Alcoholism is one of the worst addictions people can possess. That said, the problem sometimes proves difficult for others to detect. However, noticing certain signs and symptoms of said ailment might help an ailing soul’s loved ones address the issue and possibly encourage the stricken subject to seek the help they need to overcome it.
Signs A Loved One May Be An Alcoholic
Persons dependent upon alcohol might display behaviors such as:
Using Alcohol As A Confidence Booster
Alcoholics may drink to boost their confidence in social and professional settings. Said individuals might also imbibe to provide comfort and assurance in uncomfortable situations.
Lying About Consumption
Alcoholics often lie about the amount of alcohol they consume. Moreover, they might hide what they truly intake. For example, one might ingest only a drink or two in public but consume prodigious quantities while alone.
Increasing Intake
Individuals with significant alcohol dependencies continually increase the amount of alcohol they put away. As the addiction grows more pronounced, their body and minds need larger amounts of the drug to produce the soothing effects the substance is known for eliciting.
Declining Cognitive Functions
Alcohol abusers often experience an appreciable decline in memory and focus. Said subjects might not remember key dates like birthdays and anniversaries or even neglect to recall statements they made recently. In severe instances, they might experience mental blackouts.
Drinking Becomes A Top Priority
Alcoholics often place significant emphasis on drinking as an activity. In turn, said individuals often plan their lives around the undertaking. Every event they attend or partake in will likely include the opportunity to imbibe.
Deteriorating Aesthetic Appearance And Mental State
As one’s alcohol dependency worsens, their physical appearance tends to suffer. This can be attributed to several notable factors Such as:
- A poor diet lacking minerals, vitamins, and other pertinent nutrients
- Obtaining little to no exercise
- Practicing inadequate bodily hygiene
- Not getting enough sleep
Additionally, those with alcohol dependencies often experience declining mental states. Such events might manifest in wild mood swings, aggressiveness, angry outbursts, frequent crying, frustration, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Denying That A Problem Exists
Persons with an alcohol addiction will likely deny that they possess a problem if confronted. In many cases, said subjects will either minimize the concern or react with harshness or aggression should anyone dare suggest that their drinking has grown concerning. Moreover, they also often drink in isolation in order to avoid such encounters or questions.
Drinking At Unusual Times
Alcohol addicts often begin imbibing at seemingly unusual times. One’s relation might have a problem if they notice that they drink in the morning or on other inappropriate occasions.
Excessive Organization
Those with alcohol dependencies often try exceedingly hard to pretend everything is perfect. As a result, they might display over exuberance in organizing tasks, tackling duties, and meeting social and familial obligations.
Engaging In Potentially Detrimental Actions
Alcoholics are often under the influence, which might lead them to engage in potentially risky actions such as driving while intoxicated, associating with shady individuals, traveling to dangerous locations, and other endeavors capable of placing their physical well-being in peril.
Steps Loved Ones Can Take
Once these signs are noticed, the individual in question’s close relations is urged to cautiously approach the subject using tactics such as:
Rehearsing What They Will Say
One should never haphazardly accuse an alcoholic of being so or attack them for the mistakes they have made as a result. Such behaviors typically further inflame already challenging and delicate circumstances.
Rather, those wishing to help are encouraged to calmly explain to the stricken subject that they care, are concerned, and want to see them live their best possible life.
Anticipate Negative Reactions
In a solid percentage of instances, alcoholics who are confronted about their actions react sternly. That said, said individual’s loved ones should not return fire. They should remain calm and clear-headed and stick to the mission at hand.
Designate The Appropriate Location
Serious conversations should be undertaken in befitting locations. Therefore, the destination should be somewhere quiet and not in the addict’s comfort zone.
Lend Support
Families and other close associations are urged to lend their support and let the struggling soul know that they are loved and those who care want to see them conquer this dependency.
Reaching Out To Us
Those with alcohol dependencies or know of someone dealing with such concerns are urged to contact us. Our Columbus, Ohio treatment center has help shepherd numerous similar individuals through the recovery process and can boast an impressive list of clients who have gone on to recapture successful personal, social, and professional lives. Call us at 833-820-2922.