Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a common addiction that has the ability to leave an impact on people in a variety of circumstances.
Young and old, male and female, anyone could find themselves falling victim to alcoholism. However, it can sometimes be difficult to detect.
So how do you know if a loved one is suffering from an alcohol addiction, or if they’re hiding alcoholism from you? Take a look at some of the most recognizable signs of alcohol addiction to get a better idea of what to keep an eye out for.
High Tolerance for Alcohol
One major indicator of alcohol addiction is that the individual will have an increasingly higher tolerance for alcohol. You may notice that they have decreased symptoms of a hangover, even when they’ve had enough to cause one. This is problematic because many people turn to alcohol for the way it makes them feel. If someone has a high tolerance for alcohol, they will have to drink more and more to get what they’re looking for.
Increased Dependency on Alcohol
Another sign to keep an eye out for is an increased dependency on alcohol. If your loved one is turning to alcohol to be able to complete everyday tasks, this is something that you should be making note of. Individuals suffering from an alcohol addiction may also depend on alcohol in order to “feel normal”. This is another problematic symptom – if they only feel at ease and like themselves when they’ve consumed enough alcohol, this only increases their need for it on a regular basis.
Hiding Alcohol or Drinking Alone
If your loved one is hiding alcohol around the house, or if you find them drinking alone, this could be another sign of alcoholism. It’s an indicator that, on some level, they understand that the amount they’re drinking is getting out of hand, and thus they feel the need to hide alcohol and drink it when they feel they won’t be seen or caught. They know it’s something they should be moving away from, but they can’t because of their increased dependency on the drink.
Dramatic Changes in Relationships
Your loved one may start making some dramatic changes in their relationships if they’re suffering from an alcohol addiction. This could range from spending more and more time with those who drink at the same level that they do, only choosing to attend social events if alcohol will be available, or even cutting people and loved ones out of their lives, sometimes abruptly. Keep an eye out for this.
Emotional Issues and Challenges
Someone who has an alcohol addiction may also experience a variety of emotional issues and challenges. This could look different from person to person. The individual may experience depression, or perhaps their energy will suddenly be depleted. If you notice a drastic change in your loved one’s emotional state, it’s likely that this is a repercussion of alcohol misuse.
Contact Steps Recovery Centers
Identifying an alcohol addiction in a loved one can be done in a variety of ways, but the most important thing to do, once you’ve established the alcoholism, is get the proper help. Steps Recovery Addiction Center offers a variety of treatment options for those experiencing an addiction to alcohol. With centers across the state of Utah, from Salt Lake City down to St. George, we have well-equipped, experienced staff ready to help, you’ll find peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is taken care of on the road to recovery. Contact us now to get more information.
