Warning sign you may be a functioning alcoholic can be seen in pub during Christmas

It’s important to check in with ourselves about our alcohol habits - especially at Christmas when the drinks are often flowing.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with a bit of seasonal indulgence, but it may end up flagging some concerns amidst the merriment.

While alcohol in moderation is relatively safe, it’s all too easy to exceed the maximum 14 units per week recommended by the NHS, and habitual drinking can soon escalate into dependence.

If you’re wondering what to look for in your own habits, experts have shared one simple sign that could point to either functional alcoholism or a burgeoning problem.

Feeling compelled to keep drinking after having one can be a red flag (Robert Essel NYC/Getty Images)

What is functional alcoholism?

UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT) define a functioning alcoholic as a 'person with an addiction to alcohol, but manages to go about their daily routine, therefore their drinking problem goes unseen'.

In other words, a functioning alcoholic can mask their addiction by otherwise leading an ostensibly normal life.

Key sign someone may be a functioning alcoholic?

According to Lee Spinks at UKAT, the red flag to look out for is being unable to stop after having a drink.

(Westend61/Getty Images)

“Initially, they intend that they will just have one or possibly two, and they may sincerely wish to believe this and tell others in your company to reaffirm this belief,” he says in an article that was medically reviewed by Dr Mateen Durrani.

“But one will always turn into more as they will inevitably find an excuse to continue drinking, whether it be another round, chatting to a new person, or an offer on beverages such as ‘happy hour’.”

Life is hard and it can be easy to use this to justify drinking to excess (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

Along with this, you may find it difficult to discuss your drinking, with this reluctance often being linked to a 'deep-rooted anxiety' about its effects – immediate or potential – on your life.

High-functioning alcoholics will also look for ways to justify their drinking, saying phrases like 'I work hard, I’m entitled to have fun' or ‘I get the bills paid, the people in my life are looked after, an alcoholic wouldn’t be able to do those things’.

If you relate to any of the topics in this article, support can be found on Drinkline on 0300 123 1110. The confidential service is available 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.