Signs of risky alcohol use
Alcohol consumption is so common that addiction and unhealthy use can be difficult to identify, especially in ourselves. Learn about the signs and risk factors for an alcohol use disorder.
Signs of risky drug use
When drug use interferes with your daily life, significantly affects your mood or your health, or gets in the way of sleep, relationships, work, or fulfilling responsibilities, then it may be time to reach out for support.
Drinking and drug use can be common in many settings. Many people use alcohol or other drugs recreationally and are aware of their limits. But when alcohol or other drugs become ingrained into or interfere with your daily life, it may be time to make a change or seek medical help.
Whether you or someone you care about has transitioned from drinking occasionally or socially to binge drinking regularly, increased dosage of prescribed opioid medication, or started using illicit drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, it’s important to seek help and take control of substance use.
It’s not easy to recognize whether someone you know is at risk, much less yourself. Learning how to recognize the signs of addiction can help you determine whether you or a loved one should reach out for support. Doing so is often the first step on the path to recovery.
When drinking casually with friends, we may not look for or recognize signs of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol consumption is so common that addiction and unhealthy use can be difficult to identify, especially in ourselves. While most people who drink alcohol do not develop an alcohol use disorder, any cravings, consequences, or loss of control over alcohol use is a concerning sign.
Drinking may be a problem if you …
Using alcohol as a tool to manage emotions or moods can seem like a good way to cope. But over time, drinking can affect the rest of your life, including your:
And since our bodies are wired to seek pleasure and relief, you may find it hard to cut down on your own.
If you’re concerned about your drinking habits or you’d like to know more, a confidential self-assessment can help you figure out whether you could benefit from treatment and support.
Many of us drink alcohol on a regular basis, but some of us are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than others. If we’re aware of our risk factors, we can take steps to reduce the likelihood of developing an addiction.
Risk factors you need to know:
Situational factors you can control:
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Discover Tom's story about his dependence on painkillers, how it took over his life, and how treatment helped.
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ClosePeople use prescription or recreational drugs for a variety of reasons: out of curiosity, to relax or socialize, or because a family member or loved one also uses drugs. However, when drug use interferes with your daily life, there may be a problem. If you notice that your use, or a family member’s or friend’s use, gets in the way of sleep, relationships, work, or fulfilling responsibilities — or if it’s significantly affecting your mood — then it may be time to reach out for support. If you’re ready, taking that first step can get you on a path to recovery.
Have you noticed that you …
Many people use drugs to cope with tough situations, and they can provide temporary relief. However, over time, using drugs can affect your work, your finances, your relationships, and your physical health — and the problem can be difficult to control on your own.
If you’re concerned about your drug use, or that of someone you care about, and you’d like more information, Mayo Clinic provides a detailed breakdown of signs and symptoms of drug use by type of substance.
Many people have participated in recreational drug use at some point in their lives, but some of us are more likely than others to develop a substance use disorder. Some risk factors may be beyond your control, but knowing the factors that can contribute to substance use problems can empower you to take steps toward reducing your likelihood of developing an addiction.
Risk factors you need to know:
Situational factors you can control:
Content reviewed by Jasleen Salwan, M.D., MPH, FASAM, August 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)