Guide to Signs of Alcoholism. Early Signs of Alcoholism. Signs of an Alcoholic. Signs of Alcohol Poisoning. Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal & Signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

10 Early Signs of Alcoholism

There are various warning signs to help detect potential alcohol use disorder. While many early signs of alcoholism are recognizable, others may be more challenging to identify. Also, the severity of alcoholism may play a role in the warning signs a person displays. For instance, some people try to cover their alcohol abuse by drinking in private and isolating themselves from others. This makes it difficult for family members or friends to intervene and help their loved ones.

If someone you know has an alcohol problem, the most essential thing is to get immediate help. But how do you know if there’s a problem? To help you out, we’re breaking down ten early signs of alcoholism.

1. Neglecting Responsibilities

If an individual suddenly needs to catch up on their responsibilities, this is a sign they may have a problem. This is especially true if they’ve always been very hard-working and diligent.

Some examples include calling in sick frequently or performing poorly at work. Or, they may begin neglecting schoolwork or failing classes. An individual with an alcohol issue may also start to ignore social engagements. This indicates that alcohol has started taking priority over other things or that they’re often hungover.

2. Relationship Problems

Excessive alcohol intake tends to make individuals aggressive or irritable. This may lead to problems with family members or friends. This often happens because the person is unhappy with themself for allowing the alcohol problem to get out of hand. This can lead to tension in a relationship. People may also fall out with friends because of erratic behavior or because they’re now hanging out with other drinkers.

3. High Tolerance to Alcohol

Extremely high tolerance would be one of the early signs of alcoholism, especially if a person’s tolerance were previously typical. This happens after regular and sometimes daily alcohol intake. That person needs more alcohol to achieve the desired effect.

If you notice a loved one continues to drink once everyone else is stopped, this is one of the early signs of alcoholism. You may also see they don’t seem drunk after several shots. Because their tolerance is higher, they can drink more and not appear intoxicated.

4. Drinking to Relieve Stress

It’s a widespread problem when a person uses alcohol to relax. For example, it could be a way to unwind after a long day at work or forget about an argument or confrontation. Eventually, the person will reach for a drink any time they’re under a lot of stress. Drinking could also cover other emotional issues, such as depression or anxiety.

If you notice a loved one repeatedly turning to alcohol when they’re having a rough time, there’s a chance they’re becoming an alcoholic.

5. Hiding or Lying About Drinking

People who struggle with alcohol often deny they have a problem. Unfortunately, this leads to them lying about how much or hiding their drinking. You may notice a loved one becoming isolated and staying longer than usual. This is a sign they’ve started drinking at home to keep their problem private.

When asked, a loved one may downplay how much they drink. Their goal is to keep the attention off them and their drinking.

6. Regularly Blacking Out

If you notice a loved one drinking to unconsciousness regularly, this is a sign of an alcohol blackout, and it’s time to intervene. This means that they’ve developed an addiction to alcohol that’s starting to get out of control.

There are a few reasons why someone drinks to this degree. Either their tolerance has increased to a level where they must consume considerable alcohol, or they’re covering up another issue by drinking. Regardless of the reason, it would be best to intervene right away. Drinking to this degree is very dangerous.

7. Withdrawal Symptoms

Educating yourself on common alcohol withdrawal symptoms is crucial if you suspect a loved one has an alcohol-drinking problem. Common behavioral symptoms include irritability or anxiety. A person may also exhibit signs similar to depression.

You can also watch for some physical effects of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms. The most common include shakiness, fatigue, or excessive sweating. A person may also have insomnia when going through alcohol addiction.

8. Dangerous or Risky Behavior

Many individuals struggling with alcohol start things they would have never done. Unfortunately, this behavior tends to be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. The most serious of these acts are drinking and driving. A person may start feeling invincible and that driving under the influence is not harmful.

Other types of risky behavior may include consuming other illicit drugs while drinking. It could also have irresponsible sexual encounters or criminal activity. If a loved one begins exhibiting this behavior, they’re now a danger to themselves and the people around them. It’s time to intervene.

9. Changes in Appearance

Another of the typical early signs of alcoholism is the sudden change in appearance. The appearance effects of alcohol usually involve falling behind on personal hygiene or an overall messy look. You may also notice a loved one often looking sickly and tired. This is a sign they’ve been drinking regularly and neglecting their basic needs. A person may also have a sudden weight change. Alcohol contains many calories, which causes some individuals to gain weight. On the other hand, they could lose weight if they aren’t eating correctly.

10. Memory Loss

A person who drinks excessively regularly will usually have memory loss. They’ll also mix up dates and events. This commonly happens after a person has become completely addicted. In severe cases, a person can develop permanent memory loss.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Because alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, there’s a common misconception that it doesn’t pose as a significant threat as other illegal drugs. The fact is that alcohol use disorder is hazardous and even fatal. Mild alcohol abuse can be easily overlooked. However, what may appear to be a minor problem can become destructive over time. These early signs of alcoholism should not be ignored. Seeking alcoholism treatment sooner rather than later will allow you to get back to what you enjoy most and reclaim your life from the adverse effects of alcohol.

Learn More:

• Am I An Alcoholic Quiz Free, Signs of Being an Alcoholic Online Test, & Confidential
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults, Physical Signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Facial & Personality Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
• Alcoholic Dementia Symptoms & Recognizing Signs of Alcoholic Dementia
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis Symptoms & Early Signs of Cirrhosis of the Liver from Alcohol
• Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Symptoms, First Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, & Risks
• Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms, Signs of Alcohol Poisoning Next Day, Causes, Complications, What To Do
• Alcohol Detox Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment for Signs of Alcohol Detox
• Alcoholic Nose Red Appearance, Facial Signs of Alcoholism, Alcohol Nose Pictures, Alcoholism Now Signs & How to Treat an Alcoholic Nose?
• Pancreatitis and Alcohol Symptoms, Cancer & Death Risks, & Early Signs of Pancreatitis from Alcohol

85.6%

In 2020, roughly 85.6% of individuals aged 18 or older reported consuming alcohol at some point in their lifetime.

Source: NSDUH

48.3%

Among adults with alcohol use disorder, around 48.3% had a co-occurring mental illness.

Source: NIDA

Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Understanding an alcoholic person can be challenging due to the complex and unpredictable nature of alcohol addiction. Alcoholism can lead to changes in behavior, emotional fluctuations, and difficulty in recognizing the severity of their drinking problem. Moreover, individuals with alcohol use disorder may attempt to hide or deny their addiction, making it even more challenging for others to comprehend their struggles and offer appropriate support. Here are other behavioral signs:

• Friends and family comment on excessive drinking, causing the abuser to respond irritably and frustrated.
• Continued drinking despite detrimental consequences to career and relationships.
• Withdrawal from social situations.
• Use of alternative mind-altering substances when alcohol is unavailable.
• Broken promises to quit drinking. One has made an intrinsic pledge and an outward offer to friends and family members that one will not drink during a specific occasion, throughout a vital weekend, or before driving; sadly, they break these promises regularly.
• An excessive amount of money is spent on alcohol, to the point of financial trouble.
• Suggestions of alcohol abuse from a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
• Denial of alcohol abuse.
• Legal trouble, such as a DUI or Public Intoxication.

Psychological Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Psychological signs and symptoms of alcoholism can be diverse and may include:

• Frequent and intense urges to drink alcohol lead to difficulties controlling alcohol intake.
• Inability to limit the amount of alcohol consumed or persistent unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit drinking.
• Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect or experiencing reduced effects from the same amount.
• Experiencing physical and emotional symptoms like anxiety, irritability, nausea, and sweating when attempting to stop or reduce alcohol intake.
• Prioritizing alcohol use over work, family, or social obligations, leads to neglect of essential responsibilities.
• Continuing to drink despite experiencing adverse effects on physical health, mental well-being, and relationships.
• Withdrawing from friends and family or engaging in secretive behavior to hide alcohol consumption.
• Experiencing guilt, shame, or depression related to drinking habits and their consequences.
• Gradually increasing alcohol intake leads to a cycle of worsening psychological and physical dependence.
• Drinking in situations where it’s physically hazardous (e.g., driving) or when alcohol use interferes with essential activities.

Signs of Detoxing from Alcohol and Treatment

Many individuals with alcohol use disorder may reach a point where they recognize the need to detox and stop drinking. However, attempting to detox from alcohol without proper medical care and supervision can be more harmful, especially for those with severe alcohol dependence. Common signs of detoxing from alcohol include the following:

• Anxiety and restlessness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating and chills.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Irritability and mood swings.
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Tremors or shaky hands.
• Loss of appetite.
• Seizures (in severe cases).

Overcoming alcoholism should be completed under the care of medical professionals in an inpatient treatment rehab facility. Alcoholics who attempt to self-treat may cause more harm than good. For example, the detox phase can entail highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, best treated in a rehab program.