Do you often find yourself waking up drunk and still wanting to drink? If yes, you may have an alcohol problem.
Alcohol addiction is a bit different from a plain thirst for alcohol from time to time. Yes, some people abuse alcohol like clockwork. Yet, their relationship with the substance doesn’t make it detrimental to their health.
Alcohol abuse can drive you crazy as much as hurt relationships with family and friends. If you fail to detect this addiction early on, it can strengthen its grip on you. Here are the signs of alcoholism to know if someone needs help.
Let’s get into it!
1. Feeling the Compulsion to Drink
Alcoholism is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. One of the most obvious signs is the inability to stop once an individual has started.
Once a person begins drinking, their brain and body become dependent on the substance. Also, an alcoholic may find themselves craving the substance early in the morning or even when going out with friends.
If someone is exhibiting any of these factors, they may be at risk of having an alcohol problem.
2. Difficulty Controlling the Amount One Drinks
One clear sign of alcoholism is difficulty controlling the amount one drinks. A person with an alcohol problem may be:
- Drinking more than planned
- Cutting back but unable to stop
- Drinking alone more often
Another telltale sign is increasing the amount they drink to achieve the same effect. If a person needs to consume more alcohol to feel the same buzz, this is a strong symptom of alcoholism.
3. Shaking When Not Drinking
If an individual is shaking during times when they are not drinking alcohol, this may be a sign of withdrawal symptoms due to heavy drinking. This is a sign that the body has become physically dependent on alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotions.
Additionally, an alcoholic might not even realize that they are shaking when not drinking, as shaking is sometimes a secondary symptom. So if someone is showing this sign, it is best to search for addiction recovery center or talk to a qualified mental health professional.
4. Hiding or Lying About Drinking
One of the top signs of alcoholism is if an individual is lying about their drinking. This could be evidenced by sudden changes in behavior like increased irritability, agitation, or withdrawal.
This may be a clue that they are drinking too much and feel the need to hide it. Furthermore, a person may become secretive with their activities or perhaps have elevated to the point where they deny or downplay drinking altogether.
5. Experience a Pattern of Blacking Out
A repetitive pattern of blacking out or going to sleep after nights of excessive drinking is one sign of alcoholism. Individuals may suddenly forget large chunks of time or where they were or what they did during that time.
This loss of memory is due can be a sign of bigger problems and should be taken seriously. Knowing the early signs of alcohol abuse can help you address the problem before it gets worse.
A Guide to the Signs of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is an issue that needs to be addressed fast. If you or someone you know is showing any of the top signs of alcoholism, do not ignore them and reach out to someone for help.
There are numerous avenues and support systems available, so don’t hesitate to get started today.
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