In 2021, Drew Barrymore told CBS Mornings that alcohol no longer served her, and that’s why she hadn’t had a drink in over two years. Jada Pinkett Smith recalls going for a third consecutive bottle of wine alone at home when she realized she had a problem with alcohol. Two people had to approach Demi Moore around 2012 to convince her to begin treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) before she agreed to enter recovery. The signs that alcohol use has gotten out of control can be different for everyone, but they’re often always there.
You have alcohol use disorder (AUD) when drinking takes over your life, but you keep drinking despite the problems it creates. If you’re struggling to cut back, thinking about drinking all the time, or drinking more just to feel the same effects, you might be dealing with AUD. Binge drinking is another AUD indicator, and it happens when men down five or more drinks in two hours (or four for women). If binge drinking causes you to put both your health and safety on the line, it’s a clear signal that something needs to change.
A residential treatment program could give you the space, supervision, and support to break free, start fresh, and see what recovery offers. There are many benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, but getting there requires support, commitment, and evidence-based medicine. At St. Gregory Recovery Center, we provide care to clients struggling with AUD in Des Moines and Bayard, IA, and can guide you on the best next steps to take when you contact us today. In the meantime, let’s learn about the common red flags that indicate AUD needs to be addressed and treated.
Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD can range from mild to severe, and you don’t have to hit rock bottom to get help. In 2024, AUD affected an estimated 29 million people in the U.S., yet less than 10% of people got help for it.
Studies show that early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes, and you may better understand when to consider treatment if you know the signs that point toward it. If two or more of the following have applied to you in the past year, it may be a good time to reconsider your drinking habits:
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back. You cannot stick to reducing your alcohol consumption even when you actively and sincerely try to drink less.
- Strong cravings. The urge to drink can be so strong that it’s tough to think about anything else.
- Neglecting responsibilities. Drinking gets in the way of work, school, or home life (maybe you’ve missed deadlines or important obligations).
- Relationship problems. Drinking has led to arguments, hurt feelings, or broken trust with employers, family, or friends.
- Loss of interest in hobbies. You’ve stopped doing things you used to enjoy because drinking takes priority.
Even if drinking hasn’t caused major problems, small warning signs can still be important. Signs may include:
- Risky behavior
- Increased tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
Recognizing these signs is the first step in making a change. Studies show that even reducing alcohol intake can improve sleep, mental clarity, and overall health.
Recognizing the Signs in Your Daily Life
Here are five real-world scenarios that show your drinking is more serious than you may realize:
- You’re drinking to excess, even when you don’t plan on it. Even if you set limits, you struggle to stick to them and frequently regret drinking too much. Drinking in situations that could be dangerous, like driving or swimming, is also a major red flag.
- You’re starting to need much more of it. What used to be enough to give you a buzz no longer works. You now need larger, concerning amounts to feel the same effects, and, in the moment, you find yourself drinking more than before without realizing how much the quantity has increased.
- Your work or academic performance is slipping. Drinking interferes with your ability to focus, study, meet deadlines, or perform well. You may be calling in sick more often, struggling to concentrate, or falling behind on responsibilities that used to be manageable.
You don’t need to reach a certain severity level to seek help. AUD isn’t all-or-nothing—it exists on a spectrum, and getting support early on can prevent bigger problems.
- Friends and family express concern. When loved ones point out changes in your drinking habits, it’s often a sign that something is wrong. Others close to you may notice behaviors that you overlook or justify and try to address them.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms. When you stop drinking, you may feel anxious, irritable, nauseous, shaky, or have flu-like symptoms—signs that your body has become dependent on alcohol.
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to ask yourself whether drinking is still serving you. You don’t have to wait until things spiral out of control—help is available at any stage.
Treatment Options for AUD
Despite how infrequently people with AUD formally receive treatment, many evidence-based treatment approaches help our clients start improving:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A practical approach that helps you recognize and modify the thoughts and behaviors that lead to heavy drinking.
- Medication-assisted treatment: FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can help curb cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. These are non-addictive and work well alongside therapy.
- Peer support groups: Programs like SMART Recovery and Moderation Management provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of community with others who understand your struggle.
- Lifestyle changes: Finding new hobbies, strengthening relationships, and creating a healthier routine can make a big difference in staying on track.
Getting help doesn’t mean you have to quit drinking overnight. Some people choose to cut back gradually, while others decide to stop completely. Regardless of your path, reaching out for support can help you make changes that improve your life. If you or someone you love is struggling, now is the time to take the next step toward a healthier future.
