How can you tell if someone you care about is an alcoholic?
Alcoholism is a serious condition where a person can’t control their drinking. If your loved one is an alcoholic, recognizing the signs early is important so your loved one can get the help they need.
Here are 10 things to look out for:
- Alcohol Taking Over Social Life: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often prioritize drinking over everything else. They might show up early to parties with alcohol and insist that every social event involves drinking.
- Using Alcohol as Stress Relief: Someone with AUD might use alcohol to cope with stress or frustration. They may have once had healthy ways of dealing with stress, like exercising or reading, but now, they rely on alcohol.
- Defensiveness About Drinking: When confronted about their drinking, someone with AUD may become defensive. They might make excuses or downplay the seriousness of their problem.
- High Tolerance: People with AUD often have a high tolerance for alcohol. They can drink a lot without getting drunk and may need more and more alcohol to feel the effects.
- Personality Changes: Alcohol can drastically change a person’s behavior. Someone who is normally reserved may become loud and aggressive when they drink.
- Drinking All Day: Some people with AUD drink throughout the day, even when they should be working or in class. They may go to great lengths to hide their drinking, like constantly brushing their teeth to mask the smell.
- Lack of Alcohol Limits: They struggle to limit their drinking, often exceeding their intended limits. Two drinks can easily turn into seven.
- Consequences of Drinking: Despite the negative consequences of their drinking, like DUIs and job loss, they may deny that alcohol is the cause.
- Impulsive Decisions: Under the influence, they may make risky decisions like driving drunk or getting into fights.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: If they try to stop drinking suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, or hallucinations.
It’s important to remember that AUD is a medical condition, and those struggling with it need help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol use leads to thousands of deaths yearly in the United States. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you suspect someone you know is dealing with AUD. Encourage them to seek professional help, as treatment can make a significant difference in their life. According to the NIAAA, “However severe the problem may seem, people with (Alcohol Use Disorder) can benefit from treatment. Unfortunately, less than 10 percent of them receive any treatment.”
At Bradford at Warrior, we’re ready to offer a helping hand to those who might need it. Visit our website for more information, or call us at 205-647-1945.