Which factor suggests someone may be a problem drinker?

The choice indicating that a person shows up to work intoxicated and must drink to function normally suggests significant concern regarding alcohol use. This behavior reflects a reliance on alcohol to manage everyday tasks and responsibilities, which can be a hallmark of problem drinking. The need to consume alcohol to function properly points to a potential addiction or dependency, as the individual may be using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or to handle various situations, which is characteristic of problematic drinking patterns.

In contrast, a preference for drinking alone does not necessarily indicate a problem, as some individuals might choose solitude for various personal reasons. Similarly, abstaining from drinking during the week and only drinking on weekends do not inherently signify problematic behavior; these patterns can be part of a healthy relationship with alcohol if no adverse consequences arise from those choices. Thus, the first option distinctly highlights behaviors that indicate a serious issue with alcohol use.