There is a lot of denial about alcohol abuse so you may not always get a straight answer when you confront someone. Dealing with deadlines, a demanding boss or issues with co-workers can get us very wound up and releasing tension at the end of the day is important. For some people, this takes the form of exercise. Others use alcohol as a way to unwind.

If someone is having more than a couple of beers or glasses of wine regularly, it can indicate that certain issues internally are creating pressure. It may be one's family life, insecurity about a relationship, career questions or unresolved issues in a prior living situation.

Try to encourage communication when you see someone having a regular drinking pattern, even if it is just two beers. Talking about one's own situation can be a way to get another to open up. This is a way that someone will feel less defensive. If you take the role of a teacher or lecturer it will be turn someone off.

In addition to someone having a few drinks regularly, other signs that there may be a drinking problem can include the person being irritable easily, social withdrawal, poor concentration, limited communication and less interest in family activities. There may be also an increase in other forms of distractions such as watching tv, surfing the internet and avoiding meaningful conversations.

It is easier to stop something as it develops rather than wait till it's an established pattern. Show your love and care for the person and if they aren't able to speak with you, encourage an outside outlet such as a counselor or support group.