While it’s not uncommon for many adults to consume alcoholic beverages occasionally, some develop addictions to alcohol. According to one statistic, 10% of Americans over 12 struggle with an alcohol use disorder.
Alcoholism is obvious in some cases. However, some alcoholics are good at hiding their dependencies.
Do you suspect a close family member misuses alcohol and may have an addiction? If so, look for the signs.
Here are five signs of alcoholism to look for if you suspect a problem.
1. Daily Drinking
The CDC defines binge drinking as men drinking five or more drinks in one setting and women drinking four or more. One of the early signs of alcoholism is binge drinking.
When a person begins consuming this much alcohol at one time, it could be a sign of alcoholism. However, the bigger problem is when it occurs daily, especially if it reaches this level of daily drinking.
2. Neglecting Responsibilities
Alcohol likely won’t interfere with a person’s responsibilities if they occasionally consume one or two drinks.
But it becomes a problem when someone consumes so much alcohol that it interferes with their responsibilities. For example, an alcohol problem might cause a person to start skipping work.
They might also fail to complete their home duties. In addition, they might begin neglecting their families and friends.
If alcohol is causing these things, then alcohol is a problem for the person.
3. Poor Judgment
You can also recognize an alcohol addiction by a person’s actions. For example, people struggling with alcohol dependency might exhibit poor judgment. They might make rash decisions or do foolish things.
While people can also do these things without alcohol, you’ll know if your loved one acts differently. Misusing alcohol can lead to poor judgment in all areas of life, and these actions might become more frequent.
4. Drinking Despite the Problems It Causes
When a family approaches a loved one about an alcohol addiction, they can respond. If they slow down with their drinking habits, things will likely get better.
However, alcoholics will often continue drinking despite their family’s concerns. Unfortunately, alcohol addictions strain relationships.
5. Withdrawal Symptoms
People dependent on alcohol experience withdrawal symptoms when they go without alcohol for a period. Do you ever notice this with your loved one? Withdrawal symptoms are one of the top signs of an alcoholic.
When an alcoholic doesn’t have alcohol in their system, they might begin to sweat or shake. They might feel nauseous and sick. They’ll also become irritable or crabby.
If you notice this, you can start looking into rehab options. Then, you can encourage your loved one to attend one.
Do You See These Signs of Alcoholism?
People struggling with an alcohol use disorder might not recognize these signs of alcoholism. However, their family members can, and you can encourage your family member to seek help if you see these signs.
Contact us at Excel Treatment Center in Dover, NJ, to learn more. We offer assessments, interventions, and help for people and families struggling with alcohol dependencies.
