Recognizing when you or a loved one has developed alcoholism can be confusing as there are mixed messages about what constitutes alcoholism in the media and in society. Those who believe in sobriety might fear any alcohol use at all, while those who defend the use of alcohol may excuse addictive behavior. Alcohol use is so prevalent that it is common to be desensitized to the very real physical, mental and social threats of alcoholism, but fortunately, substance abuse professionals have compiled a list of signs and symptoms so you can know when to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one in the fight against alcoholism. These signs include:
- Drinking in order to destress, to cope with a problem or to relax. Alcoholics often don’t feel normal unless they are drinking.
- Being unable to give up or limit alcohol consumption, even if the alcoholic is aware it is having a negative impact on their life
- Building a physical tolerance to the effects of alcohol and in turn consuming more of it, which is especially recognizable if the addicts level of consumption has noticeably increased.
- Being prone to black outs, or experiencing memory loss of something that happened while intoxicated. Alcoholism can affect other memories as well, even if the alcoholic wasn’t intoxicated at the time.
- Withdrawal symptoms take place when the alcoholic does not drink or limits the amount they drink; symptoms may include anxiety, depression, shaking, sweating, nausea and more
- Drinking becomes ritualistic and the alcoholic turns irritable toward anything that inhibits the ritual. Alcoholic will also become irritable if alcohol isn’t available.
- Encounters with the law have taken place as a result of inebriation, such as DUIs or disorderly conduct
- Work performace, school performance, finances, personal relationships and/or life obligatons are failing due to alcoholism, often paired with the reprioritizing of activities to place alcohol above all other matters
- Alcoholic is observed drinking alone, trying to hide their habit, or keeping alcohol hidden in their working or living space
The effects of alcoholism can be devastating, and you do not have to go through it alone. There are a variety of alcohol addiction treatment facilities that are able to house, counsel and rehabilitate addicts, restoring them to a healthy lifestyle. Contact a reputable rehabilitation center to learn more about treatment for alcoholism.