The Surprising NHS Alcoholism Warning Sign That’s Suddenly Becoming Hard to Ignore

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Am I just enjoying a few drinks… or is this becoming a problem?” Yeah, me too—and turns out, the NHS is waving a big neon sign for folks to watch out. It’s super easy to chalk up that extra pint in the sunshine or that day-drinking at festivals as “just summer vibes,” but what if that casual sip is creeping into six warning signs of something deeper? Here’s a curveball—the weather actually messes with how much we pour into our glasses. When those warm, long evenings roll around, suddenly the BBQ isn’t the only thing sizzling; the drinks count is too. Nearly three in ten Brits admit to knocking back more booze when the sun’s out, fueling weddings, festivals—and well, a lot of tipsy moments we pretend to forget. So if you’re wondering whether that extra G&T or afternoon cocktail is just a harmless indulgence or the start of something else, stick around—we’re diving into the six eye-openers the NHS says you gotta know. Trust me, this ain’t your average PSA. LEARN MORE.

Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing.

Many of us like an alcoholic drink or two on occasion, but the NHS is warning to keep an eye out for one of the signs that your casual drink is turning into more of a problem.

Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering if you have an issue with alcohol, or have a friend who you dread inviting to a night out as they don’t know when enough is enough when it comes to booze.

The NHS has issued guidance for people to be aware of, and there are six signs that could be a warning that there’s a deeper problem at play.

It turns out that the weather can have an impact on our drinking habits.

The NHS is trying to raise awareness of problematic drinking (Getty Stock Images)

While the festive season has mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolates, it seems that many people struggle more with binge drinking during the warmer weather.

It’s all too easy for a pint with friends or a G&T in the sunshine to become a regular habit when the temperature increases.

New research has found that nearly three in 10 Brits (27 percent) find themselves drinking more alcohol than they normally would when the weather improves.

Summer is also a big time for weddings and festivals, which as everyone knows are often drunken affairs.

Many brits find themselves drinking more when the weather heats up (Getty Stock Images)

The survey, carried out by Opinium Research, also found that Brits are putting back a whopping 333 million more prints of beer and over 67 million more litres of wine during the summer months.

Some of the reasons given as to why people think summer makes them drink more include the lighter evenings (54 percent), wanting to make the most of the weather (46 percent), weddings and festivals (47 percent), and socialising with family and friends (43 percent).

Kate Norfolk is the head of healthcare research at Opinium, and she says: “As summer approaches us, people want to enjoy the days getting longer and for some, that means having a nice glass of wine or pint of beer. While Britain’s alcohol drinking habits have improved over time, people still need to be aware of how much they are consuming.”

Brits love a beer garden, with millions of pounds being spent on booze in the summer months (Getty Stock Images)

The NHS shared six signs that your drinking may be out of control, and one of the reasons is drinking during the day.

This tends to happen more at festivals and when people decide to make a day of it in the sunshine, and it’s all too easy to drink more cocktails, wine or beer than you normally would when the sun is shining.

One frozen margarita can easily turn into multiple.

The other warning signs from the NHS include drinking alcohol every day without thinking about it, regular binge drinking and only wanting to socialise when booze is involved. Here’s the full list:

1) Drink alcohol every day without thinking about it

2) Binge-drink regularly

3) Only socialise where drink is involved

4) Drink regularly during the day

5) Find it annoying when others are not drinking

6) Drink more than the NHS guidelines every month.

You can find an alcohol or drug service in your local area or use the following information to get support if you’re worried about your drinking (or someone else’s):

• Drinkline provides advice for anyone who is worried about their own or someone else’s drinking – phone 0800 731 4314, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• Alcohol Helpline can provide advice and support if you’re over 50 and are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking – book an appointment online or phone 0808 801 0750, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• Know The Score provides support if you’ve taken drugs, are thinking of taking them, or are just curious and want to know more – use their webchat or phone 0800 587 5879, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm