Signs of Problem Drinking

Problematic drinking differs from binge drinking in that it exhibits patterned behaviors related to alcohol use. This is not to say that binge drinking may be a sign of problematic drinking, but that an individual scenario of binge drinking is not enough to qualify the behavior as problematic.

Some signs that someone’s drinking is becoming problematic include:

  • Risk of bodily harm, such as drinking and driving, or swimming while intoxicated.
  • Negatively impacting personal relationships
  • Lawful consequences of actions and behaviors while drinking
  • Loss of control over alcohol, such as not being able to maintain limits.
  • Increased tolerance to the effects of alcohol

Concerned about yourself or a friend? Use this quick screening tool.

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