcohol.

Wondering If You Yourself Could Have a Drinking Problem?

Think about whether you lie to cover your drinking or often feel guilty about it. Do you feel like you need to drink to relax, or do you often blackout while drinking? These can be representative of a potential alcohol abuse problem. Many of the symptoms and signs of alcohol abuse that are listed above may be indicative of alcohol use disorder(AUD). In order to be diagnosed with AUD, people must meet criteria that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). People who meet two of 11 criteria during a 12-month period may have an AUD, and severity is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

How Else Does Getting Drunk Affect Health?

People often think of short-term consequences such as hangovers or embarrassing social moments when they consider the impact of getting drunk. However, the adverse effects of excessive drinking can go much deeper and last far longer.

Short-Term Health and Safety Risks

• Injuries and Accidents: Alcohol impairs coordination and decision-making abilities, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents such as slips and falls. It also raises the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors like driving under the influence or extreme sports without proper caution.
• Alcohol Poisoning: When someone drinks more alcohol than their body can metabolize, alcohol poisoning can occur. This condition is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include slow or irregular breathing, vomiting, seizures and unconsciousness.

Long-Term Physical Consequences

• Liver Damage: The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Persistent heavy drinking can lead to liver-related issues such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Over time, this can progress to liver failure, which may be fatal.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Chronic alcohol misuse can weaken the heart muscle, leading to cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle). It can also exacerbate high blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke.
• Weakened Immune System: Excessive drinking can make the body more vulnerable to infections by weakening the immune system. This is one reason why people who drink heavily may find themselves more susceptible to illnesses.
• Digestive Problems: Beyond liver damage, alcohol can inflame and irritate the digestive tract, leading to issues like gastritis, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Cancer Risk: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the liver, colon, breast, throat and mouth.

Mental and Emotional Effects

• Depression and Anxiety: Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the central nervous system. Over time, drinking too much can worsen underlying mental health issues like depression and anxiety, or even contribute to their development.
• Sleep Disturbances: While some people use alcohol as a sleep aid, excessive drinking can disrupt the quality of sleep, leading to issues like insomnia and daytime fatigue.
• Cognitive Decline: Heavy alcohol use can impair memory, learning and overall brain function, potentially contributing to long-term cognitive deficits.

Social and Relational Consequences

• Isolation: Someone who abuses alcohol may begin to isolate themselves from family and friends or form friendships primarily centered around drinking.
• Strained Relationships: Arguments, conflicts and even violence can result from alcohol misuse, straining or even ending relationships.
• Employment and Financial Issues: Missing work or underperforming can harm someone’s ability to hold a job or manage their finances effectively.

When someone is frequently getting drunk, it’s important to realize that the effects extend well beyond the present moment. Recognizing these ramifications and seeking help can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and long-term health outlook.

How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

Identifying the line between moderate drinking and excessive drinking can help you determine whether someone’s habits are heading into dangerous territory. Different health organizations provide guidelines to help people understand recommended limits.

Recommended Guidelines

• In the United States, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines “moderate drinking” as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. One standard drink is typically 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (e.g., vodka, whiskey).
• Exceeding these recommendations on a regular basis is generally considered “heavy drinking.” For instance, heavy drinking is typically defined as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.

Binge Drinking

• Binge drinking involves consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short amount of time, typically resulting in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For men, this often means having five or more drinks in about two hours, and for women, four or more drinks in the same time frame.
• Binge drinking is particularly risky because it dramatically increases the chances of accidents, alcohol poisoning and other immediate dangers.

Individual Factors

• Body Weight and Composition: A person’s weight, body fat percentage and overall fitness level can affect how quickly they metabolize alcohol.
• Gender: Women typically have a lower tolerance for alcohol than men, on average, due to differences in body composition and enzyme levels.
• Genetics: Some individuals have genetic factors that affect their sensitivity or tolerance to alcohol.
• Overall Health: Those with liver problems or other health conditions may experience more severe effects from even moderate amounts of alcohol.
• Medications: Certain medications can interact with alcohol, intensifying or altering its effects.

It is important to keep in mind that these guidelines are not absolute safety guarantees. Everyone’s reaction to alcohol is different, and what might be too much for one person could be moderate for another. If you notice that someone consistently surpasses these guidelines, or if alcohol is negatively affecting their health, relationships or responsibilities, it’s likely they are drinking too much.

You’ve Identified Some of the Common Signs, What Should You Do Next?

Along with learning more about alcohol use disorder, including the warning signs of an alcohol problem, you can start preparing for how you will broach the conversation with the person. You can also research information regarding treatment and recovery centers for alcohol addiction or contact an alcohol abuse hotline.

Most individuals who have an alcohol use disorder, regardless of severity, can benefit from alcohol rehab treatment or online counseling services, such as teletherapy. Unfortunately, only a small amount of people receive help, which is why proactively identifying an alcohol problem can be so critical; call The Recovery Villagesupport team today to learn more about comprehensive treatment for yourself or a loved one.