If you suspect that your loved one may be suffering from alcoholism, it can be a difficult and emotional time. Alcoholism is a serious condition that can have serious consequences for the individual and their loved ones.
Alcohol Recovery: How To Tell If Your Loved One Has A Drinking Problem
It’s important to recognize the signs and seek help for alcohol recovery as soon as possible for the best chance at recovery. Here are signs to look for.
Loss of control: One of the most common signs of alcoholism is a lack of control regarding drinking. This can manifest in several ways, such as drinking more than intended, being unable to stop once they start drinking, or feeling the need to drink every day.
Physical dependence: Those who struggle with alcoholism may also develop physical alcohol dependence. This means they experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, and difficulty sleeping when they try to stop drinking.
Neglecting responsibilities: As alcoholism progresses, individuals may neglect their responsibilities at home, work, or school. They may miss appointments, be late to work or school, or decline performance.
Uncontrollable cravings: Alcoholics often feel an intense urge to drink and find it difficult, if not impossible, to ignore those urges. They are obsessed with drinking and find it difficult to focus on anything else.
Some people who are dependent on alcohol will attempt to drink in small amounts throughout the day or will try to disguise it by adding other liquids. If this describes your loved one, it’s time for a change.
Denial: It’s common for those struggling with alcoholism to deny that they have a problem. They may make excuses for their drinking, downplay the amount they drink, or become defensive when confronted about it.
Drinking to cope: If a person is using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions, it may be a sign of struggling with alcoholism.
Irritability: A change in mood, such as increased irritability or aggression, can also be a sign of alcoholism.
Legal and financial problems: Alcoholism can also lead to legal and financial problems, such as arrests for drunk driving or financial difficulties due to excessive spending on alcohol.
Increased tolerance: As a person’s alcoholism progresses, they may develop a tolerance to alcohol, meaning they need to drink more to feel the same effects. This can be a sign of a serious problem and may be a sign that the person is at risk of developing serious health complications.
Risky behavior: One of the most common signs of alcoholism is a tendency to engage in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol. This may include driving while drunk or engaging in risky sexual behaviors.
Isolation from friends and family: Another common sign of alcoholism is a withdrawal from social activities and decreased contact with friends and family. This may result from the person feeling ashamed of their drinking habits or simply because they spend more time drinking and less time with loved ones.
Conclusion
If you suspect your loved one may be suffering from alcoholism, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Many resources are available for alcohol recovery, and with the right support, your loved one can overcome this condition and live a healthy, sober life.