You're likely reading this because you think that you—or someone you know—might have signs of risky alcohol use.
Alcohol is a commonly used substance and easily available. Most people who choose to use alcohol do not develop an addiction (also called a substance use disorder).
Alcohol use is not the same for everyone. People use alcohol in different ways, and you can think of it as a spectrum of use—from not using alcohol at all (abstinence), to beneficial use like in medicines or for ceremonial or religious reasons, to lower-risk use (see Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health), higher-risk use, and addiction.
To learn more, see the Substance Use Spectrum from Health Canada.
Anyone can struggle with their alcohol use—no matter their age, background, personality, income, or job.
People use alcohol differently, have different challenges, and lead different lives. Some people might:
- drink alcohol every day
- drink alcohol only on weekends
- binge drink (5 or more standard drinks for men, 4 for women in a short time)
Signs that alcohol use may be risky could show up in things you do (behaviours) or in your body (physical).
Behaviour signs
Alcohol use might be putting a person at risk of harm if they are:
- drinking more alcohol than planned
- trying but failing to drink less alcohol
- making using alcohol more important than doing other activities
- craving or thinking about alcohol a lot
- missing work, school, social, or family activities due to using alcohol
- using alcohol in situations where it’s not safe (driving, swimming, operating machinery)
- becoming physically or emotionally abusive to others
- isolating (avoiding others and being alone too much) or keeping their alcohol use a secret
- hearing from friends or family that they are concerned
- having money and legal issues
Physical and emotional signs
Other signs of risky alcohol use could be:
- needing more to alcohol to feel its effects (higher tolerance)
- feeling withdrawal symptoms (shakiness, sweating, nausea, anxiety) when alcohol use stops
- noticing mood changes (irritability, depression, anxiety)
- sleeping less well or for less time
- having memory blackouts or forgetting events
