Alcohol is a part of many people’s lives and, for the most part, we tend to have a perfectly ok relationship with it, drinking in moderation and knowing when to stop. However, for a growing number of us, that’s not quite the case.
Across the UK, more and more people are struggling with booze, with more people checking into the alcohol and drug rehab Oxford than ever before, while it’s becoming more problematic in relationships too.
Seeing a partner go through alcohol addiction is never nice nor easy. And it can be a good idea to try and identify it early and ensure they get the help they need. However, that’s easier said than done, with people living with alcohol problems often hiding their consumption from their partner. This can have an impact on the likes of trust, finances, relationship harmony, but importantly their health and being able to get their life back on track too.
If you are suspicious that your partner’s relationship with alcohol isn’t quite what it seems, and you feel they may not be telling you something, here are five signs that they could be hiding their alcohol consumption from you…
They Become Defensive or Evasive When Alcohol Is Mentioned
If your partner reacts strongly or defensively when you bring up alcohol, whether it’s about their drinking or alcohol in general, it could be a red flag. They may change the subject quickly, become irritated, or accuse you of nagging. This defensiveness may be a way of deflecting attention from their behaviour. Evasiveness can also take the form of vague responses about where they’ve been or who they were with, especially if those situations often involve alcohol.
You Notice the Physical Signs of Drinking, but Not the Behaviour
You might notice the smell of alcohol on their breath, flushed cheeks, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech, yet they claim not to have had anything to drink. They may explain it away as tiredness, medication side effects, or stress. These inconsistencies can be confusing, particularly if their mood seems altered. If you’re regularly seeing signs of alcohol use without any reasonable explanation, it could be a sign that they’re drinking in secret.
Hidden Bottles or Alcohol-Related Items Around the House
Discovering bottles hidden in unusual places, such as the back of wardrobes, behind furniture, in the garage, or even in the bathroom, is a strong indicator of concealed drinking. People who are hiding their alcohol consumption often stash bottles to avoid detection or judgement. You may also notice frequent recycling of alcohol containers, or empty bottles appearing without clear explanation. If you find yourself repeatedly coming across these signs, it could point to a deeper issue.
Sudden Changes in Routine or Disappearing Acts
If your partner is suddenly going out at odd times, staying out late without explanation, or spending long periods alone behind closed doors at home, it might be worth paying closer attention. Sudden shifts in behaviour, like locking themselves away in a room or rushing to the shop at strange hours, can sometimes indicate hidden drinking. They may also become more secretive about their phone, finances, or location, particularly if those things are connected to their drinking habits.
Mood Swings and Personality Changes
Alcohol can dramatically affect mood and behaviour. If your partner is drinking in secret, you may notice uncharacteristic mood swings, irritability, or periods of depression. They may be cheerful one moment, then withdrawn or short-tempered the next, without a clear cause. These changes may become more pronounced in the evening or after time spent alone. Over time, the emotional toll of hidden drinking can strain both their mental health and your relationship.
