How to share a concern with your partner about their drinking 😰

Have your partner's drinking habits become too much?

Your partner's drinking may have become more frequent, excessive, or unpredictable. You're thinking about sharing your concerns, but may not be sure how to.

How will they react?

What should you say?

Many people use alcohol to celebrate, socialize, relax, or enhance the enjoyment of their meals. But your partner's use of alcohol might be verging on dependence or binge drinking.

This can have a wide range of side effects and consequences on their health and well-being.

Here are just two statistics on binge drinking in the U.S. (2019) and examples of potential health impacts of alcohol use from Canada (2015):

If their drinking is a problem, you may not be able to change their behavior.

But you may be able to share your concerns in a way that helps them see things more clearly and get the help they need.

Find out as much as you can about the effects of alcohol and signs of alcohol misuse.

Become educated so you have facts to share.

Find a time when you're both calm, rested, and not rushed .

You want to be able to speak when you're both clear-headed.

• Focus on how this behavior may be affecting their health.

• Use an "I statement" to let them know you're concerned about their well-being, and show that you want to help.

• Ask an open-ended question to invite their opinion.

I'm worried by how much you're drinking. When you binge drink, I worry for your health and safety. How have you been feeling about your drinking lately?

Your partner might deny there's a problem or become defensive. Signs could include :

• Blaming their drinking on circumstances or other people

• Concealing their drinking from you

• Rationalizing their drinking as reasonable

Stay positive and reassure them that you're looking out for their best interests.

I know this is a difficult issue to talk about. I'm here to support you so that you are happy and healthy.

Prepare a plan and stay strong!