SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholics Anonymous, the most widely known support group for recovering alcoholics, has been in existence since 1935. In all that time, they've maintained a strict policy of never "pronouncing" another person to be alcoholic. A.A. believes that the individual should decide for him or herself whether their drinking rises to the level of alcoholism.
They do offer guidance to someone who is seeking a better understanding of the disease. If you have a drinking problem, consider the following questions and ask yourself whether your drinking behavior is problematic.
If you care for someone who drinks, you may find insights here to determine if that person may be suffering from alcohol addiction.
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 had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. More than one "yes" answer indicates a high likelihood that a problem exists.
In general, alcoholics tend to be secretive about their drinking. This behavior of "keeping secrets" is a characteristic of addiction. For example, they may purchase alcohol at different stores to avoid questions about how much they consume. They may make extraordinary efforts to hide their drinking, or any evidence of it.
In many cases, however, those close to an alcoholic are all too aware of their drinking. If alcoholics drink for the way it affects them, those effects will often be obvious to others. This list includes some of the more obvious signs of drinking.
Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism:
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Slurred speech
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unusual weight gain or loss
- Neglected hygiene and appearance
- Frequent sickness
- Evidence of accidents or injuries (cuts, bruises, broken bones)
Behavioral Symptoms of Alcoholism:
- Emotional instability, depression
- Disappearing for long periods of time
- Failing to show up for work/school
- Secretive behaviors (locking doors, hiding alcohol)
- Dishonesty, lying about drinking, lying about seemingly innocuous things
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Out of control behaviors (raging, crying, screaming)
- "Seeking" behaviors (manipulating circumstances to enable drinking, searching-sometimes desperately-for alcohol)
If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact National Rehab today. They can help you find treatment, recovery, and a new life. Call (800) 223-1497 or email -----@-----