Is Drinking Becoming a Problem? Here's How to Spot the Signs

You know that nagging feeling you sometimes get - the one that whispers "maybe I'm drinking too much" or "I'm worried that they’re over doing it"? That worry deserves your attention. It's not about judgment or shame. It's about noticing the warning signs to you can take care of yourself or someone you love.

Here's the thing about alcohol addiction: it doesn't just happen overnight. It's more like a slow tide that comes in gradually. Research from The Betty Ford Clinic suggests that the path to full blown alcoholism travels through recognisable stages. And understanding these stages could be your roadmap to getting help before things get too hard.

When Does It Start?

Stage 1: Pre-Alcoholic

This stage is sneaky. You're having a drink to take the edge off after work, to quiet your anxious thoughts, or to feel more relaxed at parties. There's nothing obviously wrong in this - except that alcohol is becoming your emotional crutch. You reach for it when you're stressed, sad, or overwhelmed. You might notice you need a bit more than you used to for the same effect, but hey, everyone's tolerance changes, right?

The truth is, this is where dependence quietly plants its roots.

Stage 2: Early Alcoholic

Now drinking starts occupying more mental real estate. You think about it more often. Maybe you downplay how much you're actually drinking or pour that glass when no one's watching. Blackouts might happen - times when you don’t remember what happened the night before. There's shame creeping in, but you're not quite sure how to slow it down or if you even need to.

Stage 3: Middle Alcoholic

This is when alcohol stops being background noise and starts interfering with real life. People notice you're different - moodier, more tired, less present. Work suffers. Relationships feel strained. You might feel physically rough more often. Deep down, you know something needs to change, but the path forward feels foggy and overwhelming.

Stage 4: Late Alcoholic

At this stage, alcohol has essentially taken over. Drink related health problems aren't just possible - they're here. Your body might react badly when you try to stop. The isolation feels crushing. But here's what's crucial to understand: even at this stage, recovery is absolutely possible. You are not beyond hope, not even close. In fact, many say you have to reach your rock bottom before you can start to heal.

The Beautiful Part: Stage 5

Recovery

Recovery starts with one decision: to try. It's detox, yes, but it's also so much more. It's learning new ways to cope, building healthier routines, and reconnecting with the parts of life that genuinely matter to you. With proper support, and the 12 step programme of recovery, people rebuild their health, restore their relationships, and rediscover their purpose every single day.

Could This Happen to Me?

Alcoholism doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone. But certain factors do increase vulnerability: growing up around addiction, starting to drink young (especially before 15), experiencing trauma, or dealing with ongoing stress. Mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or PTSD can also make dependence more likely.

Knowing your risk factors isn't about adding worry - it's about making informed choices and recognising when it might be time to reach out.

What If I'm Worried?

If you're reading this and feeling that ‘worry’ we talked about at the beginning, take a breath. That feeling - that awareness - is actually a sign of strength. You don't need to wait until things spiral to ask for help. You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out.

There are organisations in the Edinburgh area like Castle Craig, LEAP and Edinburgh Recovery House that offer compassionate, evidence-based support for every stage of alcohol and other addictions. Whether you're just starting to wonder or you're deep in the struggle, help is available. And it works.

You're not alone in this. Whether it's your own drinking or someone else's that's got you worried, that instinct to pay attention is pointing you in the right direction. Listen to it. Follow it. Reach out.

Because healing is possible, and nobody has to do it alone. We’re here to help.