Here are some answers about how to know when someone has an alcohol addiction or is an alcoholic;
This is from my experience both as an addictions counselor and a family and couples therapist, as well as being an alcoholic and an addict in recovery for nearly ten years myself:
Most of us suffer from one kind of addiction, which could be social media, overeating, or even fitness. When does an addiction become a problem? An addiction such as alcohol becomes a problem when it starts to harm one’s personal life, work, and/or family.
Alcoholism often starts at an early age and one’s social life is often driven by the substance. Alcoholics will find it difficult to stop because of the effect on their social lives, it feels strange to go out and socialize without drinking alcohol. This is generally an accurate sign that the individual is having a problem and is reliant on alcohol to cope.
SIGNS of someone having an Alcohol addiction
Some of the obvious signs of alcoholism could be;
- Missing work, especially Mondays
- Missing or late for appointments
- Oversleeping, lethargic, and “slow”
- Lack of ambition
- Loss of weight or no Appetite
- Continuous fighting and arguing
- Drinking alone
- Drinking secretly
- Blackouts, loss of memory
- An individual has a physical or psychological compulsion to drink alcohol
- Can’t have one drink only
- Hiding alcohol from family and friends
- If an individual has the shakes or DT tremors and needs a drink to settle the tremors.
- If the individual has extreme stomach bloating or a yellowish complexion, could be a result of liver damage or failure.
These are some of the obvious signs, however, there are a lot more and it’s best to talk to an addiction professional.
How to get help for Alcohol addiction
REACH OUT FOR HELP BEFORE IT GETS WORSE.
If you’re reading this article, you’re on the right path. Many people addicted to alcohol are in denial. The disease of alcoholism and addiction tells the person that they do not have a problem. This is true in every case.
Ask somebody who is qualified in addiction treatment, like an addiction counselor or family addiction therapist about what to do next.
There is never the “right time” and to wait until the next drinking binge might be too late. Book a face to face session with one of our addiction treatment specialists today.
No regrets!
Colleen
