Have you noticed a few things about your drinking habits? Are you wondering if things have gotten too far out of hand, and you need to find an answer?
In emergencies and on rare occasions, people drink, and it becomes too much for them. But for the rest of us, the signs of alcohol dependency are obvious long before we are forced to accept them.
This article will discuss some of the most prominent signs that alcohol dependency has its claws set on you. This way, you can take the necessary steps to rectify the problem and get on a healthy path.
Are you ready to acknowledge that your alcohol dependence is out of hand? Then read on!
1. Increased Tolerance
One of the primary signs of alcohol dependence is increased tolerance. As the body becomes more accustomed to the effects of alcohol, it takes more liquor to achieve the same level of intoxication. This is why people who are dependent on alcohol often seek out higher concentrations of alcoholic substances, such as hard liquor.
If you find that you are needing to drink more and more alcohol to achieve the same effect, be sure to consider the implications of your need to reach that level of buzz. Seek out medical advice or visit an alcohol and drug rehab center if necessary.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can be a sign of alcohol dependency and can range in severity. Experiencing physical symptoms such as tremors, sweating, or nausea when trying to quit or cut back is a sign that an individual may be dependent on alcohol.
For some individuals, these withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. This causes symptoms such as seizures, anxiety, or disorientation. In more extreme cases, withdrawal symptoms can even cause death.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms when attempting to quit, seek medical help immediately. Alcohol dependency can be a very serious issue.
3. Drinking Alone
Drinking alone is a sure indicator that an individual is in need of help. The main issue with drinking alone is that it’s a sign that a person is trying to hide something or simulate a sense of control. This form of drinking may come off as an attempt to diminish the amount of drinking from others and, thus, reinforce drinking behavior.
Besides, it can also be a sign that a person no longer finds joy or pleasure in social drinking. Instead, they use drinking as a form of self-medication.
4. Loss of Control
Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed is a clear sign of alcohol dependency. Our bodies are able to process some amount of alcohol by releasing it from our systems, but alcohol can be toxic in large amounts, and that is when it leads to dependency.
When we consume beyond our physical limits, we end up with a diminished ability to say no to further drinks. This is a sign of loss of control and a dangerous warning sign of alcohol dependency. Our judgment and decision-making are impaired, which makes it even harder to resist further alcohol consumption.
5. Neglecting Responsibilities
When people become dependent on alcohol, it becomes a priority over other activities in life. Missing work, school, or other important events due to alcohol use may mean there is an alcohol dependency problem.
People who neglect their responsibilities because they are drinking alcohol can’t focus on their education, miss out on important family events and end up in financial trouble.
6. Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences
If a person continues to drink even when it causes problems with relationships, finances, or legal issues, it is a clear sign that they are struggling with alcohol dependency.
The person could be unaware of the consequences or struggle to cut back and quit drinking. The person may be in denial about the severity of their drinking problem or feel hopeless and unable to quit.
7. Mood Swings
Alcohol can cause a person to experience changes in their moods and behaviors. People who are dependent on alcohol can experience dramatic and drastic changes in their emotional state. This can range from a calm state while drinking to being volatile, angry, and agitated while trying to remain sober.
When someone who abuses alcohol is withdrawn or hostile after drinking or in the morning or days afterward, it is a sign of alcohol dependency or alcoholism. It is important to seek help if you feel you or a loved one may have a problem with alcohol and mood swings are present.
8. Drinking to Cope
Drinking to cope is a pattern of drinking in which one consumes alcohol as a way of coping with distressing or painful emotions. It is a sign that one is relying on alcohol to make them feel better and/or function.
This type of drinking often leads to regular or excessive alcohol use, as well as increased tolerance. Meaning, to achieve the desired level of comfort, one must drink more than normal. An individual who drinks to cope with negative emotions is at risk for alcohol abuse and physical and psychological dependency.
If you or someone you know is drinking to cope, it is important to get help to address the underlying issues and make healthier choices.
9. Physical Health Problems
Developing health issues such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and heart problems are common among those who have an alcohol problem. These health conditions can be the result of long-term excessive drinking.
These conditions can be reversible if the person abstains from alcohol. But, many who suffer from alcohol dependency fail to get necessary medical care as they are more focused on drinking.
10. Increased Risky Behavior
Engaging in risky behavior while under the influence of alcohol is a sign of alcohol dependency. These behaviors can include driving under the influence, unsafe sex, or criminal activity. All these behaviors can be very dangerous and can have long-lasting consequences.
People who are dependent on alcohol may have difficulty controlling their behavior or make poor decisions when under the influence of alcohol. This poses a great risk to their safety and the safety of others around them. For those with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, seek help to reduce the risk of engaging in these risky behaviors.
11. Cravings
The physical and psychological craving for alcohol can be a powerful urge, and the feeling of needing to drink can be surprisingly intense. Cravings are usually more intense during stressful periods, such as financial troubles or social events.
Alcohol cravings can also be triggered by sights, sounds, or smells that remind a person of the pleasure they found in drinking in the past. Those who are dependent on alcohol may find themselves feeling strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol, even when they are not wanting to do so.
12. Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Activities
Another important warning sign of potential alcohol dependency is a loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed. This can be a sign that the person is using alcohol as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues and has an unhealthy attachment to it. It is important to take notice of the warning sign, especially if the person has a history of substance use.
There is nothing wrong with having a few drinks, but when someone is consuming large amounts of alcohol, reach out and get help to ensure the person is on the right path and protect them from any further harm.
13. Social Isolation
When alcohol is the primary focus of one’s life it can become harder to focus on the presence or happiness of their friends and family, leading to a retreat from social interaction. This is an early indicator of alcohol dependency and a symptom of social isolation. And social isolation itself can be a result of alcohol dependency.
Withdrawing from friends and family to drink alone can contribute to the inability to form or maintain relationships. Over time, isolation can make it harder to cope with difficult emotions and leave individuals dependent on the escapism that alcohol can provide. In this way, dangerous patterns of drinking can develop, leading to long-term increases in alcohol dependency.
Learning the Signs of Alcohol Dependency
Alcohol dependency is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. If the above signs are present in a person, take the necessary steps toward recovery.
Seeking support from local health professionals, family, and friends is a great step to achieving sobriety. Don’t wait. Get help today!
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