Which of the following behaviors might signal increasing alcohol consumption?

The behavior of being careless with money can signal increasing alcohol consumption because it often reflects a lack of concern or impaired judgment, which can be associated with excessive drinking. When a person consumes alcohol heavily, their decision-making abilities may become compromised, leading to poor financial decisions, such as spending more money on alcohol or neglecting responsibilities that involve financial management. This behavior can be a sign that alcohol is affecting their daily life and responsibilities, indicating a potential problem with alcohol use.

In contrast, thinking clearly, being responsible, and having relaxed social interactions typically do not align with signs of increasing alcohol consumption. Thinking clearly suggests mental clarity, which is usually diminished with rising alcohol intake, while being responsible indicates that a person is managing their obligations well, and relaxed social interactions can be a normal aspect of socializing, not necessarily tied to alcohol use. Therefore, careless spending is a clearer indicator of potential alcohol issues.