Christmas time is a holiday that heavily features alcohol - but celebrators are being urged to monitor their habits as certain "red flag" signs can indicate a functioning alcoholic.
It is understandable to partake in a drink over the festive period or raise a glass on New Year's Eve. But new research has revealed that a lot of drinkers are sipping more than they should be.
Findings, shared by private rehab clinic Delamere, show that nearly two thirds of Brits binge drink over the festive period. The experts examined spending habits on alcohol during each week of the holiday.
The recovery specialists have also shared the most common signs seen in functioning alcoholics - those who are able to maintain relationships and jobs while drinking too much, reports Manchester Evening News.
According to research, drinkers who over indulge during Christmas and the New Year consume 22 units or more of alcohol in each seven day period.
Findings also show how costly this is, as Brits spend a staggering £62.55 on wine or £41.20 on beer. Meanwhile, those who drink cocktails and spirits will spend £50 and £51 a week.
The NHS warns that drinking too much on any occasion can pose health risks and spur accidents. Increased alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and damage organs.
If you are worried about a loved one's or your own drinking habits, below are the signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic.
Signs of a functioning alcoholic
Frequent intoxication and smelling of alcohol
Loss of control around alcohol use
Hiding alcohol in strange places such as their garage, at the office, in bushes or in their car
Drinking between work times or appointments, or drinking just enough to keep their alcohol levels topped up if they are alcohol dependent
Frequent binge drinking after daily responsibilities are taken care of
Justifying their drinking as a way of unwinding after work, a busy day with the kids or as a reward
Becoming irritable, anxious, restless and unable to sleep if they are unable to drink
Regularly drinking in the morning before going about their day, or at odd times of the day such as lunchtime in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Always drinking at social events and ‘preloading’ prior to attending a social event
Avoiding social events or activities that do not involve alcohol
Alcohol has become a problem at home, with them either drinking excessively alone at home or disappearing to a pub or bar straight after work for hours
Becoming defensive or flippant when challenged over their drinking
Denying they are an alcoholic, reasoning that they still hold down a job or take the kids to school on time
Alternating alcohol and prescription pills in order that they can function
They may become erratic, spontaneous, angry or change their character completely whilst intoxicated
Difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout
Risk-taking, they may well drive to work or drive children to school whilst still over the limit from the previous night or from taking a morning drink
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