That's probably silly, but I get really sensitive about it 
Anyway, this isn't something that's up for public consumption, so to speak, but I hope to get some good perspective.
Raine has been working at least 18 hours a day, and most weekends, for almost a year. The stress is incredible and constant, our company sucks. The last couple of months I've noticed he's been drinking way too much, at least in my opinion. I can tell within the first few seconds of conversation if he's been drinking, and lately it's been most of the time. Now, granted, when it comes to drinking culture, the US and Finland are very different, and I understand it's much more acceptable there, almost expected really. I'm OK with that, I like getting all buzzed up myself, from time to time, and I can't say I've never self-medicated in that way, but it's pretty rare.
This bothers me. A lot. My first ex-husband was a horrible alcoholic, so I've lived this and it scares me. Of course we've talked about it, and he assures me I have nothing to worry about, that he's Finnish and can handle it, it's only temporary, blah, blah, blah. I have told him that I've lived with alcoholism and how awful that life is, and he's appalled that I'd think he'd ever get that way, but still, his sudden increase has me worried. That's not something I'll ever allow in my life again.
I know it isn't a problem yet, but nobody intends on being an alcoholic, it sneaks up on you. It wouldn't bother me if I thought it would ever get better at work, but I don't, so where do you draw the line? When walking through Helsinki and seeing the old men drunk on the corners, it terrifies me that people get that way so easily, but there, it's just treated like it's normal. I don't get it.
I think Raine is just to sweet, kind, and sensitive for our terrible company, but there are no jobs in Finland at the moment, and I don't know what to do to help him. I know there's a big cultural gap here, and I'm always afraid I'm overreacting, but having lived with someone with substance issues before, I can't help it. I'm sure he'll pay attention to what I say, but I don't want to be the nagging girlfriend either, so I'm pretty confused on how to handle this.
I hope things will become better for you and your SO. If he's just undergoing some problems then I don't think he's turning into an alcoholic. Just tell him that you're there for him and encourage him and tell him that sometimes, alcohol isn't always the solution.
When my ex and I broke up, I went home drunk as hell for three straight weeks. My mom thought I've become alcoholic, but it was only because I had no one to talk to about my problems that's why I turned to alcohol so I'll forget things. Let's cross our fingers and pray that he'll be fine. Just continue to support him and don't be scared for now. Sometimes the past can just sneak into your thoughts and bother you. When that happens, fight it with positive ideas. You can do it Moon!
Also, the fact that the economy isn't that great doesn't mean that he shouldn't be looking for a job. He might get lucky.