Alcoholism affects millions of people around the world. Because society in general has become used to people drinking, it may not always be immediately obvious that someone is becoming an alcoholic. In fact, there are many people who can drink casually for years before even becoming an alcoholic. If someone is drinking alone, this may be a warning sign of alcoholism. It is known as one indicator that someone may be addicted to alcohol. Normally, drinking is a social situation but if someone starts drinking alone on a regular basis, that should send up a red flag.