Expert reveals key signs you should look for that you’re drinking too much in December

The 'red flags' are pretty obvious

Many people will enjoy drinking more than usual throughout Christmas and the New Year, so the ‘red flag’ signs of drinking from the experts may come in handy if you’re one of them.

According to a recent study by a research team at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere, almost two thirds, or 61% of drinkers in the UK seem to over-indulge during the holidays.

The study found that 22 units or more of alcohol are consumed per week by those who binge drink during the festive period, and that £62.55 is spent on wine or £41.20 on beer.

On the other hand, those who tend to prefer spirits or cocktails will spend £50 and £51 a week.

But what are the signs that you are having too many pints?

The dangers around drinking too much are clear, as there is an increased risk of accidents as well as health risks, the NHS says.

Excessive alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure and damage your organs.

Frequent intoxication and smelling of alcohol, loss of control around alcohol use, hiding alcohol in strange places such as your garage, at the office, in bushes or in your car, drinking between work times or appointments, or drinking just enough to keep your alcohol levels topped up if you are alcohol dependent... these are just some of the ‘red flags’.

The others include: frequent binge drinking after daily responsibilities are taken care of, justifying your drinking as a way of unwinding after work, becoming irritable, anxious, restless and unable to sleep if you are unable to drink, regularly drinking in the morning before going about your day, or at odd times of the day such as lunchtime in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

You may also become erratic, spontaneous, angry or change your character completely whilst intoxicated, and may have difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout.

According to founder and chief executive at Delamere, Martin Preston, cutting out alcohol can help you lose weight, while alcohol also dehydrates you, considering drinking six glasses of wine equals to losing 20-24 glasses of water.

Alcohol misuse means that you drink in a way that either harms you, or when you become an alcoholic, according to the NHS.


Please drink responsibly. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available. You can contact Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline, on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).