According to Dr. George, as long as you are practising responsible drinking, an alcoholic beverage in the afternoon isn't a particular cause for concern.
"There are plenty of people who drink when they get home from work, one or two drinks, who never have a problem," he says. "The key is moderation, and recognizing when the situation may be spinning out of control."
The CAMH has several recommendations for moderate drinking practices, which can help to reduce your risk of problems with alcohol. First, keep track of all of your drinks every day, so that you are aware of how much alcohol you are actually consuming. Pace yourself on days where you choose to drink by waiting between drinks, diluting drinks with mix, alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and eating snacks while you drink. Stay alert to your drinking and set personal limits, and learn to say 'no' when you are offered drinks without feeling guilty or succumbing to peer pressure.
Also, find balance by spending time on other things that you enjoy that don't involve alcohol, such as seeing movies, meeting friends and participating in clubs and activities.
What should I do if I think I or my loved one has a problem with alcohol?
If you believe you may have a problem with alcohol dependency, Dr. George recommends you talk to your family physician for help. If you are thinking of quitting drinking, it might be helpful to make a list of reasons why you are drinking and why you'd like to quit, and participation in self-help support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can be an effective way find the support you need to keep on track.
If you are concerned about a loved one's drinking, the first step is to talk to them about it. A caring non-confrontational conversation can help your loved one see how their behaviour is affecting those around them, and can help motivate them to get the help they need. If you do not feel comfortable talking to the person, you can also get help from a professional in your community.
Educate yourself on alcohol abuse, and be aware of the resources available for you and your loved one in your community. Also, you don't have to go it alone — groups like Al-Anon and Alateen are available specifically to help support family members of those struggling with alcohol.
For more information:
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Low-risk Drinking Guidelines
Alcohol Help Center
Al-Anon/Alateen
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