From ‘taking the edge off' to downplaying habits – 8 signs your partner is addicted to alcohol after Brad Pitt opens up
Just days ago, Brad Pitt, 61, opened up on his battle with alcoholism after his bitter split from actress Angelina Jolie, 50.
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The actor sat down with Hollywood podcaster Dax Shepard and was honest about his issues with drugs, booze and addiction, and how his life spun out of control after his marriage breakdown.
And while the majority of us like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage now and again, whether that's a glass of wine or a few beers, for some people, alcohol can be a huge issue.
Widespread issue
Hundreds of thousands of adults in England are considered to have alcohol dependency.
In 2019 to 2020, Public Health England found an estimated 608,416 adults were dependent on alcohol - a two per cent increase from 2015 to 2016.
Not only this, but according to a 2021 study, people with common mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety and phobia, are twice as likely to report an alcohol use disorder than people without common mental disorders.
Expert advice
For those eager to know more about the signs of alcoholism, Sandra Parker, the UK's number one sober coach has shared her top advice.
The founder of Just the Tonic tells Fabulous what you should know if you are 'worried about your partner's drinking but unsure if it's really a problem', plus 'what to do about it'.
Sandra tells us: 'In my role as a sobriety and control alcohol coach I have worked with hundreds of successful people - from entrepreneurs to sports professionals – and I've seen how easily drinking can shift from social to dependency, especially for high achievers.'
As a result, Sandra reveals the signs to look out for if you are concerned about your partner.
Signs to look for
Not only does she warn against 'that nightly glass of wine that has become a full bottle to 'take the edge off',' but she claims that your partner may have an issue if they 'wait until the kids are in bed to start drinking.'
I drank 100 glasses of wine a WEEK at Christmas parties – it made me do shameful things
She also alerts against people 'hiding empties or downplaying how much they drink' and those who are 'increasingly exhausted.'
Additionally, Sandra claims that 'what used to be weekend drinking has crept into every evening' could indicate alcohol dependency, while those who 'make excuses to drink more,' could be in trouble.
How to get help with alcohol
There are plenty of helpful resources and tools to help you with your drinking issues.
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
Alcoholics anonymous is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
Al-Anon is a group for family members or friends struggling to help a loved one
Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol
National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) is a helpline for children who have parents who are alcohol dependent - call 0800 358 3456
But that's not all, as Sandra acknowledges that those who 'get defensive or change the subject if you mention their drinking'.
Those who 'stay up late drinking alone after everyone's asleep,' could also need help to battle their drinking.
How to help a loved one
If you've spotted any of these signs in your loved ones and are concerned about someone you love and their drinking, here's what works.
Change is possible - with the correct support people can get complete control of their relationship with alcohol without feeling deprived
Sandra Parker
Sandra advises: 'Share your concerns in a kind non-judgemental way using specific examples.
'Listen without criticism if they open up. Support any positive changes they try to make.
'Understand they might need professional help. Know that change is possible - with the correct support people can get complete control of their relationship with alcohol without feeling deprived - even if they have been struggling for decades.'
Do YOU want to give up alcohol?
IF you want to give up alcohol, Sandra Parker, the UK's number one sober coach has shared her advice.
The founder of ' Just the Tonic ' advises: 'Focus on what you're noticing yourself. Be honest with yourself about what you're drinking.
'If you've been trying this for a while, you probably need help.
'I always advise people to try to cut down rather than just stop, because if you try to stop, it's like you're just ripping the alcohol out and you're not really working out why you're drinking.
'Get expert help.'
Even more importantly, it's crucial that you know what not to say to someone struggling, as Sandra adds: 'This is what people often say which makes things worse: 'Just have the one' and 'Why can't you just be like a normal drinker?'.
Additionally, Sandra warns against saying 'You just need more willpower' and questioning 'Can't you just cut down?'.
Sandra, who once battled alcohol addiction herself, highlights that what Brad's story proves is that 'alcohol dependency is not about success or willpower.'
She recognises that for many, just like Brad, alcohol can become 'a way of coping.'
As a result, she says: 'It's about recognising when alcohol has taken control and getting the right support to change.'
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