Four Warning Signs You’re Entering the Alcoholic ‘Danger Zone’ This Christmas

The festive season often brings indulgence, with parties, gatherings, and time off work leading to increased alcohol consumption. While enjoying a drink during the holidays is common, it’s essential to recognize when drinking habits may signal a deeper issue.

We all enjoy a drink at Christmas - but could you be at risk of falling to alcoholism? (Getty Stock Images)

Here are four key warning signs that suggest you may be at risk of developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as Christmas approaches:

1. Lack of Routine

Life changes, such as retirement or extended time off, can create voids that some fill with alcohol.

• Without the structure of a routine, drinking can become a way to pass the time.
• According to therapist Andrew Harvey, lifestyle changes can “shake people up,” making them more vulnerable to developing unhealthy habits.

2. Habitual Drinking

When drinking becomes intertwined with daily life, it can lead to dependency.

• Examples include having a glass of wine every night while cooking or a “necessary” nightcap before bed.
• Dr. Niall Campbell from The Priory explains how these patterns can quickly build into a problem.

Addiction expert Nuno Albuquerque explained it can be a difficult for people to pick up on it (Getty Stock Image)

3. Preferring Situations Involving Alcohol

Social events during the holidays often include alcohol, making it harder to recognize over-reliance.

• Parties, family gatherings, and pub meetups may reinforce the habit of heavy drinking.
• Jamie Giles, Director of Outpatient Services at Castle Health, notes that alcohol is often seen as a “warming” comfort in winter, which can lead to increased consumption.

4. Using Alcohol as an Emotional Crutch

Turning to alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or low moods is a clear warning sign.

• The phrase “drowning your sorrows” captures how alcohol becomes a coping mechanism.
• The UK Addiction Treatment Centres caution that using alcohol as a key strategy for emotional relief significantly raises the risk of addiction.

Here are four warning signs which indicate you could be falling into the alcohol 'danger zone' (Getty Stock Images)

How to Identify a Problem

If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, ask yourself these four questions based on the CAGE screening tool, shared by Dr. Iqbal Mohiuddi:

1. C – Have you ever thought you should cut down on your drinking?
2. A – Do you get annoyed when people comment on your drinking?
3. G – Do you feel guilty about your drinking or its effects on others?
4. E – Do you ever need a drink in the morning as an eye-opener to calm your nerves?

Answering “yes” to all four (or even one or two) could indicate a need to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

Keep an eye out for the signs of a high-functioning alcoholic while in the pub on the weekend (Getty Stock Image)

Seeking Help

The first step to addressing potential alcohol dependency is honesty with yourself.

• Consider tracking your drinking habits in a diary.
• Reflect on your behavior when drinking.
• Reach out to professionals or support services, such as Drinkline at 0300 123 1110 (available 9am–8pm weekdays, 11am–4pm weekends).

By recognizing these warning signs and seeking support if needed, you can enjoy a safer and healthier festive season.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos