How to spot alcoholism

Sometimes, it can be difficult to notice when your partner is drinking too much. Even when it’s someone you spend a significant amount of time with, the warning signs can slip by. Or it may be you’ve been busy at work yourself, or your partner has, and you haven’t seen as much of each other as you’d like. It could even be that your partner has become adept at hiding the signs of addiction, concealing the frequency and volume in which they are drinking. Although they may find it hard to admit, they may feel ashamed of their drinking, and this can lead to secretive behaviour.

Below we look at the signs and symptoms you need to look out for, as well as offering examples of how this may affect your partner’s behaviour.

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol addictions?

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the broader signs and symptoms of addiction. By doing this you can then begin to gauge whether your partner is exhibiting one or more of the signs. These can include:

• Mood swings
• Withdrawal from responsibility
• Less concern with appearance/hygiene
• A defensive attitude
• Paranoia or overreaction to criticism
• Frequent small accidents or mistakes
• Fatigue
• Secretive or dishonest behaviour
• Distraction
• Sudden weight loss

The above symptoms can manifest in various ways. There are noticeable physical signs, but each on their own may not add up to a problem with alcohol. When someone develops an unhealthy relationship with alcohol it will change their behaviour and affect their life in a negative fashion. Secretive and dishonest behaviour may involve your partner hiding alcohol or their empty bottles around the house, even in unusual places, to ensure you don’t discover the extent of their drinking.

If your partner is beginning to have problems at work – perhaps they are frequently late (possibly due to hangovers), or their performance in work is suffering because they’re distracted and agitated, the reason behind these issues may be a problem with alcohol.

They may also drink as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress, anxiety or depression, so turning to alcohol when they’ve had a bad day, when they’re feeling low or under pressure, can be an indicator.

However, spotting if your partner has a drinking problem can simply involve noticing the gradual increase in their consumption and their tolerance to alcohol. For many people it may start as a glass of wine in the evening after a stressful day at work. This then becomes two glasses, then a bottle, on several nights a week and weekends. While the inherent drinking culture in the UK can lead people to rationalise their drinking, for example saying, ‘well everyone is doing it’, it is important to recognise the very real health risks, both physical and mental, associated with heavy alcohol consumption.

Is my partner suffering from withdrawal symptoms?

Another sign your partner is addicted to alcohol is if they begin to exhibit signs of withdrawal. Due to the physical dependency upon alcohol involved in alcoholism, times in which your partner is trying to not drink, or is unable to procure alcohol, will lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Shaking and shivering
• Irregular heart rate
• Higher body temperature
• Anxiety

Once the body has become accustomed to a heavy alcohol intake, any extended breaks can have an effect on your system. Being watchful for these signs can help you to recognise whether your partner has a problem with alcohol.

If you are worried your partner has become addicted to alcohol, there are appropriate and measured ways to bring the subject up. Priory’s guide on how to start the conversation may help, as may our intervention guide. And, most importantly, remember that help and support is available for them and they can, in time, recover.

For details of how Priory can provide you with assistance regarding addiction treatment and rehabilitation, please call 0800 144 8969 or click here to book a FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT. For professionals looking to make a referral, please click here

It can be easy to tell when a person has been drinking. Signs include slurred speech, uncoordinated movements, lowered inhibitions, and the smell of alcohol on the breath. However, identifying an addiction may not be so black and white.

People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be able to hide many of the more obvious symptoms of addiction for a long period of time. People with the addiction and the people around them may choose to ignore the addiction. They may also find themselves in a state of denial about the realities of their alcohol use.

Pay attention to the warning signs if you suspect that a loved one is addicted to alcohol. Certain behaviors may indicate that a person’s pattern of drinking is the result of addiction.

Signs of AUD include:

• being unable to control how much you drink
• being unable to control when you drink
• feeling compelled or having uncontrollable cravings to drink
• having a “tolerance” to alcohol so that you need to consume increasingly larger amounts of alcohol in order to experience the same effects
• having to drink in order to feel “normal” or “good”
• storing alcohol in hidden places, such as at work, in your car, or in unusual places in your house
• drinking alone or in secret
• irritability if you can’t drink when you want to
• continuing to drink despite negative consequences in your personal or professional life
• preferring to drink over engaging in other activities and hobbies, including spending time with friends and family
• experiencing blackouts, or periods of time when you can’t remember what you did, where you were, or who you were with

Physical symptoms may occur when the person is unable to drink. This is known as withdrawal. These symptoms are signs of a physical addiction. The body feels it’s unable to act and function as it should without the alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• nausea
• sweating
• shaking
• hallucinations
• convulsions
• vomiting

Although the term is no longer used in the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), alcohol abuse continues to be used in many articles and in discussions about AUD.

Alcohol abuse is different from AUD, which has been considered to be the more “severe” of the two conditions. People who abuse alcohol but aren’t physically addicted may experience the same signs and symptoms as people who have AUD. But people who abuse alcohol often don’t have the same cravings or need to drink that a person with AUD does. Instead, a person who abuses alcohol isn’t able to control their drinking when they do drink.

Alcohol abuse can come with many health complications and can lead to AUD if it’s not treated.

There’s no simple diagnostic test to confirm AUD. Rather, addiction is a diagnosis of exclusion. When all behaviors and health problems are taken into consideration, a doctor may determine that the drinking is in fact an addiction.

To reach a more informed conclusion, some doctors use questionnaires to evaluate a dependence on alcohol as well as behavior when it’s consumed.

Family members, colleagues, and friends may also be asked to answer similar questions. They may be able to help the doctor understand the root of the problem as well as any behaviors that trigger drinking. Knowing this will help the doctor determine the best course of treatment for the person’s specific situation.

In some cases, it’s extremely easy to spot an alcoholic due to their constant and obvious drunkenness.

Unfortunately, once an alcoholic is at a point that casual acquaintances can spot a problem, their lives have already been on a severe downward spiral for quite some time.

For other alcoholics, spotting their addiction isn’t so easy – most people don’t know how to spot an alcoholic who isn’t a constant drunken mess. A lot of alcoholics are good at hiding their drinking problems – even from their loved ones.

(Flickr | Scott Vandehey)

Some of these alcoholics are even successful, driven people; they belong to a sub-class of alcoholics known as high-functioning alcoholics. These are people who can balance a family and a career (at least for awhile), but abuse and are dependent on alcohol.

Here are 6 ways you can spot an alcoholic. No single factor is determinative, but a combination of many of these factors may be an indication that there is a problem.

1. They avoid social functions that don’t include alcohol
Alcoholics who are physically dependent on alcohol need to drink regularly, or they’ll experience physical withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, alcoholics may also be relying on drinking as an emotional or social crutch.

2. They sneak a drink into non-alcoholic functions
While this seems like it would be an obvious tip off, high functioning alcoholics are exceptionally good at hiding their drinking. They may be good at sneaking a swig from a hidden flask while in the bathroom, or more likely, they’ll hide their problem in plain site. They might play it off as something fun to do, or adding alcohol to “liven things up”.

3. They randomly miss work, prior commitments, and/or isolate themselves
While an alcoholic can be good at juggling their addiction and their other commitments for awhile, inevitably, their drinking bleeds into other aspects of their lives. Alcoholics will often miss work or prior commitments randomly and without prior notice, due to being drunk or hungover.

People developing an alcohol problem sometimes also start to isolate themselves from those around them, either as a side effect of depression, or to hide their disease from loved ones.

4. Risky and destructive behavior
Alcohol impairs judgment, and this eventually catches up to alcoholics. Alcoholics will put themselves into increasingly dangerous situations, such as drinking and driving, or getting into fights. As their drinking habit starts to become more central in their life, they usually start to exhibit more risky behavior.

5. They’re always on an emotional rollercoaster
Managing alcoholism is difficult, and the result is an emotional rollercoaster. The alcoholic may be fine one day, and depressed the next. They can also quickly switch from happy and easy going, to angry and aggressive.

6. They have an exceptional tolerance for alcohol
There are certainly social drinkers who have high alcohol tolerances, so this factor alone is hardly a surefire way to detect alcoholism. However, you’ll rarely meet a long term alcoholic who hasn’t built a high alcohol tolerance.

Again, its worth reiterating that many of these behaviors taken alone are not necessarily signs of alcoholism. There are also many varying degrees of alcoholism and dangerous drinking behavior. But now that you know how to identify an alcoholic, if you suspect a loved one may be struggling with alcoholism, it’s imperative that you start to take action – even if it’s just to better understand the problem. There are far too many otherwise loving family members who try to mind their own business when a loved one is struggling.

While you can’t always stop their drinking problem, you can be there to express your concern and offer your support and love.

Alcohol problems are a lot more common than meets the eye, probably because not all alcohol problems are easy to spot. Some alcohol problems are actually masked artfully and easily. A problem drinker sometimes isn’t recognized by their family or friends until the issue has gotten pretty out of hand and more obvious. You might suspect that someone has a drinking problem that only gets out of hand once in a while. Your suspicions might seem valid one minute and ridiculous the next, depending on what you observe in relation to the feedback from the person you suspect. This is why it’s vital that you are able to detect the issue from your own observation beforehand. There are several ways to know how to spot an alcohol problem if you suspect somebody is struggling with one.

During The Day

Sure, the occasional mimosa with brunch isn’t unheard of, and sure, a beer or two might be a nice treat every once in awhile when watching sports on a Sunday afternoon, but there’s a fine line between drinking moderately and a drinking problem. When confronted with day drinking, the problem drinker is likely to cover up their issue with the excuse that day drinking is very common. And they aren’t wrong in this assessment, because day drinking is everywhere. There are a myriad of occasions, casual or fancy and everywhere in between, to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while the sun’s still up. However, how much is the problem drinker precisely consuming versus someone who is just enjoying a moderate amount of alcohol? This is the type of detail that can make all the difference standing between someone with a problem, and everybody else.

The problem drinker will often find excuses to drink during the day, yet overdo it and continue into the night. This makes this particular excuse suspicious. Therefore, that is one way to spot an alcohol problem. They are often finding chances to abuse alcohol during the day. So if you catch your friend kicking back five bloody marys within the one hour at brunch it took everyone else to have only two mimosas each you most likely have a problem drinker on your hands.

Breaking Promises

Another way to spot an alcohol problem in someone is when this person seems to constantly break promises to themselves in regards to how much they’re going to drink. If this is an ongoing battle you see them struggling with, then it’s definitely reflecting a bigger issue (drinking problem issue). Because, if they aren’t able to stand by their personal decision when it comes to their alcohol intake then this means they are generally not in control. So you can be sure that if this person can’t control their own drinking habits over a period of time, then they are struggling with a legitimate problem.

This could show up in different ways. They keep breaking plans of being the designated driver within their group of friends because they end up drinking. They tell themselves they have an early meeting in the morning so they only plan on having two drinks, which then turns into a lot more. What it comes down to is that, despite attempts at not drinking or cutting back for even one night, they break these promises to themselves or sometimes others because they aren’t able to manage their own habits and patterns.

Relationship Problems

A telltale sign of an alcohol problem with somebody is that they have relationship problems which stem from their drinking. Sometimes you have to do a little digging because the fights or problems that are coming up in their relationships don’t always seem like they are coming from this person’s drinking pattern off the bat. An example of this could be that the person’s spouse is angry with them because they were flirting with a member of the opposite sex. But a closer examination reveals that they were really drunk when they did so. Another example of this could be that somebody’s daughter has resentment towards them for not spending enough time with them and missing important events at their school, etc. But when you look at why this is happening, they are missing out on these family obligations because they’re either constantly hungover or too drunk to drive there.

The person who has an alcohol problem will be driving a wedge between them and their friends or the people that they’re close with. And, again, you can thank their drinking habits for this one.

Grumpy Sober

Another way to tell if somebody has an alcohol problem is if they act a lot different sober. While they might seem relaxed, easy going and happy when intoxicated, their sober side might reveal a whole other story. Maybe they’ve developed an alcohol problem due to a divorce or some equally stressful situation they started coping with by drinking a lot. Whatever the reason may be, they are most likely going to be a grumpy sober. They will no longer act like themselves when sober, and instead will sometimes be withdrawn or not want to socialize unless there’s going to be alcohol involved.

The Problem Drinker’s Relationship to Alcohol

The main way to spot that somebody has an alcohol problem is if they’re drinking heavily and/or drinking often. This doesn’t mean that the person drinks each and every single day, nor does this mean that they’re constantly binge drinking every time they go out. This only means that they don’t have control over their own drinking habits. They might drink more often than they want to. Or they might drink more in one sitting than they want to. The common denominator is that they aren’t able to stop either the level or the frequency of their alcohol intake. This has everything to do with the person’s relationship to alcohol, it says it all. How they handle alcohol tells you everything you need to know about their relationship with it. If you’re observant, you can find signs in even the smallest actions. For instance, if they fill up their glass with more alcohol than everybody else’s at the party or dinner table. Or let’s say they feel the need to drink at home each time before they go out for the night.

Obviously, an alcohol problem manifests itself in the ways already mentioned. However if you notice the person not being in control over their drinking in any way, whether it’s because they have guilt about how much they had consumed or they have guilt about their behavior while drinking, then you are most likely dealing with somebody who has developed a problem. Don’t ignore these telltale signs, no matter how small they might seem to the person. You need to read into it because it may lead you to a problem that’s in dire need of fixing.

The bottom line is that the problem drinker ordinarily can’t recognize that they have problem. In most cases, they are in denial about the situation. When confronted on the matter the typical reaction would be to get defensive. Yet, deep down inside this person has developed a problem and probably knows you’re on to something if you mention it.

By reading this article you are basically telling yourself and me that you believe there is somebody in your life that may or may not be struggling with alcohol addiction. And since you want to figure out more about it, you need to know some of the major signs that will help you determine whether or not you need to get a person some professional help.

Just because you may believe that they need professional help doesn’t mean that they’re willing to take it, so be prepared to fight a battle with this potential alcoholic if you eventually determine that they need some type of assistance. Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms right now.

Signs of Alcoholism

Does somebody you love continue to drink even though alcohol is affecting their personal relationships in a negative way? Is alcohol affecting their performance at their job?

These are two of the bigger early signs that you need to watch out for if you believe that someone in your life may be struggling with alcoholism. The alcoholic will often become very nasty and belligerent while they are drunk, and this obviously is going to be a tremendous burden on each and every one of their personal relationships if they carry this hatred and anger into any of the conversations that they have with their family and friends.

This will often turn into screaming matches that honestly don’t make any sense to this person who is sober, and this usually turns it into bad vibes that just won’t go away as long as this person continues to drink. They obviously need to get professional help and when they do they might have a chance of putting all of this stuff behind them.

An alcoholic will often put drinking over their responsibilities at work. They will also put drinking over their personal responsibilities at home or school as well because drinking will eventually become their reason for living. Everything else will get pushed off to the side and become secondary.

So if you see somebody in your life putting alcohol in front of things that were normally very important to them like work, school, and family, then you can assume that this person is an alcoholic and will most likely require some form of professional intervention in order to stop drinking permanently. Keep a close eye out for these specific symptoms because they are important indicators that you are dealing with somebody struggling with alcohol abuse.

Legal Problems due to Alcoholism

Another really good indication that somebody is an alcoholic is if they are constantly in trouble with the law due to excessive drinking. Maybe they often get into bar fights and get arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Or maybe this person often gets pulled over and arrested for driving while under the influence. Both of these are very serious things that need to be addressed, and if the alcoholic in question doesn’t address it themselves then the courts will eventually do it for them by putting them in some form of a mandatory alcohol addiction treatment center.

It doesn’t matter how they get into treatment, just as long as they finally do. It might not necessarily work, but at least they’ll get exposed to the right messages that they need to hear. So these are the things you need to look out for when trying to spot alcohol abuse. If you see any of these signs in somebody you care for then you should make preparations to try and help them get into some form of a treatment program 800-303-2482 .

When it comes to alcoholism, some alcoholics can’t hold a job, end up burning their relationship bridges with family and friends, and simply live day-to-day blatantly caught in the grips of a deadly disease. Just about everyone knows that they are chemically dependent. Yet, there are also some alcoholics that have steady jobs, relationships, parent their children well, have plenty of material possessions, and can function rather well. These people are called “high-functioning alcoholics” because, despite their reliance on alcohol, they can navigate their lives pretty well and people may not even think they have a drinking problem.

The Warning Signs

It’s oftentimes difficult for loved ones to see the warning signs of alcoholism in high-functioning alcoholics. Of course, the alcoholic may not even believe that he or she has a problem. After all, denial is quite common. Still, it is important for family members to be able to recognize the signs of alcoholism among those that seem to function well in their day-to-day lives.

Here are some high functioning alcoholic warning signs:

• They miss more days at work than they used to.
• They begin isolating some. Whereas they used to have a decent social life, they aren’t getting out there as much.
• They are struggling with negative emotions like depression and/or anxiety.
• They are drinking every evening or many evenings and weekends. They think they deserve their nightly drink or cocktail after a hard day’s work.
• They brag about their love of red wine or craft beers and will be celebrating many things with such often.
• They tend to deal with anxiety, chronic stress and unnerving situations by pouring a drink.
• They say they are only going to have a few drinks, but end up drinking more consistently.
• They tend to revolve their day around drinks, including lunchtime, after work at the bar and a nightly cocktail.
• They have trouble sleeping.

Many times a functioning alcoholic will drink years and years without anyone really knowing about their issue. Sure, they may have some relationship issues, but even sober people have such. They may get a DUI but most people may just think that was bad luck on their part. High-functioning alcoholics don’t always drink every day either. In fact, many of them are binge drinkers, drinking every weekend.

What Can You Do?

High functioning alcoholics are less likely to reach out for help because many of them don’t see themselves as alcoholics. They simply state that they like to drink sometimes and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you feel as if your loved one is an alcoholic, it is important to approach them with compassion. If they feel threatened or judged, they’re likely to shut down.

Let them know that you are quite concerned about their alcohol usage. Tell them you feel that they may be drinking too much and wonder if perhaps they have a serious drinking problem. Don’t be surprised if they get angry with you and completely deny this. It’s tough for them to see the signs. All you can do is express your concerns and ask them to really think about their drinking patterns. Let them know that there is help for those who are addicted to alcohol and that they would probably feel a lot better if they addressed the issue.

It’s not easy recovering from alcoholism, but it is possible. Be there for your loved one and stay patient. If you can keep an optimistic attitude and gently encourage them, they’ll be more likely to listen and reach out for help.

If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 800-891-8171 to speak to a treatment specialist.

Introduction

According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 88,000 people will die annually from alcohol-related causes. It is the “third leading preventable cause of death in the United States” and cost over $223.5 billion annually. 1 In 2013, 16.6 million adults over the age of 18 had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) (DSM–IV), while only about 1.3 million or 7.8% received treatment at a specialized facility. 1 A growing concern is the High-Functioning Alcoholic (HFA) who goes undetected in the community because they appear to work or operate well in society. But behind closed doors, this individual is struggling with the disease of alcoholism and in need of help.

What is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

According to the book Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic 3 by Sarah Benton, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a High-Functioning Alcoholic is defined as “a person who defies the stereotype of the image of the typical alcoholic.” 3 They are able to maintain jobs, families, and day to day living with little to no disruption in their normal routine. The High-Functioning Alcoholic typically is in denial about their abuse which in turn makes them less likely to seek treatment.

What is the Pattern for Drinking Among Alcoholics?

Whether you are concerned about yourself or another person who may be living as a High-Functioning Alcoholic, the first question you should ask is what the person’s pattern for consuming alcohol is? Men would be considered at high risk or a heavy drinker if they consume more than 4 standard drinks on any day and more than 14 drinks per week. While women who consume more than 3 standard drinks on any day and more than 7 drinks per week would be considered high risk. 4

A “standard” drink is considered to be: 4

• Regular Beer (12 fl oz.) – 5% alcohol
• Malt liquor (8-9 fl oz.) – 7% alcohol
• Glass of Wine (5 fl oz.) – 12% alcohol
• 80 proof alcohol (1.5 fl oz.)- 40% alcohol

Studies show that about 1 in 4 people who drink in excess of these limits already has an Alcohol Use Disorder and that the rest will likely develop a problem over time. However, other factors must be considered when identifying alcohol abuse to include how fast a person drinks, medical conditions, age, BMI, prescribed medications, and how alcohol may affect an individual. Any of these factors can enhance the effects of alcohol on a person which can lead to health and personal problems.

How to Spot a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Detecting a High-Functioning Alcoholic can be difficult because often times there are not any obvious patterns of abuse. However, repeated episodes of abusive behavior may be a sign that someone needs help. Some behavior that may be observed and a cause for concern include:

1. Drinks seem to be “unlimited” – They often want “just one more” or will continue to drink after everyone else is done.
2. No drink is left behind – Leaving a drink on the table is not an option for a High-Functioning Alcoholic.
3. Frequent Blackouts – Often times, the person will not remember certain events that took place or periods of time are lost “even though they did not seem intoxicated at the time” or demonstrate a high tolerance.
4. Aggressive Behavior – As the person drinks, you may notice a change in behavior such as aggression or defensiveness if they are questioned about their drinking.
5. Denying there is a problem – When a person is questioned about their drinking behavior, the result may be adamant denial that there is a problem. They often feel that since they are able to function so well in society that there is no problem.
6. Jokes about his or her drinking
7. Misses or is regularly late to appointments or work
8. Gets a DUI or is confronted with other legal problems due to alcohol
9. Alcohol is used as a tool to relax or build confidence
10. Hides their drinking
11. Drinks any time during the day including morning or when alone
12. Thinks they are in control of their drinking.
13. They may drink instead of eating or substitute alcohol for food.
14. After a heavy night of drinking, they will regularly wake up without a hangover.
15. They may go through periods of abstaining from alcohol which may result in a negative physical reaction such as irritability, nervousness, anxiety, sweating, increased heart rate, and feelings of being uncomfortable.

Risk Factors for Becoming an High-Functioning Alcoholic

Anyone can develop into a High-Functioning Alcoholic. Among some of the factors that may put a person at higher risk includes having a family history of alcohol problems, a history of injuries or legal problems that are related to drinking, a person who begins drinking at an early age, may suffer from trauma or a mental health disorder, abuses other substances whether legal or not, a high stress job or a strong peer influence who over consume alcohol.

How to do an Intervention with a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

Addressing someone who you suspect has a problem with alcohol or is in denial is not easy. The first step is to consult a professional for personal support to learn about how to approach the person and talk to them about your concerns. The conversation should take place at a time when the person has not been drinking and includes how their behavior has affected the family and those around them. There are many professional interventionists who are trained specifically in talking to someone about this problem and can help navigate the denial and resistance that may arise. The person must be willing to consider they have a problem in order for them to be receptive to getting the help they need or be willing to accept they have caused concern by friends and family.

If you think someone you care about may be dependent on alcohol and is in need of treatment, Casa Palmera can help in their recovery. We offer a medically supervised detox that assists a person who has been drinking heavily over time. A person who suddenly stops drinking on their own can suffer from life-threatening complications. Our trained medical staff will help the patient develop a safe recovery plan that is individualized and best suited for them. Casa Palmera understands that recovery is not an easy process, and we are here to provide the tools needed to be successful so that life can begin again.

How to spot an alcoholic co-worker? Well, does any of this sound familiar: “Lately he’s been arriving to work late, especially on Monday. He’ll go to lunch by himself and come back smelling of alcohol. He’s asks all of us to cover for him, then he blames us if his manager takes issue with something he missed. He misses days because of hangovers – he has his wife call and say “he must have that flu”. Apparently there is a lot of flu…There have been many more incidents in the past. It’s amazing that no one notices all this?”

Chances are good you aren’t the only one who has noticed that you are working with an alcoholic.

Physical signs that they may have a problem:

They smell like alcohol – Either their breath (which they may try to mask with mints) or, there will be an alcohol smell that emanates from their sweat as their body tries to process the alcohol.

They may be sweating – For no reason. All of a sudden they may appear to have a “hot flash” ie., sudden sweating, flush, may even have cold sweat.

Shakey hands – You may notice this if they reach for something – a pen, paper, etc. and as they hold it, their hand trembles. They may try to mask this.

Slow reaction time – Drop things, miss timed grabs for things, slow reaction time

Low energy – Pehaps cranky, low motivation for work, excessive talking, or the classic – slurred speech.

Nausea – sudden onset which has then rushing to the restroom or just general nausea which keeps then from eating.

Depression –Anxiety, aggression, burnout, and paranoid.

In addition to the above signs, an alcoholic co-worker will usually have many, many absences. Perhaps most on Mondays. Other employees may joke about this, saying things like: “Well, it is Monday…you didn’t actually expect him to come in did you?” Or, “Guess who called in sick, AGAIN??”

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the cost of absenteeism from alcoholics ranges from $33 billion to $68 billion a year. Employees with alcohol problems often make mistakes on the job. Some of these mistakes may be minor, but depending on the job, some may be dangerous and put others at risk.

Should you get involved? What can you do anyway?

Many firms have policies in place to deal with alcoholism. These policies may include random drug and alcohol testing, educational programs for employees about alcohol at work, and training for supervisors on how to spot employees under the influence or employees with drinking problems. Some HR departments have a way to discuss your concerns about an employee anonymously. Check with your HR team if you are concerned about retribution.

Some companies have “zero tolerance” policies about alcoholism and the workplace, meaning that the employee found to be intoxicated at work is automatically fired. Other companies have policies that require treatment for the employee before they are allowed to resume work. Employee assistance programs may consist of counseling and/or referrals to other agencies for services.

In the workplace, you should not have to assume a co-workers workload or be endangered due to their issue with alcohol. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. There are many functioning alcoholics, but eventually it catches up with them. Alcoholism will never “go away” on it’s own. For many alcoholics the seriousness of potentially loosing their job provided a “hitting bottom” point at which they accepted their problem and sought help.

And let us know if you’ve had to deal with this at your workplace. I’m sure it wasn’t pleasant, but if you can help someone else who needs to get help, it will help us all….

As a legal substance, alcohol is one of the most easily accessible and abused substances among young adults.

Although it is frequently used in social settings and available in many venues, it is important to recognize when casual use becomes dependency. Alcoholism is often hidden in plain sight. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism is critical in addressing the needs of a loved one. The longer an individual abuses alcohol, the more severe the consequences become.

Alcoholism causes individuals to neglect their responsibilities. Alcoholics may be neglecting work, school, hobbies and other areas of interest in favor of drinking. Or they might miss work and other commitments due to drunkenness or hangovers. They may even choose to isolate themselves from social settings in an effort to avoid someone noticing their alcoholic tendencies. In addition to neglecting their responsibilities, they may begin to disregard their personal care.

Depression is an alcoholism symptom. Alcohol is a depressant and while many may use it to feel good or as a method of relaxing and alleviating social discomfort, alcohol can quickly turn someone from happy to blue or angry in a short amount of time. Those who abuse alcohol are often sad, tired, filled with anxiety, and in some cases, suicidal.

Alcoholism is often accompanied by lying. Problems with alcohol often cause trouble in other areas of life, leading many to lie about consumption, their activities and their whereabouts. Stories are often fabricated or downplayed to keep loved ones from identifying the existence of an alcohol problem.

Too much alcohol consumption leads to dangerous behavior. As drinking takes priority over other responsibilities, alcoholism can cause individuals to put themselves in dangerous situations, like driving under the influence or engaging in physical altercations. Poor judgment only increases with alcoholism.

Individuals with a high tolerance for alcohol may be struggling with addiction. Often those who struggle with alcoholism have a higher tolerance than most. Over time, they must consume more alcohol in order to achieve the same effects.

A person who is addicted to alcohol cannot go for long periods of time without alcohol before experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They may experience nausea, anxiety and/or shaking. They may avoid situations and places where drinking is not socially acceptable due to withdrawal symptoms.

Hiding alcohol is often a sign of alcoholism. Sneaking alcohol or hiding it from friends and family is common for an alcoholic. They might be feeling ashamed or could recognize their behavior is wrong but are unable or unwilling to change it.

Alcohol is the chosen method of relaxation. Using alcohol as a means of coping with stress can be an indicator of a developing addiction. Many use alcohol as a method of self-medication in dealing with a stressful day. If someone regularly reaches for a bottle of alcohol to deal with difficulties and/or conflict, it is a red flag.

A person who is addicted to alcohol will continue to use it even if they know it is causing them problems. Even in the face of damaged relationships, health problems, depression and other negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol use, individuals who struggle with addiction will continue to drink anyway.

No matter if an individual is in the beginning stages of alcohol abuse or struggling with severe alcoholism, it is important to identify and treat their addiction. Alcoholism symptoms may be difficult to identify, but it is important to intervene immediately in order to provide the most effective treatment.

Understanding How Drug Detox Centers Can Help Excessive Drinkers, But Knowing What Is and Isn’t Alcohol Addiction

If you’re like most of the populace you may think it’s a no-brainer to spot someone who is suffering from “alcoholism,” (staying up-to-date with the most recent decree by the Center for Disease Control [CDC], the term alcoholism has now been dubbed as an alcohol substance use disorder; although this term is used by most people- few medical professionals refer to the condition as “alcoholism” among their practice) but it’s not as simple as you think. It’s not uncommon for excessive drinking to be confused with an alcohol use disorder- and perhaps this may be a precursor to the ultimate disease, it is not the end-all, tell-tale sign.

While it’s true, treating substance abuse in its earliest stages with drug detox is the smartest route to go if you recognize yourself or a loved one to indulge in excessive drinking often, it doesn’t necessarily equate to an alcohol use disorder. Straight from the mouth of the CDC, 90% out of all excessive drinkers are not physically dependent on alcohol; although, it’s important to note those 90% of people may eventually traverse down the road of a serious addiction (which is why it’s important to treat the beginning signs of substance abuse).

If we take excessive drinking for what it is, most binge drink in an attempt to self medicate themselves, to cope with the stressors of life, and as a means of escapism. This is the recipe for subsequent addiction, as most who become physically and mentally dependent on alcohol become so in a desperate attempt to self medicate their inner conflicts away. (And some suffer from mental disorders, which go untreated.)

Even though excessive drinking is not necessarily indicative of physical dependence, it’s important to resolve the inner and outer conflicts precipitating substance abuse. Drug detox centers specialize in helping excessive drinkers detox, or cleanse their bodies of addictive substances, and then help to resolve the growing turmoil catalyzing potentially dangerous drinking.

In Part Two of this post, we’ll explore what an alcohol use disorder really is, and how to clearly identify the symptoms of alcoholism. If you suspect someone is struggling to overcome the disease of alcohol abuse, or if you’re concerned about a loved one’s excessive drinking, don’t hesitate to contact an addiction detox center to talk about your options of drug detox and alcohol rehab programs.

Are you dealing with alcoholism in the workplace? Learn how to deal with an alcoholic coworker.

Are you working with an alcoholic? Your answer could be “yes” when considering that one in every thirteen American adults abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Alcohol is the most used and abused drug in the U.S. and many high functioning alcoholics are able to work and cover-up their addiction fairly well. If you know your co-worker is an alcoholic, do you think that you may be enabling him to continue drinking? Alcohol addiction not only causes economic harm to businesses costing tens of billions of dollars per year, but it also harms the drinker who may very well be in denial of his addiction. Learning how to deal with an alcoholic coworker can help save his life and the life of your company.

Many high functioning alcoholics are hard-working, high achievers who are well-respected professionals in their particular field. And although business lunches and dinners often include having drinks, many alcoholics can hold off on heavy drinking until they get home in the evening, and then they often drink heavily. This makes how to spot an alcoholic at work more difficult. Because of their high standing in their career, and being viewed as respected members of their community, most alcoholics do not recognize that they have a dependence problem with alcohol. Initially many alcoholics can perform very well at work, but alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that will eventually begin to cause deterioration in their mental capacity, judgment and over-all health.

As the alcoholic climbs the ladder of success, more work and new responsibilities will begin to cause more stress, and the alcoholic will start to depend more on alcohol as a way of coping. Eventually the alcoholic’s performance at work will begin to suffer. Here are some examples to help you determine how to spot an alcoholic at work:

• Numerous sick days
• Being tardy, especially after lunch
• Missed deadlines
• Unexplained absences from work, especially on Mondays
• Careless, sloppy work
• Poor decision making and inaccurate analysis
• Improper conduct and changes in personality
• Health, financial or familial problems
• Memory loss and blackouts
• Obsessing about having a drink
• Drunken behavior

How to deal with an alcoholic coworker requires some tact and diplomacy, because many alcoholics identify themselves and their worth with their career. They are often in denial, or just won’t admit that they have an alcoholic dependence, and will use their performance at work as proof that they are doing well. If you begin to spot multiple examples of alcoholism indicators it is time to organize a confrontation with the alcoholic. Dealing with an alcoholic employee can include: behavioral health agencies, human resources consultants, employee assistance programs and other behavioral health professionals. Employers should also consider consulting an employment attorney just as a protective measure if the alcoholic gets the Americans with Disabilities Act involved. The alcoholic is viewed as a person with a disability and the employer will have to prove that the alcoholic can no longer perform his work duties to be able to legally discharge him.

One of the best ways of dealing with an alcoholic employee is to provide him with addiction treatment in an alcohol rehab center. Many large companies offer this service to their employees who have an alcohol or drug problem. If you are a coworker, you may want to take your friend aside and have a heart to heart conversation with him. Offering your friend support without judgment will go a long way in assisting his recovery from addiction.

How to deal with an alcoholic coworker requires: information regarding alcohol addiction, family and peer support, and professional help. These are just a few suggestions when it comes to dealing with an alcoholic coworker effectively and compassionately. If you are looking for help, either for you or someone you care about, call us today at 1.800.429.7690

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There’s no doubt alcohol-related problems are a concern across the United States. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one in 12 American adults is an alcohol abuser or an alcoholic.

Yet, there is plenty of uncertainty about the difference between the two conditions. What’s alcohol abuse and what’s alcoholism?

One of the most important differences between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction is the loss of control, cites Dr. Tim Huckaby, medical director of the Orlando Recovery Center, who adds that the term used today by medical professionals is alcohol use disorder — mild, moderate, severe — with mild being “abuse” and moderate/severe being “addiction.”

“Most people abusing alcohol are able to modify their behavior when the consequences of their abuse begin to interfere with their lives,” Huckaby says. “With alcohol addiction, however, the brain reward pathways undergo changes that are believed to be irreversible, resulting in powerful cravings to continue drinking and complete loss of control over their drinking to the point that every aspect of their life becomes affected.

“In reality, there is an entire continuum of alcohol consumption in the U.S., ranging from intermittent social use to binge drinking, to problematic drinking, to daily destructive drinking and multiple ranges in between. But any drinking above the established safe range could be considered alcohol abuse.”

The alchol abuse/alcoholism institute describes “moderate alcohol use” as no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women and older people. Such consumption is considered acceptable and relatively benign. Think of a “drink” as 1.5 ounces of spirits, 5 ounces of wine (one glass) or 12 ounces of beer (one bottle), all of which contain 0.5 ounces of alcohol. But those are only guidelines, and alcohol’s impact varies from person to person, depending on a host of factors like gender, genetics, age, psychology and health.

Alcohol has, for the most part, become a mainstay of American culture, for use during celebratory occasions and sporting events as well as a part of mealtimes in some households. Within many social settings, drinking is an expected form of recreation. These scenarios can pose a considerable risk for someone who’s susceptible to alcohol abuse and addiction.

During the early stages of alcohol abuse, a few mild symptoms can easily go unnoticed as alcohol tends to have a cumulative effect on brain and body functions. Ideally, it’s best to catch a growing problem early on since the longer a person waits the harder it is take action. Ultimately, being able to spot signs of alcohol abuse early on can save you a lot a pain and frustration down the road.

How Alcohol Works

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, an estimated 17 million Americans struggle with alcohol abuse problems, while over 70 million deal with alcoholism in their families. Alcohol ranks first as the most commonly abused addictive substance and is one of the four most common causes of death in the United States.

Alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing the brain’s electrical activity as well as most every major system regulated by the body’s central nervous system. The brain also develops an ongoing tolerance for alcohol’s effects, meaning increasingly larger amounts are needed to produce its desired effects.

Bouts of emotional distress are an indicator of an alcohol abuse disorder.

Over time, alcohol starts to eat away at the brain’s cell structures, particularly the cells that produce essential neurotransmitter chemicals, such as glutamate and GABA. Changes in glutamate and GABA levels account for fluctuations in electrical activity as well as slower cell activity overall. Before long, rampant chemical imbalances start to develop in the brain. These conditions lay the foundation for alcohol abuse practices to take hold.

Not sure if your insurance will help cover your treatment costs? Call our helpline at for more information.

Signs of an Alcohol Abuse Disorder

Signs of alcohol abuse develop gradually over time, impairing the brain’s ability to regulate the body’s processes at the start. With continued drinking, chemical imbalances start to interfere with major brain centers, such as cognition, learning and emotions.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, signs of alcohol abuse to watch out for include:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, also known as “hangovers” on a frequent basis
• Not being able to control how much one drinks or drinking longer than intended
• Relationship problems that arise as a result of drinking behaviors
• Risk taking behaviors
• Failed attempts to stop drinking or reduce alcohol intake
• Legal problems, such as DUIs or public intoxication
• Decline in physical health
• Spending more time drinking and less time engaged in activities you once enjoyed
• Bouts of emotional distress

Risk Factors

While not everyone who drinks will develop an alcohol abuse disorder, certain risk factors tend to make certain people more susceptible than others. Risk factors commonly associated with alcohol abuse include:

• Traumatic childhood events involving sexual, emotional and/or physical abuse
• Drinking early on in life during the teen years
• Living a high-stress lifestyle
• Psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders
• Coming from a broken home
• Smoking

If you suspect you or someone you know may be struggling with an alcohol abuse disorder and need help finding a treatment program that meets your needs, please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at to speak with one of our addictions specialists.

Alcohol addiction is not always obvious. The disease convinces people that they don’t want to get help, and they become skilled at hiding their tell-tale signs. Priory, to raise awareness of how easily the drinking problem of a loved one can go unnoticed, has developed an interactive feature to help demonstrate the hidden signs of alcoholism and how best to spot them.

Do you think you could spot a drinking problem in your own home? An addict may be in denial, so it can often fall to those around them to notice the signs.

People with a drinking problem become adept at concealing it. There are several reasons for this – they may wish to protect their loved ones so they don’t worry, or wish to hide their addiction from their employer to avoid damaging their career.

All this deception can build a pressure of its own. An addict may go to extreme lengths to hide their addiction, travelling large distances to buy alcohol where they won’t be recognised, or hiding alcohol in places around the house or office. This may include using a hip flask, hiding alcohol in soft drinks containers, or mixing spirits heavily into soft drinks to conceal how much alcohol they’re consuming.

Billy Henderson, Addiction Treatment Manager at The Priory Hospital Glasgow, said: “It can be a disease of isolation and of secrecy. The people around the drinker may not notice, and the actual drinker may also not know that they suffer from it. Alcoholism tells the individual that they don’t have it; this is called denial.”

There has been a lot of media focus on binge drinking, particularly among students, over the past decade. However, this focus can often cause us to overlook what may be right in front of us. The Office of National Statistics reported that while drinking in many age categories had reduced, those aged 55-64 were now the most likely to be drinking at ‘higher or increasing risk levels’.

Understanding your relationship with alcohol

Priory’s Dr Paul McLaren says you need to be honest with yourself and ask the right questions to discover whether you have a problem: “Alcohol has the potential to be toxic for anyone who drinks it and it can be toxic for different individuals in different ways. Understanding how your personality, your strategies for coping with stress and your physiology interact with alcohol is as important as knowing how many units are recommended as safe.”

There are a range of signs which could indicate someone has a drinking problem:

• Lying about or covering up drinking levels
• Drinking heavily alone
• Drinking to the point of passing out
• Missing out on special occasions through heavy drinking
• Drinking alcohol first thing in the morning
• Cravings for a drink affecting mood or concentration levels
• ‘Self-medicating’ with drink because of pre-existing problems
• Negative effects on your life at home, work or socially.

Priory’s Hidden Signs of Alcoholism campaign aims to show people how easily a drinking problem can go under the radar.

For details of how Priory can provide you with assistance regarding addiction treatment and rehabilitation, please call 0800 144 8969 or click here to book a FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT. For professionals looking to make a referral, please click here

If you missed Part One of this post be sure to check it out, and read about how excessive drinking does not necessarily equate to an alcohol use disorder.

How to Identify Alcohol Addiction at Its Root and Follow Up with an Addiction Detox Center

Now that we’ve cleared up excessive drinking doesn’t necessarily translate into physical and mental addiction- what about true alcohol use disorders? Those who suffer from alcohol use disorders suffer from a fundamentally different set of symptoms; excessive drinkers consume 4-5 drinks daily, yet a victim suffering from a full-blown addiction to alcohol may exceed two or three times that amount. It’s critical to understand alcohol use disorders cannot be solely measured in the amount of alcohol consumed, but the physical and mental dependence to alcohol a person has. For instance, an alcoholic will not be able to feel normal without drinking.

Most victims of an alcohol use disorder will begin drinking early in the day, in order to function throughout the entirety of their daily responsibilities and activities. Alcohol becomes a fundamental cornerstone of the day, which may revolve solely around finding a way to drink. Alcoholics are unable to regulate the amount of alcohol they consume, despite the harmful health conditions alcohol creates, and regardless of the negative impact their alcohol addiction may impact their relationships with family and friends.

Secreting alcohol is a huge red flag of an alcohol use disorder; most suffering from addiction to alcohol are ashamed of their circumstances, and will lie about their consumption in an attempt to assuage the fears of those around them. Alcoholics frequently drink alone (whereas an excessive drinker is typically drinking socially- perhaps participating in drinking games). When victims of an alcohol use disorder stop drinking they experience withdrawal symptoms- this alone dictates addiction, as this in an indicator of physical addiction.

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include chronic depression, agitation, and anxiety, hand tremors, nausea and vomiting, sweating, inability to sleep, headaches or migraines, decreased ability to function normally due to tiredness or emotional turmoil. Another telling sign of an alcohol use disorder is the presence of tolerance. Tolerance describes the amount of alcohol one consumes, yet does not experience feelings of being buzzed, or getting drunk. Victims of an alcohol use disorder will be able to drink many more drinks than their counterparts because their bodies become accustomed to the presence of alcohol.

Additionally, victims of alcoholism often feel great shame in their conditions, and may have trouble opening up to their families or loved ones about their dependence; some victims cannot admit it to themselves. Frequently, an alcoholic will resolve to stop drinking altogether, or in excess, but will often fail in the attempt, because their physical dependence make it impossible to quit alone. In fact, attempting to detox from alcohol by yourself is exceedingly dangerous, and should never be attempted without the presence of a medical professional.

Alcohol is one of the most dangerous addictive substances one can detox from, as alcohol withdrawal is often coupled with seizures, visual and auditory hallucinations, dehydration, and the potential for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (wherein alcohol has caused brain damage, which may affect the victim’s ability to recall memories and create new ones).

At this point victims of alcohol use disorders must seek help from a certified drug treatment center and follow up with alcohol rehab programs, or risk the chance of developing cancers related to alcoholism (like esophagus and liver cancer), alcoholic cirrhosis (which is fatal), and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). Contacting an accredited drug treatment center is the first step towards redressing the deadly disease of alcohol addiction. Although the disorder takes a grueling toll on victims who suffer from it, families are often ravaged by alcoholism every day; children who are exposed to alcoholic parents carry a genetic and environmental disposition for abuse, and are two to three times more likely suffer from addiction than their peers.

If you know someone who is struggling to overcome the disease of alcohol abuse, don’t hesitate to contact an addiction detox center to talk about your options of drug detox and alcohol rehab programs. You can visit Harbor Village Detox’s website or call their friendly representatives directly, where they will help you to outline the recommended course of treatment for any addictive disorders. Call (855)767-8285 today!

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a negative pattern of alcohol use leading to a wide range of life problems. Moreover, signs of alcoholism include tolerance (needing to drink more in order to get intoxicated), disruption of daily functioning as a result of drinking, withdrawal symptoms when drinking decreases, and a preoccupation with drinking.

Although teen alcohol use has decreased in recent years, alcohol is still the most commonly abused drug among adolescents. Therefore, knowing the signs of alcoholism is essential for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with teens.

Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Signs of alcoholism in teens can vary widely, and may be physical, mental, behavioral, and/or emotional. For adolescents, alcohol problems most often arise as a result of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Alcohol can serve as a form of self-medication for teens who are struggling and in pain. In addition, genetics affect the likelihood of alcoholism.

Regardless of the causes, the sooner the problem is identified, the earlier a teen can begin treatment to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of alcoholism.

Physical Signs of Alcoholism

The most obvious signs of alcohol dependence are often physical. They include the following:

• The smell of alcohol on a teenager’s breath
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slow or slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Deteriorating physical hygiene and grooming
• Building up a tolerance to alcohol that results in drinking progressively more over time.

Alcoholism Mood Swings and Emotional Red Flags

One of the most telling signs of teenage alcohol abuse is a direct link between drinking and a teen’s emotional state. For example, they may turn to alcohol to suppress feelings of anger or relieve feelings of sadness. This is known as self-soothing or self-medication.

In addition, teens who abuse alcohol may exhibit extreme mood swings. At times, they may seem combative and aggressive, or they may act unusually agreeable.

Furthermore, recent research shows that teen alcohol abuse interferes with the expression of a protein that is crucial for brain development. Hence, teen alcoholism can cause lasting changes in the part of the brain that regulates emotion.

School Performance and Peer Relationships

Signs of teen alcohol abuse also include slipping grades and failure to show up for school, sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities. This is often the biggest sign that a teen needs treatment for alcoholism. In addition, failing at school can fuel the cycle of alcohol abuse, leading to a loss of self-esteem that catalyzes increased drinking.

Moreover, if a teenager changes their friend group, this can be one of the signs of alcoholism. A teen who is abusing alcohol may turn away from old friendships in favor of spending time with peers who drink. Friendships are very influential for teens. Thus, the peers they spend time with may impact whether they continue abusing alcohol.

Behaviors and Attitude as Signs of Alcoholism

It’s not always easy for parents to tell the difference between alcohol abuse and adolescents’ attempts to establish independence. For example, teens usually want more privacy and autonomy than they did as children. However, secretiveness and lying may indicate alcohol problems. When a teenager lies about where they’re going and what they’re doing, this may be another of the signs of alcoholism.

In addition, teens who are drinking may begin avoiding their parents, going straight to their rooms after school rather than spending time with the family. Other signs are more blatant, such as empty alcohol bottles hidden in their room.

Treatment for Teen Alcoholism

The most effective teen rehab for alcoholism involves identifying the root causes of the abuse. Once adolescents stop drinking and are in a sober environment, evidence-based clinical and experiential therapy can help them get to the heart of the problem.

Hence, inpatient or residential treatment for teen alcoholism is often necessary for sustainable recovery. However, for some teens, outpatient treatment or partial hospitalization programs may offer the help they need.

Modalities and approaches to address teen alcoholism include the following:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that helps teens shift their thoughts and behaviors
• Family therapy, as studies show that family involvement improves teen recovery outcomes
• Motivational Interviewing to enhance adolescents’ engagement with and commitment to treatment
• Recovery counseling with Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors
• Twelve-Step meetings
• Group sessions with peers, guided by therapists
• Experiential modalities such as creative arts therapies and Adventure Therapy.

With comprehensive, integrated treatment, teens have a very good chance of full recovery from alcoholism. In addition, they can heal from the underlying issues. Hence, teens can move into the next stage of their life with a foundation of self-knowledge and a toolkit of positive coping mechanisms.

Translational Psychiatry. 2019;9(1).

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2001 Nov;27(4):651–88.

Home » Blog » Alcohol Treatment Florida » What Types of Alcoholism Are Hardest to Spot?

• 05.10.2018
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• Author: dreamcenter

Every drinker is different. Although most of us can recognize someone who is under the influence of alcohol, we cannot always be sure which stage of inebriation the person has reached. Experts generally agree there are four stages of alcohol effects. As an individual continues drinking alcohol over a period of hours, he or she is likely to experience four progressive states; however, these can vary in order and intensity.

The first stage is lightheartedness. Drinkers in this early stage of alcohol’s effects are often good natured, happy, or even euphoric. Some dance, sing, tell jokes, or exhibit extroverted behavior. This is often the stage that many alcohol users are seeking in efforts to self-medicate from various struggles, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, or underlying mental health conditions. But as more alcohol is consumed, it causes many people to become irritable, angry, confrontational, and argumentative. This is when most people under the influence get into personal conflicts or physical scuffles, sometimes requiring the intervention of law enforcement. The third stage of alcoholic influence is melancholy, sorrow, shame, or remorse. Drinkers in this phase of alcohol consumption often express intense self-pity as well as guilt. They weep, whine, and apologize, often promising to never drink again. But most break that promise. The fourth stage of inebriation is passing out or becoming unconscious. At this stage the person may lose control of bowel or kidney function and can sometimes literally sleep almost anywhere. Memory lapses are common in this phase upon awakening. People who live with or associate closely with alcoholics can recognize these phases pretty easily. But there are four types of alcoholics that are harder to recognize.

Mental Illness

Someone who is struggling with a mental illness, whether diagnosed or not, may show signs of a behavioral disorder that observers chalk up to alcoholism. On the other hand, mentally ill persons are sometimes accused of being alcoholics, when in fact they are not. The symptoms that some interpret as alcohol-related are in fact stemming from the mental health disorder or a medication the person is taking to treat the problem.

It can be hard for those who don’t know the person well to determine the extent to which he or she is dependent on alcohol use. But anyone who suspects an undiagnosed mental health issue should be willing to have it checked by medical professionals not only for its own sake, but also for the potential of fostering and perhaps obscuring alcohol use.

Closet Alcoholic

Someone who is a closet drinker may feel that no one knows. Drinking is done privately, or at least the majority of alcohol consumption. Whiskey bottles and beer cans may be actually hidden in a closet or carried to the trash before other family members return home. The closet drinker tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy. The stigma of alcoholism is not to be borne.

This type of drinker often pretends indifference to alcohol when others are around, but may be a heavy drinker when no one knows. The closet drinker frequently manages to hide an alcoholic dependency for a time. But eventually the drinking may get out of control and lead to a catastrophic event, such as illness or a car accident, that exposes the problem.

High Functioning Alcoholic

There are drinkers who are able to tolerate a considerable amount of alcohol without showing obvious signs of alcoholism. They go to work, keep up with family activities, do not slur their words much if at all, and walk straight rather than crooked. They can even manage to drive safely. Nevertheless, these individuals are still under the influence of alcohol, and breathalyzer tests or blood tests will prove it. People metabolize alcohol differently.

In general, men process it more readily than women, and some races allegedly differ in how their bodies adapt to alcohol use. But alcohol use still puts them at risk for many diseases, they might also experience difficulty trying to operate a vehicles, and they can go through the four stages of alcohol’s influence as indicated above. It is just harder for those around them to confirm their impression that the person is heavily or consistently using alcohol.

The Party Drinker

Probably most people who attend parties where alcohol is served will have a drink or two. But many of us know someone who is the party drinker, the one who seems to drink nonstop and have a good time. The behavior may seem so natural and innocent that we don’t think of that person as an alcoholic with a serious drinking problem. But that is often how it is. A person who looks for occasions to drink, such as parties, gatherings, holidays, and various festivities, may do so because he or she needs a rationale to endorse alcohol intake.

It is surprising how many celebratory excuses a person can find to drink several days a week or many times a month. A drinker does not have to imbibe alcohol every day to be an alcoholic. All it takes is a steady, somewhat heavy intake of alcoholic beverages on a regular basis, and for the alcohol to disrupt daily life, finances, relationships, health, or other serious aspects of daily living, to be considered an alcoholic. A friend we consider to be merely easygoing and fun-loving may in fact be alcohol-dependent to the point where disastrous consequences loom on the horizon.

Ironically, a number of individuals enjoy having a drink or two on most days. Often, these are lighter alcoholic beverages, such as beer or wine, or sometimes a mixed drink. Typically, these people do not become alcoholics, as they seem to set limits on their alcohol intake and show no signs of moving through the various stages of intoxication. However, the types of drinkers described above may seem at first to be functioning normally. For more information on whether you or someone you care about has a serious drinking problem, call us today for answers. Our qualified staff can help right away. Call us at 877-978-3148.

Helping a friend or loved one through their battle with addiction starts by identifying that it exists.

It’s vital to remember that alcoholism is a disease , and, as with most diseases, it is easier to treat and manage if you catch it early.

But, unlike other life-threatening illnesses , alcoholism has plenty of visible signs you can be on the lookout for.

The key is knowing what those signs are.

Do you have a friend or loved-one you suspect may be suffering from the early stages of alcoholism? We can help.

Here are a few early signs of alcoholism you should look out for if you suspect your friend or loved one has picked up a dangerous habit.

Too Much “Me Time”

While an excess of partying can also be a sign of alcoholism, one of the most commonly overlooked signs is someone spending more time on their own.

If you have a friend or loved one who has begun drinking more than usual and they recognize their new habits, they may elect to try to hide it by staying home.

Drinking alone can generally be more destructive and dangerous than drinking with a crowd. So, a generally social friend who’s becoming more reclusive should be cause for some alarm.

If you’ve noticed your friend or loved one rejecting invitations more than usual, it could be a sign they need your help.

Lies and Excuses

Has your friend been “ deserving ” of a few more drinks than usual?

While a celebratory drink is perfectly healthy every now and then, not everything is worth popping bottles over.

If your friend or loved one has been “ celebrating ” a little more than they need to, it could be a sign that they are dealing with the early stages of alcoholism.

On top of that, a friend lying about how much they’ve been drinking can also be a pretty clear sign that it may be time to step in and get them the help they need.

Altered Appearance

Alcoholism can take a pretty serious toll on someone’s outward appearance. While everyone keeps up different standards on their outward appearance, there are a few things you can look out for.

Start by paying close attention to your loved one’s clothes. If they’re wearing stained, wrinkled or even dirty garments, it could be a sign they haven’t been taking the time to care for their wardrobe.

This disinterest with keeping up with basic chores can be a sign that they’re dedicating more of their time to more dangerous activities.

Clothing aside, you can also look out for lack of or poor job shaving, doing make-up, or maintaining their skin.

Unwashed, unkempt or over-grown hair can also be a sign that someone is dealing with alcoholism.

Risk Taker

Finally, sneaking a beer into the movies once or twice may seem innocent and funny when you’re in college–but it could spell trouble if it’s become a habit.

If you’ve noticed your loved one has started drinking in places they shouldn’t, it could be a sign that they’ve developed alcoholism.

A rise in risk-taking behavior is a staple of addiction and a definite sign that it’s time to get your loved one the help they need.

If you have a friend or loved one who is suffering from addiction and want to help them, you can get more details about how to do that here.

Spotting the Early Signs of Alcoholism

Overcoming addiction, no matter how serious, will always be a struggle. It’s important to remember that while your loved one may be defensive or even aggressive at first, they need your support now more than ever.

Now that you know the early signs of alcoholism you should be on the lookout for, you can take your next step in helping your friend or loved one.

Are you looking for tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy? We can help.

We have dozens of articles on everything from dealing with addiction to finding a fun new workout routine. Check them out today.

What Is Alcoholism?

For many, beer, wine, and spirits conjure up thoughts of social gatherings and tipsy fun. But alcohol is a nervous system depressant and is associated with damaging behavior, as well as the emotional pain and physical disintegration of alcohol addiction, colloquially known as alcoholism. Experts continue to debate the benefits and risks of drinking and passionately argue over whether moderation or complete abstinence is the best option for those who struggle with alcoholism.

Alcohol Use Disorder is a pattern of disordered drinking that leads to significant distress. It can involve withdrawal symptoms, disruption of daily tasks, discord in relationships, and risky decisions that place oneself or others in harm’s way. More than 16 million American adults struggle with overconsumption of alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Like all addictions, alcohol use disorder is inextricably linked to a complex matrix of biological, social, and psychological factors. Research highlights a genetic component to the disorder, as about half of one’s predisposition to alcoholism can be attributed to genetic makeup. People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with trauma or other, often unrecognized psychological disorders. Socially, alcoholism may be tied to family dysfunction or a culture of binge drinking.

Excessive alcohol consumption is correlated with increased risk of stroke, liver disease, and decreased life expectancy. In fact, binge drinking during only the weekends can provide enough of an assault to damage the liver, studies show. Moderate drinking can interfere with sleep quality by interrupting circadian rhythms and REM sleep.

For more information on symptoms, causes, and treatment, see our Diagnosis Dictionary.

How to Treat Alcoholism

In some cases, the first step in treating alcohol use disorder is detoxification—experiencing withdrawal in a safe setting with medical professionals. Following withdrawal, there are many paths to recovery.

Some people are able to stop drinking on their own. There are many organized programs that provide the support of peers, usually through frequent meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous is one such program; It offers a structured 12-step path toward recovery with a community of support from those who have dealt with similar challenges.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is another path, available in person or online. Non-abstinence-based recovery models—such as Moderation Management—advocate for reducing one’s alcohol consumption rather than abstaining completely.

The biggest barrier to therapy of any kind that patients may face is the shame and stigma associated with the condition; most programs address such concerns directly.

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Alcohol addiction doesn’t have to control your or a loved one’s life. Lots of people live long, healthy lives in recovery. You can join them. Learn the warning signs of an alcohol abuse problem. Learn what you can do when one is present. By offering help or getting help for yourself, you can save a life.

Drinking Despite Consequences

For most people, drinking does not lead to substance abuse or dependence. However, for millions of others, it does. Some people find that they continue to drink no matter the consequences and no matter how much they want to stop. This is one of the key signs of alcoholism. However, it is not the only sign.

Families and the Genetic Warning Signs of a Drinking Problem

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that genes are responsible for nearly half your risk of alcoholism. 1 If a parent, sibling or other family member struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, take it as a warning sign.

Even when genes aren’t responsible, growing up around alcoholism puts you at risk.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration explains that when one member of a family drinks too much, others may ending up drinking too much as well. Drugs and alcohol can come to seem like a good way, or even the only way, to cope with the stress of the situation. 2 However more alcohol use isn’t the answer to any alcohol abuse situation. Treatment helps whole families begin to heal no matter their past or present.

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Physical Warnings Signs of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can cause some physical, visible effects, like a red face and nose.

Physical signs of alcoholism, aside from immediate withdrawal symptoms, include the following:

• Broken capillaries on the nose and face
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin indicating liver damage
• Breath that smells of alcohol on a consistent basis
• A marked decrease in attention to personal hygiene, showering and dental care
• Notable weight loss or weight gain

• Dry skin
• Brittle hair and fingernails
• A flushed appearance
• Evidence of aging more rapidly than usual such as a sudden increase in wrinkles and age spots

Alcohol damages the body. It is a toxin, and this toxin wears down organs and overall health and appearance. Individuals who are dependent on alcohol may not worry about staying active or eating balanced meals. Alcohol may damage liver function. You or a loved one may simply feel ill, worn down or tired all the time. Don’t ignore physical warning signs. They can be clear, obvious warnings of an alcohol abuse problem.

Social and Behavioral Warning Signs of a Drinking Problem

Drinking is a socially accepted activity. In fact, it’s often encouraged by friends, family members, the media and the public at large. This sometimes makes it hard to spot drinking problems at first. However, changes in a person’s words and actions, and their social health, can act as warning signs. You may experience them yourself, or you may observe them in someone you care about.

Some of the following thoughts, actions and interactions can indicate a drinking problem:

1. Trouble with the law. Legal issues and interactions with law enforcement can indicate a drinking problem. Being convicted of a DUI or arrested for public intoxication are clear signs of a problem.
2. Relationship issues. An alcohol abuse problem can lead to consequences in professional, personal and romantic relationship.
3. Other drug use. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, you may turn to other drugs when alcohol isn’t available. This can lead to polysubstance abuse or addiction.
4. Agitation. If you feel restless, agitated or discontent without alcohol in your bloodstream, you should start to reevaluate your drinking habits.
5. Comments from others. Comments and concerns about your drinking can indicate an alcohol abuse problem. Rather than respond with frustration and irritation, seriously consider their words.
6. Opinions from medical professionals. Doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists know all the signs of a substance use problem. Take their opinions and concerns seriously.
7. Cravings. Feeling like you “need” alcohol to feel good physically or feel good or relax mentally can be a sign of a developing problem.
8. Making, and breaking, promises to not drink. One sign of a drinking problem is making pledges to self or others to not drink yet doing so anyway. This may be a promise to stop drinking altogether, to only drink a certain amount or to not drink during a specific occasion.
9. Low self-esteem. Feeling low self-esteem — and reaching for alcohol in an attempt to fulfill an inner “hole” or void — is an alcohol abuse warning sign.
10. Spending money. If you are facing an alcohol abuse problem, a large portion of your paycheck, income or assets may be going towards alcohol.
11. Cannot focus. If you find it hard to focus on anything other than the next drink, reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. This focus may be further complicated by withdrawal symptoms when you aren’t drinking.
12. Blackouts. A warning sign of a drinking problem is being unable to remember the previous night, sometimes even on nights when you claimed you were going to “take it easy” in regards to drinking.

When a person is abusing alcohol, he or she may have some problems meeting their responsibilities at work or at home. They may engage in risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated. They could also begin to have legal problems that are a result of their drinking like getting arrested for driving drunk. If you are developing an alcohol use problem, you will continue to drink despite the negative consequences and effects drinking has on family members, friends and life. The more warning signs you see, the more likely dependence or addiction becomes.

Abuse versus Dependence versus Addiction

Alcohol dependence, abuse, and addiction aren’t the same thing. People who abuse alcohol will drink in excess, but they may not be physically dependent and may only have a few of the warning signs mentioned above. A person who is physically or psychologically dependent on alcohol may not yet be addicted. However, creating clear, distinct lines between these categories isn’t necessary.

As The Atlantic explains, seeing problematic drinking as a spectrum, “will allow people to recognize problems earlier and to seek solutions without having to be labeled as alcoholics.” 3

is or where treatment suddenly becomes necessary. The sooner you get help, the better, and it’s never the wrong time to ask for professional help and guidance. Treatment professionals can offer in-depth, accurate assessments to help you determine where you are, where you want to be and how you can get there.

What to Do When You See Warning Signs

When you see warning signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to get help. The sooner you speak up, the sooner you can avoid or reverse the consequences of alcohol abuse or addiction. It’s never too early or too late. Anyone can find recovery, any time. All it takes is noticing warning signs and reaching out to professional resources like Michael’s House when you do. Call 760-548-4032 now.

Alcoholism is often marked by behavioral symptoms such as withdrawal from friends and family to dangerous activity like drinking and driving.

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol can quickly “snowball” or spiral out of control.

Here are some “red flags” indicating you might have a problem with alcohol:

• Are friends and family suggesting there is a problem?
• Is alcohol having a negative effect on your work performance or health?
• Do you need alcohol to get through the day?

The above questions might apply to you at times or not at all. Do the following symptoms of alcohol abuse register?

• Drinking alone, isolating, and showing distance from friends and family
• Drinking to “feel normal,” relax or deal with stress
• Demonstrating mood swings and increased irritability
• Drinking leading to blackouts or short-term memory loss
• Choosing drinking over responsibilities and obligations
• Drinking with a “new crew” over your former friends and acquaintances

If any of these red flags seems like they could apply, you might be struggling with alcoholism or have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). If you would like help or just more information on alcohol, please contact us.

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Diagnostic Tools

Do you look in the mirror and wonder whether you have a problem with alcohol? You might need a more detailed diagnostic protocol to probe a potential problem.

There are tools like the CAGE questionnaire that can help you diagnose potential AUD. If you respond “yes” to two or more of the following questions, then you should seek help:

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Another tool you can consult yourself or under the guidance of a medical professional is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This mental health diagnostic guide examines AUD and asks questions to probe potential problems.

When considering some of the following questions, you should consider your alcohol use in the past year:

• Have you been in trouble with the law due to alcohol-related problems?
• Have you gotten into situations while drinking that increased your chances of harming yourself and others (e.g. drinking and driving)?
• Have you felt an urge or craving to consume alcohol?
• Have you experienced symptoms associated with an alcohol withdrawal?
• Have you been in a situation where you ended up drinking much more than you intended?
• Have you continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem?

Take QuitAlcohol.com’s Alcoholism Quiz Here

Alcohol Abuse Statistics

With all these tools, tests, and questions, you might grow exasperated. Surely, you reason, everyone drinks around me. Every time you go online or engage with the media, you see alcohol-related ads or content. It is everywhere!

Some recent governmental data affirms this belief. In one section, the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by SAMHSA studies alcohol use in the United States. At the time of the study, there were 138.3 million alcohol users in the U.S., 66.7 million (46.2% of all drinkers) were characterized as binge drinkers. Binge drinking for men was defined as consuming five or more drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days. For women, binge drinking was defined as drinking four more drinks on the same occasion on at least one days in the past 30 days.

Of the 138.3 million drinkers, 17.3 million were heavy drinkers in the NSDUH. Heavy alcohol use was defined as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past 30 days for men or women. Heavy drinkers reflect 26.0% of bingers and 12.5% of all users.

University of Wisconsin Whitewater

If you feel you may have a problem with alcohol, the recent NSDUH confirms that you are not alone.

Seeking Help for Alcoholism

The NSDUH data suggests there are many people suffering with alcoholism. If the diagnostic tools and symptoms described in this article register as red flags, you can find treatment in a specialized treatment facility where you can ease the withdrawal symptoms thru detox in a rehab facility.

Following treatment, a recovery program is suggested where trained specialists can organize a program of steps and goals to maintain your sobriety. Often, low-cost recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon will help a recovering alcoholic continue their path of recovery.

Table of Contents

As men are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder at almost twice the rate of women, the signs of alcoholism in women can often be difficult to find. This may result in the disease of addiction going untreated, leading to multiple health problems.

Extreme alcohol use can cause exhaustion and short-term memory loss, as well as weakness and paralysis of the eye muscles.

More seriously, however, are liver disorders, such as cirrhosis, which is the irreversible and progressive annihilation of liver tissue.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder can be defined as a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to mental illness and compulsive behavior. As addiction is a physical dependence with compulsion symptoms, the signs of alcoholism in women can be difficult to see.

Symptoms of Alcoholism

Signs of alcoholism can begin with heavy use. Abuse and dependence are the general labels used to explain consumption practices. Problems with drinking suggest the use of alcohol beyond the point where it causes physical, social or moral impairment and destruction to the individual.

Problematic Alcohol Use in College

During college years it is very common for students to consume alcohol on the weekends and sometimes during the week. Because alcohol is readily available and usually present at every college party, drinking can become the norm.

Social drinking on the weekends is one thing, but many take it much farther than this. When students get into the habit of abusing alcohol to get drunk on a consistent basis, a problem begins, and signs of alcoholism can be seen.

Abuse and Dependence

Abuse and dependence are defined as a preoccupation with the consumption of alcohol and a physical desire to consume alcohol. In addition to these signs of alcoholism in women and alcohol abuse in women, there are four specific symptoms:

Craving

A strong need or urge to drink and a loss of control

Loss of Control

Drinking more than planned or not being able to cut down or control alcohol consumption

Physical Dependence

Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun

Withdrawal Symptoms

Nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety after stopped drinking

Neglecting Responsibilities

A woman struggling with an addiction to alcohol may begin to neglect work or family obligations in an effort to manage their addiction and prevent withdrawal

Tolerance

The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel drunk

Drinking Regardless

Regardless of dangerous situations, consequences, relationship problems, health issues, or legal issues

The cravings to consume alcohol can be as strong as a need like hunger. This craving can lead to continued drinking despite serious health and legal problems.

Alcoholism Warning Signs

There are a few ways to identify the possible signs and symptoms of an alcohol use disorder, including:

• Regular blackouts
• Leaving responsibilities unfulfilled due to alcohol
• Making alcohol a central part of socialization
• Lying about drinking habits

Physical Effects in Women from Alcohol Abuse

The physical health signs of alcoholism in women are extensive and may be visible to friends and family, but most are detected by physicians, these include:

Gastrointestinal problems:

These problems as a result of chronic alcohol use include gastritis, which is damage to the stomach lining.

Liver damage:

Physical signs of liver damage include yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) and swollen legs and ankles. Long term liver damage can result in cirrhosis of the liver.

Menstruation issues :

Drinking heavily can impact fertility. Menstruation may stop or become irregular due to alcohol use, or women may fall into an early menopause. This is because of alcohols effect on a woman’s hormonal cycle.

Pancreatic damage:

The pancreas helps reduce the hormones that regulate metabolism. Chronic alcohol use can create long-term damage.

Brain damage:

These is an increasing awareness that long-term alcohol use is connected to brain degenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Heart damage:

Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and damage the heart increasing the risk of heart failure or stroke.

Does my Doctor Know How Much I Drink?

It can be hard for doctors to decide which patients to monitor for alcoholism as some signs and symptoms could be due to other illnesses.

Doctors ask a series of questions about drinking habits in order to get an indication of the amount of drinking. Someone struggling with an addiction to alcohol may find it hard to share how much alcohol they are actually consuming.

Blood tests measure the size of red blood cells, which increase with long-term alcohol abuse. Tests that show liver damage can also assist in diagnosing a patient with alcohol abuse.

If you are struggling with an addiction to any substance, your doctor is a safe place to start a conversation.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism in Women

Signs of alcoholism in women typically include drinking more than 12 drinks per week. Drinking alone is a single risk factor that can contribute to alcoholism. Other risk factors include the following:

Risk Factors

Age: People who start drinking in their teens are at a higher risk of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Genetics and Family History: A person is more likely to develop alcoholism if their parents are alcoholic or abused alcohol. Emotional Disorders: Being severely depressed or having anxiety places one at a greater risk of abusing alcohol. Also, adults with ADHD may be more likely to become dependent or abusive.

How to Prevent Addiction

The probability of addiction depends on the parents, friends and other role models in a persons life and at what age they began drinking alcohol.

A few tests that a person can perform are trying to avoid drinking out of habit and while bored and setting limitations on drinking before the day begin.

It is important to establish activities separate from drinking as drinking with friends and drinking heavily can encourage alcohol abuse.

There are different treatments available to help women struggling with alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Treatment for Women with Alcohol Use Disorder

Treatment includes assessment, intervention, and outpatient series or therapy with possibly an inpatient stay if the patient is a danger to herself. A housing treatment begins with detoxification and withdrawal. This period can last for to seven days and delirium tremens (DT’s) or withdrawal seizures may occur. After detox, emotional support is given.

This consists of individual therapy and counseling, support from respective recovery groups, helping to combat active addiction and alcoholism. Most importantly, acceptance of the fact that one is addicted and unable to control their drinking is necessary for effective treatment.

Support groups, therapy, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can help women abstain from drinking and continue with a fulfilling sober life.

Many consider alcoholism, or alcohol use disorders (AUD), to be the worst of all addictions for a number of reasons. The most obvious reason is its availability; anyone who’s at or above the legal drinking age can buy and consume alcohol at his or her leisure. With so many people able to buy and keep alcohol on hand, it inevitably follows that a lot of adolescents and teens have fairly easy access to alcohol.

However, the most significant reason why alcoholism is widely considered the worst addiction is due to the intense physical dependence a person’s body forms to the substance. After a prolonged period of severe alcoholism—which is typically used to indicate a person who drinks frequently and very heavily—a person could be so addicted to the substance that it would be dangerous for him or her to abruptly stop drinking alcohol.

Due to its severity, it’s important for everyone to be knowledgeable of the most common signs of alcoholism. This is a disease that puts a person’s mental and physical well-being as well as the well-being of his or her loved ones. The implications of an addiction to alcohol are dire; people lose their careers, relationships, opportunities, interests, hobbies, and overall health. By being able to identify some of the warning signs of alcoholism, it becomes possible to intervene and encourage him or her to seek the necessary treatments for the disease. Therefore, the following are some signs that someone is struggling with an alcohol use disorder.

DEFENSIVENESS

The mind of an addicted is very complicated, having been warped by the disease that causes people to behave in ways that contradict their better judgments. In effect, the structural and functioning changes that addiction causes in the brain essentially block out a person’s survival instinct and aversion to behaving in ways that will bring them harm or repercussions.

However, the addict him or herself doesn’t quite see it that way. Although chronic substance abuse is a behavior that the average person would recognize as being harmful, those who abuse alcohol typically deny that they’re unable to control their alcohol consumption. When someone accuses them of drinking too much or asks other probing questions, they can sometimes become incredibly defensive, quickly justifying their alcohol consumption by insisting that they’re in control, they only drink to alleviate stress or help them to sleep, or that they’ve earned the right to have fun. Unfortunately, this defensiveness is a very common characteristic among those who are struggling.

Saturday, June 27, 2020 | 2 a.m.

It’s been a long three months since the start of the pandemic, and we are by no means out of the woods. Social isolation, economic insecurity and health concerns make for a perfect storm of stressors that many of us are experiencing right now. If you’ve been living with a spouse or a partner during lockdown, you will most likely be the first to notice any changes in behavior.

Adaptive ways to manage stress

There are many ways we can manage stress during the pandemic without turning to maladaptive behaviors, says UNLV’s Sara Jordan. She notes, however, that these are unprecedented times, so if you do experience anxiety or depression that you can’t manage on your own, make an appointment with your doctor. Otherwise, here are some activities you can try with your partner while social distancing.

• Spend time in nature. Being in the open air is one of the safer activities we can do right now. Go hiking or take a long drive.

• Work out at home. Challenge each other to try different methods. There are plenty of options on YouTube, from yoga to boot camp-type workouts.

• Talk to your support network. Stay in touch with family and friends. Social isolation is not healthy for anyone, and maladaptive behaviors thrive when we don’t have outside support.

• Develop a new hobby. Whether it’s baking or putting together a jigsaw puzzle, try to find an activity you both enjoy.

“Any vulnerability that an individual had is going to be squeezed during this time,” says Merlelynn Harris, clinical director of Bridge Counseling Associates, a nonprofit that provides individual and family counseling in Southern Nevada. “So whether it’s alcoholism, something non-substance related, even as simple as impatience and irritability, if that was there before, it’s definitely coming out now. … Whether we’re doing more at-risk behaviors out of boredom, or out of stress or out of anxiety or even out of a trauma response, it’s usually their loved ones that will notice that it’s a problem behavior, rather than the individual.”

Excessive use of alcohol is a particularly common maladaptive behavior, as it begins easily enough as a stress reliever but can, over time, develop into something more serious, and have significant medical and psychological consequences. During the pandemic, alcohol use has been made light of—there are memes and tweets about people making “quarantinis” and jokes about drinking before 5 p.m. now that they’re working from home. Zoom virtual happy hours have become a way to let off steam with friends and coworkers. And liquor stores offering delivery and curbside pickup haven’t suffered from lack of business—nationally, sales of wine, beer and spirits are higher compared with a year ago, according to market research firm Nielsen.

But when does a way to release tension become a more serious problem? According to the British Journal of General Practice, “Harmful drinking is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption causing health problems directly related to alcohol. Alcohol dependence is characterized by craving, tolerance, a preoccupation with alcohol and continued drinking in spite of harmful consequences.”

External behavioral events, like a DUI or being kicked out of the house, often lead couples to seek help. But Harris notes that in a lot of households, codependency can occur in which couples minimize the significance of the problem, and that’s especially dangerous during times of social isolation. “It might have spiked, especially during COVID. And now they’re trying to figure out what to do or how to handle it,” she says.

Associate professor Sara Jordan, program director of couple and family therapy at UNLV, says a notable change in behavior is your biggest clue in determining whether your partner is consuming too much alcohol, and that the actual amount of consumption can vary from person to person. “Factors such as body weight, tolerance and age play a role,” she says, “[but] if you notice your partner is consuming more than their usual, it might be helpful to seek the services of a mental health professional with experience in substance use disorders.”

With help from such a specialist, couples can learn the tools to start a difficult conversation without it devolving into a blame game, since being blamed can be perceived as being attacked. “A lot of couples don’t realize having conversations about difficult subjects is usually a skill,” Harris says. “So whether it’s problem drinking, our finances, our sex life, our parenting style, there are some skills required in being able to talk about really sensitive issues. Individuals willing to learn those skills can have those conversations and can stay on the issue.”

Harris usually teaches couples active listening skills, which she calls an untapped resource. This entails not interrupting the other person, using nonthreatening body language and asking clarifying questions. When you ask your partner a question and they respond, slow down the communication process by not immediately reacting or paraphrasing what they said, Harris says.

Starting the conversation at the right time can be just as important. Both Harris and Jordan stress approaching your partner when they’re not intoxicated, as they will be less defensive and more open to what you’re saying. Come into the conversation as nonjudgmental and nonaccusatory as possible. The one assumption we all have of a healthy relationship is that we want to be part of the solution if our partner is struggling.

“I know it sounds so ridiculous, but sometimes it’s as simple as just being kind to each other,” Harris says.

Alcohol dependence is characterized by tolerance — the need to drink larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects originally produced by lower doses — and the development of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when a person suddenly stops drinking.

Most individuals who are alcohol dependent are physically, psychologically and emotionally reliant on alcohol, and they usually continue to drink despite the adverse consequences. They often experience overpowering cravings and are preoccupied with alcohol.

But alcohol dependence is not the same as alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Dependence vs Alcohol Addiction

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, dependence is a state in which the brain functions normally only in the presence of a drug. Within hours or a few days of having their last drink, people dependent on alcohol will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms that may include hand tremors, nausea or sweating.

Addiction to alcohol, however, is a disease characterized by a compulsion to drink and an inability to control one’s alcohol intake. People who are dependent on alcohol are often addicted to the substance, but it is possible to be dependent and not addicted.

While the American Psychiatric Association used to separate alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into two distinct disorders, both are now categorized into a single diagnosis called alcohol use disorder. An alcohol use disorder, which can range from problem drinking to alcoholism, can be classified as mild, moderate or severe, depending on a person’s symptoms and drinking behaviors.

How Does Alcohol Dependence Develop?

No one sets out to become an alcoholic, but regular, heavy drinking can result in alcohol dependence and alcoholism.

When we drink, alcohol enters the brain and disrupts the delicate balance of chemicals called neurotransmitters that keep the body functioning normally. This disruption leads to the numerous behavioral changes and physical signs associated with intoxication, such as euphoria, loss of inhibition, impaired coordination, slurred speech and drowsiness.

Fortunately, these effects are temporary and wear off after the body breaks down the alcohol. But when exposure to alcohol is ongoing, the brain seeks to compensate for these effects, and a complex cascade of long-term chemical changes begin to occur.

To counteract the brain-slowing effects of alcohol, for instance, the brain increases the activity of excitatory neurotransmitters, which stimulate nerve activity and heighten arousal. As these changes occur, people require increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to become intoxicated. As a result, their drinking will often escalate.

At the same time, the drinker will likely begin to experience intense cravings for alcohol and distressing physical withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, anxiety, tremors, an elevated heart rate and insomnia, when they stop drinking.

To avoid these uncomfortable symptoms, which can occur as soon as six hours after people who are dependent on alcohol consume their last drink, a person may begin drinking frequently or around-the-clock.

Chronic, heavy alcohol use also wreaks havoc on the brain’s reward system, which can alter the way the brain perceives pleasure and limit a person’s ability to control his or her behavior. Over time, these changes, along with the effects of tolerance and withdrawal, can create a vicious cycle of dependence that keeps the person hooked on alcohol.

Unfortunately, alcoholism is wildly undertreated. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 6.7 percent of adults who had an alcohol use disorder in 2015 received treatment. Many alcoholics often wait up to a decade before seeking help.

Is Your Loved One Abusing Alcohol? How to Identify Alcoholism

Are you worried that your loved one is abusing alcohol? While alcohol use is legal and widely accepted, alcohol dependence can cause myriad health issues and discomfort for families and friends of those dependent on alcohol. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates that 88,000 deaths are caused from excess drinking each year.

Because alcohol is easily attainable, it can be difficult to tell if someone has an issue with alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse, but there are some key factors you can look for. Read on to find out how to identify if your loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and where you can turn for help.

Who Is at Risk for Alcohol Abuse?

Anyone can become an alcohol abuser or alcoholic, but the risk is greater in adult women who drink more than eight drinks per week and adult men who drink more than 15 drinks per week. Your loved one might be abusing alcohol or suffering from alcoholism if they meet the following characteristics:

• They drink alone or secretly
• They cannot control how much they drink
• They have an abnormally high alcohol tolerance
• They become irritable when they cannot or do not drink
• They continue to drink even when it affects their daily lives
• They can’t fall asleep without first drinking
• They need to drink in the morning to get going
• They lie about how much they drink
• They drink and drive or have experienced legal issues due to drinking

What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is not so easily defined, simply because abusing alcohol does not necessarily make someone an alcoholic. For example, college students often abuse alcohol at parties, but that doesn’t mean that they become dependent. An alcohol abuser is often defined by the way alcohol consumption interrupts their daily life.

Someone becomes an alcohol abuser when they neglect their daily responsibilities or behave recklessly because of their drinking habits. Alcohol abusers will often drink to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotions.

Signs of alcohol abuse include taking serious risks like mixing prescription medication with alcohol, or even drinking and driving. Alcohol abusers will also often miss work because of a hangover or spend less time with their families because they’d rather be at the bar.

What Is Alcoholism?

An alcoholic is different from an alcohol abuser because they are dependent on alcohol to get through the day. Alcoholics also have high alcohol tolerances, meaning they need to drink more to feel drunk or tipsy. This can cause the person to drink heavily each time they drink, which increases the chances of alcohol abuse turning into alcoholism.

When someone is dependent on alcohol, they often experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, depression, fatigue, nausea, tremors, headaches, and irritability. Drinking can seemingly quell these symptoms, causing alcoholics to drink even more and fall into a cycle of alcohol dependence.

Signs of alcoholism include drinking in spite of knowing the personal and financial harm alcohol consumption is causing themselves, their friends, and their families. Alcoholics often cannot stop themselves from drinking even if they try to. Drinking and thinking about getting their next drink can often control their thoughts and distract from everyday life.

What Is High-Functioning Alcoholism?

Identifying a high-functioning alcoholic is difficult because they often seem like they “have it all together” on the outside. A high-functioning alcoholic is typically someone who abuses alcohol, but is still seemingly a high-functioning member of society. This can mean they are able to hold down jobs, perform daily responsibilities, and even have happy families.

Essentially, high-functioning alcoholics are able to appear completely normal on the surface, and their alcoholism does not disrupt their daily lives. However, a high-functioning alcoholic’s alcohol consumption and abuse rarely go unnoticed by those close to them. Family members and friends who are close to high-functioning alcoholics often know there’s a problem before anyone else does.

How to Get Help

If you feel that your loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, it’s easy to feel helpless. Alcoholism is an extremely dangerous disease, but it can be hard to convince an alcoholic to seek help when they don’t feel that they have a serious problem. What you can do is educate yourself about the types of treatment available to your loved one.

At Mountain Peak Recovery we specialize in both inpatient and outpatient rehab treatments for alcohol and drug addiction. Your loved one will be immersed in a culture of sobriety and surrounded by qualified support. Contact Mountain Peak Recovery to find out more about how alcohol addiction rehab in Utah can help your loved one.