When most people think of alcoholism, they think of someone drinking throughout the day, unable to hold down a job or manage daily tasks. However, what if you’re “only drinking at night” to wind down after work, could this still be a red flag of an alcohol problem? Let’s explore.
What Does “Only Drinking At Night” Mean?
Only drinking at night refers to consuming alcohol exclusively during the evening or nighttime. This is often referred to as a nightcap and is used by many individuals to manage stress or unwind after work. They usually rationalize this behavior with thoughts such as “just 1 to 2 drinks a night won’t hurt”.
However, more often than not, this can be a warning sign of a drinking problem or the early stages of an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
People may think that drinking only at night after everything is taken care of in the day reduces the typical risks associated with alcohol addiction; however, late-night drinking often involves higher amounts of alcohol ingested in shorter periods of time. This can increase the risk of addiction, sleep difficulties, mental health disorders, chronic disease, and even early death.
Signs To Watch For
There are several signs that your nighttime drinking could indicate a more serious problem. These include:
- Drinking Alone: Having a couple of drinks with friends or family, or at a social event, is different than drinking alone. If you are regularly drinking alone, this could be a sign of an underlying psychological issue.
- Binge Drinking: This is defined as “drinking five or more alcoholic drinks on the same occasion”. SAMHSA recommends no more than one drink a day for women, and two for men [1].
- Coping with Stress: Using alcohol as a form of self-medication can exacerbate underlying mental health problems or stress. Studies show that long-term alcohol use can negatively change the brain’s chemistry and how it responds to stress [2].
- Lack of Regard for Consequences: You may struggle to wake up for work, feel hungover, or drink heavily on weeknights or Sundays.
Common Myths About Only Drinking at Night
There are several myths about the benefits of a nightcap, however, most of these have no evidence to back up those claims. Some common myths about drinking at night include [3]:
- Alcohol helps you sleep: Many use alcohol to help with sleep because it initially sedates you, but over time, it can interfere with your quality of sleep and REM cycle.
- A nightcap is harmless: Nighttime drinking can become a ritual, increasing the risk of addiction. And even moderate nighttime alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Alcohol warms you up: The “warm and fuzzy” feeling that some get when drinking may provide a false sense of warmth and relaxation. However, alcohol actually dilates blood vessels, which can contribute to body temperature dysregulation, making it harder to fall or stay asleep.
- Drinking more can cure a hangover: The “hair of the dog” can provide temporary relief by raising blood alcohol levels and reducing symptoms; however, it doesn’t “cure” the hangover and often ends up making it worse in time.
The Link Between Nighttime Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder
Nighttime drinking can contribute to the development of alcoholism, specifically through its impact on sleep. Alcohol can help people fall asleep initially by providing a relaxing effect; however, it disrupts overall sleep patterns by reducing the amount of time spent in REM. Sleep difficulties and insomnia are prevalent among those with AUD, estimated to affect nearly 40% to 91% [3].
Nighttime drinking also disrupts circadian rhythms and the body’s internal clock by impacting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA and the sleep hormone melatonin. This relationship is bidirectional, meaning sleep difficulties can increase the risk of developing an alcohol problem, and alcohol worsens sleep.
When and How to Seek Help
If you notice that you need a drink after work to wind down or fall asleep, are drinking alone, or are drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly (more than five drinks in a sitting), this is a red flag that could point to the development of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). You may still be able to function, manage relationships, and loved ones may not recognize that there is a problem.
If you recognize the signs, it’s important to take the steps to address the problem before the addiction worsens.
- Reach out to a healthcare provider who can connect you to alcohol treatment. Your PCP can be a helpful resource if you are unsure where to begin.
- Be honest about your drinking habits during the assessment.
- Educate yourself about alcohol abuse, how nighttime use can lead to addiction, and explore treatment options such as levels of care, therapies, and medication.
- If you are experiencing a crisis, reach out to a secure hotline such as:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 988 & Suicide Crisis Line: Call or text 988
Detox and Residential Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in South Lyon, MI
Rushton Recovery understands how challenging recognizing and recovering from high-functioning alcoholism is and that it requires a comprehensive approach to care. Our supervised medical detox and holistic residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward a substance-free life.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your alcohol abuse. Let our team help you heal, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Alcohol Use Facts and Resources. 2018. SAMHSA.
[2] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Neuroscience: The Brain in Addiction and Recovery. 2025.
