Alcohol-related deaths are continuing to climb. An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually. In fact, alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the country.
It’s sometimes difficult to tell if someone you care about is dealing with an addiction. If you’re worried, it helps to know the signs.
Here are seven key warning signs someone is an alcoholic. By learning how to recognize these alcoholic signs, you can help a loved one get the help they need before it’s too late.
Don’t wait. Keep reading to discover the top warning signs of an alcohol addiction.
1. Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are one of the top signs your loved one is an alcoholic.
Maybe they noticed they’re drinking too much and decided to cut back. Unfortunately, heavy drinkers can’t stop without their bodies taking notice.
These symptoms can often include:
- Cramps
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Headaches
If you notice a loved one experiencing these symptoms, you might want to suggest they get help. In fact, going through withdrawal can become dangerous. It’s important they seek professional help instead of undergoing withdrawal alone.
2. Forgotten Responsibilities
Alcoholics tend to abandon their responsibilities in favor of drinking. If you’re looking for signs someone is an alcoholic, pay attention to their behaviors.
For example, your loved one might arrive at work late or even hungover. You might notice they’re skipping school or failing their classes. Older alcoholics tend to neglect responsibilities at work, too.
3. Health Problems
A doctor might notice signs your loved one is an alcoholic before you do.
Alcohol can take its toll on the body. In addition to liver damage, it can also hurt the brain and heart. You might notice your loved one has gained weight.
About 19.3 million people need rehabilitation but never seek help. It’s important your loved one considers residential treatment before their addiction leads to death.
4. Reckless Behavior
Has your loved one driven a car under the influence? Alcoholic signs like reckless behavior are no joke. Talk to them about their drinking before it leads to an accident.
5. Lies About Drinking
Alcoholics tend to feel ashamed. They might hide bottles or lie about their drinking. These warning signs of an alcohol addiction could indicate the problem is worse than you know.
6. An Inability to Stop
About 25% of adults have had at least one heavy drinking day in the past year. Unfortunately, constant binge drinking might indicate your loved one has an alcohol use problem.
If your loved one can stop drinking on their own, they likely need help.
7. Tolerance Over Time
Maybe your loved one has developed a tolerance for alcohol. If that’s the case, they’ll begin drinking more and more. It’s important they seek help before excessive alcohol use ruins their mind and body.
7 Warning Signs Someone Is an Alcoholic: It’s Time to Get Them Help
Have you noticed these seven warning signs someone is an alcoholic? It’s likely time they get help. Otherwise, continued drinking could lead to dire consequences (both for them and potentially an innocent bystander).
Searching for more tips, tricks, and helpful guides? Explore the Health section of the blog today.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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