• March 29, 2024
Alcohol

5 Critical Warning Signs of Alcoholism That You Need to be Aware Of.

There are many ways to identify if alcohol is becoming a problem in your life or the life of someone you care about. It may take the form of blackouts, DUI or DWIs, emotional problems, or many others.

Sometimes, however, the signs may be more subtle or the alcoholic may do a better job at hiding them.

Recognizing that you have a problem is the moment that you should begin looking into alcohol recovery programs. But how can you be sure that you are struggling with alcoholism? Here are 5 common signs:

1. Making Excuses to Drink Such as to Relax, Deal with Anxiety, or to Feel Normal

If you notice yourself finding more and more reasons to casually drink, you may be facing a more serious issue than you realize. While it’s not a problem to frequently have a drink or two after work in the evenings, if it’s routine to drink too much just to relax in the evenings; that can be indicative of alcoholism. Ask yourself a few questions:

  • Do you feel like you should cut back on your drinking?
  • Have you tried and failed?
  • Do you ever begin your day with a drink to get over a hangover or calm your nerves?
  • Does it annoy you if family or friends criticize your drinking?

2. Choosing to Drink Rather than Handle Responsibilities or Other Obligations

If you have gone beyond finding reasons to drink when you’re free and you are now missing commitments and obligations, this may be a sign of a more serious stage of alcoholism. Calling in late to work (or not showing up at all) due to drinking is a sure sign that it is out of control.

Other responsibilities such as family commitments may also suffer as a result of struggling with alcoholism. One of the things that often motivate people to seek out alcohol recovery programs is feeling guilty over missing children’s birthdays, anniversary or graduation celebrations, and many other milestone events.

3. Becoming Distant or Isolated from Family and Friends

This one is very common for people struggling with alcoholism. When you stop hanging out with the people in your life, it is usually because they don’t approve of your behavior. This usually leads to associating with new people, who often become enablers as they share the same vices.

4. Drinking in Private or Alone

The problem with drinking when you are alone is that once it gets to this point, there aren’t many other rules that are still being followed. It can be alone at work, or even when driving. Sometimes getting into trouble with the law can lead to court-appointed alcohol recovery programs.

5. Frequent Irritability and Extreme Mood Swings

If you are having more difficulty controlling your negative feelings, and often feel overtaken with anger or rage, this may be another sign of alcoholism. A good treatment program can help with the emotional aspect of addiction, as well as the physical.

Treating this Disease through Alcohol Recovery Programs

Too many times, this disease turns fatal when it could have been treated. Recognizing the warning signs early and acting on them quickly is the key to overcoming this chronic health issue.

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