Recognizing Alcoholism: 12 Signs

Alcoholism is a chronic condition and should never be thought of as anything more simple. It affects some people who drink alcohol but those affected should not think of themselves as weak. Some research shows that people can be more prone to alcoholism if the disease runs in their family.

Since alcoholism is a disease, it has symptoms. When you know what the symptoms are, it’s easier to spot the signs in loved ones. If you’re wondering if you or your loved one is an alcoholic, here are some signs to look out for.

Drinking Alcohol

You cannot be an alcoholic without drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol is what builds up a tolerance to alcohol over time. Becoming an alcoholic often happens over a long period of time so it’s easy to miss the signs in someone who has always had a drink in their hands.

Some people who come from families with alcoholism choose abstinence. This is the only way to ensure that alcoholism never happens.

Drinking Regularly

Has the amount your loved one drinks increased? One of the most common signs of alcoholism is drinking regularly. It could mean that your loved one has gone from drinking once a week to three times a week, or even everyday.

People who drink three times a week or more are far more at risk of developing alcoholism than those who only drink at celebrations or once a year. 

Tolerance Levels

If you’re used to seeing your loved one’s eyes glazed over after two glasses of wine but that isn’t happening anymore, there could be cause for concern. As tolerance starts to build, you’ll notice that your loved one drinks more alcohol without the same reactions.

This is a clear indication that your loved one is drinking more regularly and tolerance levels are increasing which could affect mood and behavior. The only way to know for certain if your loved one is misusing alcohol is to gently broach the subject.

Denial

If you do talk to your loved one about how much they’re drinking, expect them to deny it at first. This is common for addicts but it doesn’t mean you should lose hope of having an honest conversation. Those with alcoholism often feel that they can still function well and don’t need to address the problem.

It’s often only as the situation worsens that people with alcoholism can see how it is affecting their lives. Don’t push the subject but offer your support where it is needed.

Disguising The Habit

Many alcoholics don’t want others to find out how their drinking habits have changed. You may notice your loved one trying to sneak an extra drink at a gathering or even hiding alcohol in water bottles. Some alcoholics have been caught with alcohol in their bags at work.

This deceptive behavior is harmful. Not only is the increase in alcohol dangerous for your loved one but it can also become dangerous for others. For example, if your loved one were to drive after drinking it would put lives at risk. If you notice this sign, it’s important to contact advisors at an addiction program right away.

Higher Levels of Stress

Higher levels of stress can happen to anyone at any point in their lives. Stress doesn’t necessarily mean that your loved one is an alcoholic. However, if your loved one is drinking and highly stressed, there could be a link.

It could start as drinking because of stress from work but it often ends up as stress from drinking. Drinking a lot of alcohol will also mean spending a lot of money which can lead to stress from financial debt.

Different Personality

This is one to really pay attention to. When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, their brain chemistry is changed. You may not recognize your loved one because they act so differently.

One thing to keep in mind is that someone who has drunk too much will change but someone who is an alcoholic will be unrecognizable on several occasions. Even when your loved one is sober, their character will be far from the person you have known.

Isolation

Isolation is a common sign in any type of addiction. A person with alcoholism is also likely to have mental health issues. They may think negatively about the world and about themselves. 

You may notice that your loved one isn’t as social as they used to be. They may avoid going out with friends and cancel regularly on group activities. If your loved one opts for going out to drink instead of healthier activities, it could be a sign of addiction.

No Control

An alcoholic has no control over the temptation to drink. If your whole family is taking on a dry month challenge for charity, your loved one won’t be able to join if they are an alcoholic. It shouldn’t be impossible for a non-alcoholic to go without drinking for a week or longer. 

There may be lots of times when your loved one tells you they’ll stop drinking but can never follow through with the promise. It’s at this point that you should realize that your loved one needs professional help and intervention.

Interference With Everyday Life

Although some alcoholics are high functioning, most will find it difficult to get on with life normally. It may mean being late for work or school repeatedly. Not showing up for appointments or other commitments.

It could even mean that alcohol takes precedence over family relationships, even children. This can be heartbreaking to watch and although your support is imperative, you can’t run someone else’s life for them. It’s vital that your loved one seeks professional help and begins to detox.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Physical symptoms of withdrawal can be very unpleasant. It’s part of the reason why so many addicts are unable to detox without medical intervention. It can cause nausea, vomiting, shakes, fever, hallucinations, and more.

If your loved one isn’t able to drink more when the effects of alcohol wear off, you may notice some of these symptoms. These physical symptoms can also make mental health symptoms worse. You may notice signs of depression and anxiety in your loved one.

Medical Issues

One of the worst effects of alcoholism is liver damage. When a person drinks copious amounts of alcohol over an extended period, they are at higher risk of developing liver problems. When the liver is seriously affected by alcohol consumption it is enveloped in scars and destroys itself.

The result can be fatal. Alcoholics with liver issues will have yellowing skin, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain. The disease is far worse than what a person suffers through detox and is the biggest killer of alcoholics.

It can be difficult to figure out whether a loved one is an alcoholic from observation alone. The only way to be certain and begin to help is to keep the lines of communication open with your loved one. Spend time with them and ensure they have your support.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support yourself. It’s not an easy job to be the support role of someone with an addiction. It’s worth bearing in mind that you can’t support someone else if you don’t give yourself what you need. Seek advice from professionals and talk to people who have been through a similar situation.

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