Many young people will drink alcohol and do not develop problems. However, if someone starts when they're young and uses it on a regular basis, they are putting themselves at risk.

In addition to starting young, there are other factors which put a person at increased risk of developing alcohol problems. These factors don't mean that a person will automatically develop a problem, but they do increase the risk.

These include:

• Family history of alcohol or other substance use problems
• Difficulty coping with or managing stress and other problems
• Problems at home
• Having an untreated anxiety, depression or other mental health condition
• Difficulty fitting in at school, at work or with one's peer group
• Having a stressful life change or experiencing trauma

Alcohol may be becoming a problem when you...

• Find that your drinking is increasing - the number of drinks you have on any one occasion is increasing or you're drinking more frequently
• Have difficulty cutting down or controlling your use
• Rely on alcohol to help you escape from worries or problems
• Use alcohol as your main source of entertainment and fun
• Spend a lot of time getting alcohol, using it or recovering from it
• Have problems at school, work or in your relationships as a result of your drinking

Even if we believe we are in control, sometimes problems can sneak up on us. We encourage you to take the Alcohol Use Check Quiz so you can learn if alcohol is becoming a problem in your life.