Alcohol abuse is not always an easy issue to spot. While in some cases it is glaringly obvious, other times it may appear as something else entirely. Additionally, how severe the addiction is will often play a huge role in the different warning signs the person exhibits. Many addicts try hard to cover up their excessive alcohol use by hiding their drinking behind closed doors. Their family members and friends may not even realize just how bad the addiction is if they are good at fooling their loved ones. This can make it challenging when you want to intervene and help someone who is an alcoholic. Unfortunately, mild alcohol abuse that is easily overlooked can quickly turn into major signs that cannot be ignored.
What are the signs of an alcoholic? If you aren’t sure what to look for, read on for some help.
Signs of Alcoholism
There isn’t an exact list that will determine 100% that you are an alcoholic. But some of the more common symptoms of the disease can be found below:
• Coming up with excuse after excuse to drink
• Experiencing blackouts and short-term memory loss
• Becoming irritable at the slightest issue
• Extreme mood swings, from lows to highs
• Using alcohol to come down from a stressful day or situation
• Isolating yourself from family members and friends
• Downplaying your alcohol use
• Telling people you have it under control when questioned
• Drinking alone
• Distancing yourself from loved ones who question your drinking
• Missing work or other obligations because you are drunk or too hungover
Your drinking problem may seem minor to you. However, any of the above symptoms should never be ignored. It’s time to look for help if you feel that alcohol is taking over your life. Talk to a reputable detox and rehab center if you need more information on the disease.
Recognizing an Alcoholic
There are different screening tools that medical professionals and therapists use to determine if you are an alcoholic. Answering yes to two or more of the following questions may mean that you are having a problem with alcohol abuse and should seek assistance as soon as possible:
1. Have you thought you should cut down on how much you drink?
2. Have family members or friends criticized your drinking habits?
3. Have you ever needed to drink as soon as you get up to help cure your hangover or steady your shaking nerves?
4. Do you ever feel guilty for the amount you drink?
Again, answering yes to two or more of these questions may very well mean that you have a problem with alcohol and should talk to a professional.
Additional Questions to Consider
• It’s important to take a good, hard look at yourself if you are worried that you have a potential alcohol problem. Let’s take a look at some questions that can help you decide:
• Have you ever continued to drink alcohol even when you felt anxious or depressed about it?
• Do you end up drinking more than you had originally planned to?
• Are you losing interest in some or all of your past activities because they do not involve drinking?
• Do you have to drink alcohol before you go out, especially if you are not sure if you can drink where you are going?
• Have you been in harmful situations while drinking, such as drinking and driving? Have you been in legal trouble due to your drinking?
• Do you have strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol?
• Have you felt like you have had withdrawal symptoms after you stopped drinking?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it is time to talk to a professional about your alcohol use.
Don’t Wait Too Long
One misconception about alcohol use is that you have to hit rock bottom before you can ask for help. This simply isn’t true at all. Many functioning alcoholics still take care of plenty of responsibilities every day, even while drinking. That doesn’t mean that they still don’t need help to quit. No matter how little or much you drink, if you think you have a problem it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Recovering from addiction will be difficult, but it is by no means impossible!
We’re here when you need help for your alcohol addiction. Call us at (833) 922-2653 or stop in to chat with a representative. We’ll help you understand the detox process and what rehab will be like as a patient. Our caring staff wants to help, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
