Do you ever think “I need a drink” after a hard day at work? The ‘work hard, play hard’ attitude may be associated with Hollywood tropes, but the more subtle normalisation of excessive drinking is everywhere. According to experts at Rehabs UK, our attitudes towards booze can make alcohol addiction invisible, until it’s impossible to ignore.
Alcohol has always been about more than taste - there’s a reason why there are 3000 words for ‘drunk’ in English. Drinking for the effect of the alcohol is normalised, or even glorified, in all fibres of our society. We use alcohol to ‘unwind’ from a long day (“It’s wine o’clock!” or enjoying a nightcap), to feel more comfortable in social situations (liquid courage), to socialise (bottomless mimosas), to ‘let loose’ (weekend warriors), and to celebrate (champagne showers). Movies and TV shows are littered with boozy tropes such as signature drinks (shaken, not stirred), binge montages, and more. Drunk behaviour and hangovers are often portrayed as funny or even endearing.
Joking about the harmful effects of alcohol does not create alcoholics. However, it does make it harder for people to cut down on their alcohol use. In fact, drinking alcohol is so normalised that going sober is often seen as socially unacceptable. A poll of 1,000 UK Brits aged 18 to 60 years found that while six out of ten (61%) men are actively looking to cut down their alcohol intake 64% admit to having been sober-shamed by friends and family for their efforts.
- In the UK, 5 million people have mild or moderate alcohol dependency, according to Alcohol Change.
- 35% of Britons are defined as ‘binge drinkers’, the third highest of the countries in the OECD report.
- According to a CIPD report, only 33% of UK employers provide information for employees on sources of support for drug and alcohol related problems, and too few invest in manager capability to manage and support people who are struggling.
Spotting the signs of alcoholism
The fact that drinking excessively is so normalised makes it much harder to spot signs of alcoholism. “A lot of people drink. You go from the person that may have half a glass of wine at Christmas to the person that just can't stop pouring it down their throat, and everyone in between.” says Rehabs UK founder and director Lester Morse.
And that’s precisely what makes alcohol addiction so difficult to spot - the line between acceptable and harmful is different for everyone. You might see an empty wine bottle in the recycling every day, but it doesn’t raise concern because having a glass of wine after work is common. Those around may not notice, or they aren’t alarmed, simply because it’s become so normalised.
“You can be an alcoholic, but if the people around you are willing to accept that and not be bothered by it, then you could drink yourself to death, like many do.” Morse continues, “It's shocking how many people actually die of liver disease in this country as a direct result of alcohol use. But most of them never had to go to treatment, never had to go to the doctors.”
This is compounded by the fact that many people struggling with addiction also deal with intense shame. “Addiction is sneaky. People who are addicted don’t want to be found out. They drink alone, hide their bottles, use cash so it won’t show up on the bank statements, they avoid the topic, change the subject, lie about their drinking, hide from the truth. They do anything to avoid being confronted with the reality that they should stop drinking.”
Q&A with Lester Morse, Rehabs UK Founder and Director
Q: How can ‘high functioning alcoholics’ be in management roles without appearing to be negatively impacted?
A: “The thing about high-functioning alcoholics is that they are often exceptional individuals, as portrayed in the film ‘Flight’ with Denzel Washington. The signs of problem drinking may be evident, but the "crash" hasn’t happened yet. This reflects one of the unfortunate aspects of our culture’s tolerance for alcoholic behaviour - we often avoid addressing it until it becomes a severe issue. By then, it’s either too late or incredibly challenging to resolve.
“When someone is meeting expectations and generating results, we frequently overlook their harmful behaviours. A compelling chapter in ‘The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous’, titled ‘To Employers’, delves into this issue. Written by someone with experience in a large corporation, it discusses the correlation between employees dismissed for alcohol-related issues and those who later died by suicide. It also provides practical guidance on how to support an employee struggling with alcoholism.
“In the United States, they’ve discovered an important truth: it’s often more effective and cost-efficient to help a valuable employee through treatment rather than dismiss them.
Q: Is the culture of drinking at after work drinks starting to change?
A: “I think the culture around alcohol is changing, and we’re beginning to adopt a more balanced attitude toward drinking. For far too long, we Brits have treated drinking and getting drunk as the primary social activity. However, it seems alcohol is no longer at the centre of our social occasions. Instead, it’s being replaced by other activities like food, sports, and various forms of entertainment. Alcohol might still be present, but it’s no longer the main event for many people.
“We see this shift reflected in our pubs, many of which are evolving into venues that focus on offering quality food alongside good drinks. This change has likely been influenced by several factors, including the impact of COVID-19, the cost-of-living crisis, and the rise in remote work, which has led to people going out less often. As a result, when we do choose to go out, we’re looking for it to feel more special - something beyond just a night of drinking.
Q: Do you have any advice to employers re: Christmas parties and alcohol?
A: “I personally believe alcohol isn’t a problem for most people. Everyone may occasionally drink a bit too much, and while that’s not ideal, it happens. However, drinking excessively can significantly increase the chances of saying or doing something you deeply regret. It also raises the likelihood of accidents, which is important to keep in mind.
“That said, there’s joy to be found in celebrating and making merry, especially during Christmas. Most people love coming together to enjoy good company and good times. As an addiction treatment professional, here are my top tips for navigating a Christmas party responsibly:
- Have a great time, but don’t overdo it.
- Avoid making alcohol the central focus of the celebration.
- Include plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options.
- Have some sober or moderate drinkers on hand to look out for anyone who may have overindulged.
- Make every effort to ensure everyone gets home safely.
- After the party, if someone embarrasses themselves, reach out with compassion and offer comfort.
“By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a fun and inclusive celebration that allows everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly.”
Q: What is the role of HR if an employee highlights concerns about a colleague’s drinking?
A: “The first step is to ensure your company has a clear policy on drug and alcohol misuse (or abuse) in the workplace. If you suspect an employee has a drinking problem, it’s generally best to address the issue initially from a performance and conduct perspective. However, in extreme cases - such as when an employee arrives at work visibly intoxicated - your policy should outline a specific procedure for handling such situations.
“Employment law emphasises the importance of carefully following proper procedures when dealing with someone who may be unwell. In my experience, individuals who acknowledge their problem and are ready to accept help tend to make significant progress. Conversely, those who deny having an issue or refuse assistance often worsen, regardless of the support offered.
“With the right policies and procedures in place, your company can ensure that any situation is handled appropriately, legally, and fairly, leading to the best possible outcome for both the employee and the organisation.
Q: What should someone do if they want to stop drinking, but it will mean time off work to go to a clinic, and they are not able to do this and/or think it will negatively impact their career?
A: “That’s a tough question, and the best course of action depends on an individual’s unique circumstances. What often pushes people to seek help is desperation - when they’ve run out of options, can no longer hide their problem, and have burned every bridge. It’s unfortunate that things often have to reach such a low point. With timely interventions and support, that painful “rock bottom” could sometimes be avoided.
“With that in mind, here are some key questions to consider:
- How much longer can you continue living this way?
- Would seeking help now give you a better chance of turning the situation around?
- If things are getting worse, isn’t it only a matter of time before you lose everything anyway?
- Is your career worth more than your life?
- Addiction is recognised as an illness. Most employers will support you and are legally required to keep your issues confidential.
- Addiction and its related problems almost always worsen over time. They don’t improve without treatment.
“Taking the first step toward getting help can be difficult, but it’s also the most crucial step in reclaiming your life.”
If you are worried that you or someone you know may be experiencing signs of alcohol addiction, Lester Morse advises looking out for some of the below symptoms:
- Secretive behaviour
- Increased amounts consumed
- Finding hidden bottles
- Increased frequency or consumption
- Sleeping at odd times
- Becoming increasingly aggressive
- Loss of memory
- Empty promises to stop
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact your doctor or speak to Rehabs UK.