Recognizing the Presence of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem, accompanied by symptoms that cause behavioral, physical, emotional, mental, and other complications. Still, with all of the challenges and concerns of alcohol addiction, recovery is possible.

This article draws attention to recognizing signs of alcohol addiction. The article then shares ideas for seeking help and supporting someone with alcohol addiction. Information is then included on the alcohol addiction recovery services we provide.

Recognizing Alcohol Addiction

While identifying alcohol addiction at any stage can help propel recovery efforts, recognizing such addiction early provides particular benefits. Early recognition can lessen the impact of symptoms and shorten the time spent dealing with the addiction.

Multiple warning signs can aid in the recognition of alcohol addiction, whether in oneself or a loved one.

Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction warning signs can be presented through behavioral, physical, emotional, psychological, and other evidence. 

Behavioral Signs

An individual’s behavior can be drastically affected by alcohol addiction. Here are examples of behavioral warning signs:

• Drinking alone or in secret: Individuals may withdraw to hide alcohol consumption. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed, or use drinking alone to escape from pressure.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home: Alcohol use can override an individual’s performance of responsibilities. Interactions, meetings, and duties can be overlooked or overrun by alcoholism.
• Risk-taking behaviors: Alcohol use impairs judgment, and risky behaviors may result when individuals are under alcohol’s influence. 
• Continuing alcohol use despite problems: One way alcohol addiction is presented is by an individual persisting in alcohol use even when recognizing that the use is leading to problems, such as financial, emotional, or social issues.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking: In cases of addiction, an individual may try to break the addictive cycle, but without success. 

Physical Signs

Alcohol addiction is commonly shown through physical signs. The following are examples:

• Strong urge or craving to drink: Alcohol use alters the reward function of the brain, heightening the desire to drink.
• Slurred speech, poor coordination, memory blackouts: These physical signs can result from alcohol addiction as alcohol slows brain activity and physical functions used for speech; impairs the cerebellum, which controls balance; and affects the part of the brain over new memory formation.  
• Fatigue, insomnia, and digestive issues: Each of these physical signs can be an identifier of alcohol addiction.
• Signs of liver damage: Abdominal discomfort, jaundice, fluid retention, and easy bruising may all result from alcohol use.
• Increased tolerance: An individual may develop a tolerance to alcohol over time and with extended use. This can result in higher alcohol consumption and a deeper level of addiction. 
• Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, shaking, sweating, and nausea are among the withdrawal symptoms displayed by someone who is addicted to alcohol.
• Changes in appearance or hygiene: Premature aging, bloodshot eyes, bloating of the face due to fluid retention, and fluctuations in weight are all ways alcohol addiction can impact an individual’s appearance. Neglect of grooming and oral hygiene are also signs of alcohol addiction, as is increased body odor. 

Emotional and Psychological Signs

• Mood swings, irritability, or depression: Alcohol use impairs brain function. An imbalance of neurotransmitters caused by alcohol addiction can cause emotional instability and numbness.
• Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions: Turning to alcohol as a way to deal with pressures and to handle emotions is a recognized result of alcohol addiction.
• Denial or defensiveness when confronted: If someone confronts an individual who has an alcohol consumption problem, that individual may deny a drinking issue or become defensive about alcohol use or associated behavior.

Additional Signs

• Strained family and social relationships: Diverted attention, lies, erratic behavior, and emotional withdrawal stemming from alcohol addiction may all impact relationships among family, friends, and others. 
• Financial and legal consequences: Alcohol addiction may be presented by putting money toward buying alcohol and the financial strain of paying for legal repercussions following behavior associated with alcohol consumption.
• Loss of interest in hobbies: Individuals addicted to alcohol may lose interest in activities that were once important to them, as alcohol use can lead to changes in priorities, lessening of motivation, and decline in mental capacity.

Seeking Help for Alcohol Addiction

If you are addicted to alcohol, talking to a trusted friend or family member about your addiction may help you move forward, assisting you in identifying the importance of recovery and providing extra support for seeking change. 

Consulting with a healthcare professional can also help put alcohol addiction in perspective and help lead to improved wellness through recovery. 

Therapy, rehab services, and support groups are all available to help support individuals dealing with substance abuse disorders, including alcohol addiction.

Supporting Someone Struggling with Alcohol Addiction

If you recognize that someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there are several ways to extend support. 

One way is by talking to the struggling individual. Such a conversation should be approached out of concern and not as a forum for judgment. Express your interest in supporting the individual, and acknowledge the addiction-related problems or difficulties the person may describe. Educating yourself about alcohol addiction, being patient with the individual, and offering suggestions over demanding results can all help with successful communication.

You may also want to talk about addiction treatment options with the individual. There are many resources available to those facing alcohol addiction, and resources for the family and friends, too.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in San Diego

Our compassionate and trained team at Jackson House Recovery Centers provides alcohol addiction treatment. We take a customized approach with evidence-based treatment and provide 24/7 support to individuals in alcohol addiction care.

Alcohol addiction services at our center include attention to detoxification and medication management as needed, individual and group therapy, skills education, and a focus on nutrition.

Contact Us for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible. Professional support is available. Please reach out to our caring team for yourself or a loved one dealing with alcohol addiction. We offer free, confidential consultations and effective treatment. Please contact us today.