Festive cheer or signs of alcoholism? Leading Priory psychiatrist urges awareness of key signs

The festive season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but for those with an alcohol addiction it can also be a deeply challenging period. Dr Renju Joseph, a leading consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Woodbourne and Priory Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham, is encouraging family and friends to recognise the signs and offer support to those who may be silently struggling.

Behavioural changes, physical symptoms or social withdrawal can all point towards an addiction to alcohol, even though they may not yet recognise this themselves.

“By recognising the signs and offering compassionate support, we can help those struggling with an addiction to have a healthier and happier festive season and to get the long-term help they need to overcome this disease,” says Dr Joseph.

“Many sufferers may not have accepted that they have an alcohol dependency, but this is the first step to beating the addiction. I’d therefore encourage those closest to sufferers, or potential sufferers, to educate themselves so they’re able to step in and help.”

For many people, drinking alcohol goes hand in hand with the festive season, but this can create obvious problems for people with alcohol dependency. For those already trying to overcome it, the constant visibility and promotion of alcohol can make this the toughest time of the year. Equally, for those hiding an alcohol addiction, it can present ample opportunities to hide their issues under the cover of festive celebrations.

Dr Joseph highlights some common signs to be aware of at this time:

- Unusual behaviour, such as increased secrecy, irritability, or neglect of responsibilities.

- Physical signs of frequent intoxication, such as hangovers, unexplained injuries, or deteriorating physical appearance, withdrawal features including shakes and anxiety.

- Avoidance of social activities or events where alcohol is not present.

- Hiding drinking or drinking alone, especially early in the day.

Alcohol addiction is the most serious form of high-risk drinking, with a strong, often uncontrollable desire to drink. It has serious consequences for health, such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. Many drink as a form of self-medication, and often it can go hand in hand with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. In England there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers and only 18% are receiving treatment.[i]

“Broaching the issue of excessive alcohol consumption with a friend or relative is never going to be easy, but it may just help transform their life for the better,” says Dr Joseph. “I’d advise approaching people with empathy and concern, and expressing what you have observed without judgment.

“Offer support and let them know you’re there to help, and allow them to share their thoughts and feelings without interruption, even if you don’t agree or understand. If they are prepared to accept they have a problem, you can help them down the path to getting the professional help they need.”

It is also important to support those who are trying to overcome alcohol addiction by ensuring there are always attractive alternatives at social events or gatherings. “Holding a glass of something is, in itself, a social crutch for many people which helps them overcome awkwardness,” says Dr Joseph. “If you offer a range of non-alcoholic options, those who choose to stay sober won’t feel like party poopers. Likewise if someone says they are not drinking, don’t pressure them by trying to encourage them to have a drink. There is likely a good reason why they are abstaining.”

Dr Joseph also believes it is important to recognise the difficulties for family and friends who are trying to support addiction sufferers. “It is important to educate yourself as much as possible, and I’d encourage people to join support groups for families and friends of those struggling with alcoholism to share experiences and strategies.”

Dr Joseph has set out the following key recommendations for approaching the topic of alcohol addiction with a loved one:

1. Do not take the blame, even if you are told you are nagging by constantly trying to bring the subject up.

2. Do not try to hide their problems, especially in front of friends or family. This is particularly important if, for example, they try to drive. This can be tough for those who are very close to the person in question, but be strong.

3. Do not broach the subject when they are intoxicated. Go for a walk, or meet in a coffee shop, a neutral setting can help.

4. Initially they won’t like it and will try to push boundaries, but in the long-term and with hindsight they will be thankful and often admit they feel safe as a direct result of you getting involved.

5. Lastly, please don’t feel guilty, accept that this is an illness, and timely interventions would help.

Priory is the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health, addiction treatment and adult social care services.

[i] https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics