Millions of adults have had a diagnosis of alcohol disorder. Unfortunately, teens over the years have contributed to a large number of those getting the diagnosis. Rehabilitation centers have been an enormous help for many as a last resort, having plunged into life as an alcoholic. With no two people experiencing the effects of alcohol addiction identically, loved ones, including family and friends, can gauge their loved ones’ symptoms. They sound the warning early enough before it becomes a case of severe addiction.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a severe alcohol drinking problem where you are always filled with the desire to drink when you are not drinking. The urge is uncontrollable, and every other important issue gets second priority, be it family or work. Withdrawal symptoms are severe when momentarily stopped to the point of not functioning normally. Although it can damage your health, the thought of giving up drinking even for a few hours is as painful as physical pain. However, to stop yourself from reaching such lengths, here are early signs of alcohol addiction to look out for.
1. Unplanned drinking
Early signs of alcohol addiction start with drinking more than intended. Even after drinking a few hours prior, the new opportunity to drink seems too enticing to pass. The problem grows as you eventually start to drink longer on those unplanned moments.
2. Failed attempts
Another early sign you are becoming an alcohol addict is the urge to stop but fail numerous times at the attempt. After having a solid plan of times to cut back, giving up seems the easy way out without putting too much effort into it. However, when you eventually have your mindset, you find it difficult to cut back on drinking as the periods are filled with misery.
3. Unproductive
Unproductiveness comes when more time is spent drinking instead of other essential tasks. However, the time wasted also shifts to the time spent being sick from taking too much alcohol and the associated hangover that comes with it.
4. Daydreaming
Consider getting help immediately when you start daydreaming and thinking about alcohol in times that you usually should not. Be alarmed and start considering getting into a rehabilitation center if all your fun times need a drink to be a joyous occasion.
5. Priorities
Shifting priority from family and friends and spending more time in bars is a clear sign of addiction. If you find yourself canceling planned family gatherings to get a quick fix, it’s a sign of alcohol enslavement. However, when attending family gatherings and you find yourself isolating in corners and sneaking away to drink instead of mingling with others, it’s already becoming a severe case of alcohol addiction.
6. Lack accountability
Lacking accountability after alcohol intake has caused numerous problems for you is a case for concern. However, if you find yourself drinking more and blaming others, then it’s a clear sign of alcohol addiction.
7. Shift focus
When you find yourself cutting back on activities you previously enjoyed, it’s a sign of addiction. Consider the number of times you have turned down engaging in your hobbies for drinking alcohol.
8. Irresponsible
Alcohol enters directly into the bloodstream, impacting the way you think and function. The result is that simple things that need no concentration become harder to do, like walking. Activities that need attention, such as driving, become complicated, placing everyone, including yourself, at risk. However, it becomes dangerous when you find yourself playing down the issue after it has been pointed out.
9. High
One of the earliest signs of alcohol addiction is taking it to induce a particular effect. You find yourself having to drink until one specific high is felt. After the high dissipates, withdrawal symptoms set in, and you feel restless, sweaty, and have trouble sleeping. On rare occasions, you find it hard to see, hear, have a racing heart, and worst still, may suffer a seizure.
When to start worrying about alcoholism?
It’s easy to get over the limit and build alcohol tolerance without keeping an eye on the recommended intake levels. If you find yourself taking more than 5 ounces of alcohol in one sitting regularly, start monitoring your intake. Ask yourself:
- How important is it for me to drink?
- How much do I drink in one sitting?
- How many people have warned me about drinking?
- How much money have I wasted instead of prioritizing important issues on alcohol instead?
If you discover that you have an alcohol addiction, talk to a trusted family member first to help you think of the next step. However, do not quit immediately as the adverse withdrawal symptoms can be hazardous to your health. Instead, find ways of reducing the amounts until you stop drinking. You might need a professional rehabilitation center to help in the process. Please call our counselors at any time, night, or day on 833-820-2922.