Much like other drugs, those addicted to alcohol are often the last ones to be aware of the consequences of their addiction. Watching a loved one struggle with alcohol abuse is often heartbreaking and instills feelings of hopelessness.
Alcohol is a powerful drug and ignoring the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse can lead to serious physical and psychological issues. If you, a family member, or friend is struggling with alcoholism, don’t wait till it’s too late. Seeking help is the first step in recovering from alcohol abuse.
This article aims to list five signs that a person might be an alcoholic.
Sign #1: Attempts to Quit Drinking Have Failed
One of the 5 signs of alcoholism is if, despite numerous attempts to quit drinking, you or a loved one has failed to stop drinking on your own. Most often, attempts at self-regulating alcohol use have included efforts to self-detox and go “cold turkey.”
While this method may work for some mild cases of alcohol abuse, it can be dangerous and rarely achieves lasting sobriety for more severe cases of alcoholism. Even after attending an alcohol rehab facility many are unsuccessful in achieving long term abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
While relapse is part of the process, failure to achieve long term recovery is often the result of not being fully committed to the process of choosing an alcohol treatment program that doesn’t get to the root of the problem.
Sign #2: Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a part of the process from detoxing from prolonged alcohol abuse. These symptoms are one of the 5 warning signs of alcoholism. While quitting alcohol use on your own may seem like a good idea, it’s important to know that it can be hazardous for those that have chronically abused alcohol for long periods.
There are physiological changes that take place in the mind and body to adjust to the effects of alcohol use, and abruptly quitting alcohol can shock the mind and body.
The withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol abuse often include anxiety, nervousness, vomiting, and tremors. These symptoms appear a few hours after the last drink.
Depending on the length of time alcohol is abused, these symptoms can be life-threatening. It’s recommended that those who have been abusing alcohol detox under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Sign #3: Alcohol Use is Causing Serious Consequences
One of the signs someone is an alcoholic is when alcohol abuse is having a significant impact on your health and well-being. Alcoholism has some serious implications that can in many cases be life-threatening.
The consequences of alcohol abuse can include job loss, financial impacts, DUI’s, accidents, life-altering events, and serious jail time. Alcoholism can deteriorate relationships, erode families, and be the basis for divorce.
If alcohol abuse has gotten out of control for you or a loved one and you’ve failed at regulating your drinking on your own, it’s likely time to seek professional help. The consequences of alcoholism can ruin lives.
Sign #4: Physical Abuse Related to Alcoholism
Physical abuse as a result of alcoholism is a clear sign that immediate treatment is needed. If you or a loved one has physically harmed family members or themselves, you need to get them to an alcohol treatment facility right away.
Examples of self-harm include injuries as a result of falls, self-inflicted wounds, or any other form of self-inflicted abuse. Physical harm to oneself and others may also be the result of physical alterations while intoxicated.
One of the most concerning are injuries caused by drunk driving which are responsible for many alcohol-related deaths each year. If alcohol use is resulting in any form of abuse, harm, or injury, it’s a sign that immediate treatment is needed.
Sign #5: Concern for Someone’s Well-Being
The fifth sign that you may be an alcoholic is if you, your family or your friends have expressed genuine concern for a loved one’s well-being. Like many who struggle with substance abuse, alcoholics operate under a cloak of denial.
An alcoholic is often the last person who can see the damage their drinking is doing to themselves and others and are often reluctant to accept responsibility for their actions. It can be difficult for someone to admit to having a substance abuse issue and it’s a topic that needs to be approached with care. You, your family and friends may have already told your alcoholic loved one your concern for their health and well-being; however, it’s a topic that’s often met with heavy resistance.
Treatment for Alcohol Abuse Can Help
Convincing a friend or loved one with a substance abuse disorder that they need alcohol addiction rehab treatment can be one of the best things you can do for someone. When attempts to get clean have failed professional help may be the answer.
Don’t wait till it’s too late if alcohol abuse is taking its toll on you or a loved one; there are plenty of resources and facilities like an outpatient alcohol rehab in Los Angeles that can help support one’s recovery.
Seeking for alcohol addiction treatment can be difficult for many of those struggling with substance abuse; however, the temporary discomfort is well worth the reward of regaining your health and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Signs of an Alcoholic
Accordion #1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. What are the 5 A's of alcoholism?The 5 A’s of alcoholism are Awareness, Avoidance, Alteration, Acceptance, and Action. These represent the stages an individual typically goes through when dealing with alcoholism, from becoming aware of the problem to taking action to overcome it.
What are the 4 types of alcoholics?The four types of alcoholics are the functional alcoholic, the intermediate familial alcoholic, the young antisocial alcoholic, and the chronic severe alcoholic. Each type has different characteristics and requires different treatment approaches.
Further Reading: Can Alcoholics Go Back to Casual Drinking?
How can I tell if I'm an alcoholic?You might be an alcoholic if you exhibit the five warning signs of alcoholism discussed in this article. These include failed attempts to quit drinking, dangerous withdrawal symptoms, serious consequences due to alcohol use, physical abuse related to alcoholism, and concern from others about your well-being.
What happens when you drink alcohol every day?Drinking alcohol every day can lead to physical dependence and alcoholism. It can also cause serious health issues, including liver disease, heart disease, and an increased risk of cancer. If you’re drinking alcohol daily, it’s important to seek help.
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