What is a potential sign of alcohol dependency?

Making excuses to drink is a significant sign of alcohol dependency. This behavior often indicates that an individual feels a need to justify their alcohol consumption, possibly to themselves or others. It can stem from a desire to manage social expectations or from an internal struggle regarding their drinking habits. When someone starts making excuses, it may signal that alcohol has become an integral part of their life, leading to compulsive behaviors associated with dependency.

Frequent social gatherings can simply reflect social engagement and do not necessarily correlate with dependency. Similarly, increasing physical activity or choosing non-alcoholic beverages typically suggests a healthier lifestyle and may imply a desire to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption altogether, which contrasts with signs of dependency.