8 Warning Signs Of An Alcoholic

People battle alcoholism every day. It is important to recognize the warning signs of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. The earlier you can detect it, the better. What may start out as seemingly harmless drinking can grow over time into an even bigger problem. Whether you are struggling or a loved one is struggling, here are some warning signs that you may be an alcoholic.

1. Lying/Hiding/Secrecy– Feeling the need to lie about drinking or hide it altogether can be a major red flag. It is common for the alcoholic to deny they are in fact and alcoholic, so they feel the need to make it less of an issue. Drinking alone or in secrecy suggests they might be aware it could be an issue but wish to keep it to themselves. They may also fear being judged.

2. Drinking Becomes A Solution- Alcoholics tend to turn to drinking as a form of self-medication. If you find yourself or someone you know turning to alcohol to relieve depression, anxiety or stress then it is a cause for concern. Drinking as a solution to normal, everyday problems is a warning sign of alcoholism. Drinking is only a temporary solution to problems. Drinking as a solution will only create bigger problems down the road.

3. Unable To Limit Yourself- Have you tried to tell yourself you will only have three drinks and then three turns into six, nine or twelve? Have you told yourself you need to stop drinking but are unable to? Alcoholism is a disease and must be treated as such. The inability to limit yourself could be a sign of alcoholism.

4. Drinking When You Obviously Shouldn’t- Drinking at times when you know you shouldn’t be is a common sign that you may be an alcoholic. Drinking before or during work and drinking before or while driving are perfect examples. A true alcoholic will put themselves and others at risk when it comes to drinking.

5. Ignoring Responsibility-  If you find drinking has taken priority over responsibilities such as school, work or family then you have a problem with alcoholism. If drinking is affecting your everyday responsibilities then it is a definite sign that you should get help.

6. Problems With Relationships- If your drinking has taken priority over the people who are closest to you or is causing problems then you should seriously consider getting help for alcoholism. This includes relationships with family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, etc. If a friend or family member has started showing concern over your drinking then it could mean you do in fact have a problem.

7. Rise In Tolerance- If you have noticed you have to drink more to get drunk then this is a sign that you are an alcoholic. The rise of tolerance means your body has adjusted to handling alcohol on a frequent basis. This is a good indicator of being an alcoholic.

8. Unable To Quit…Even If You Have Tried- If you have tried to quit drinking but have been unsuccessful, then it might be time to seek professional help. If you or someone you know has come to terms with being an alcoholic but is unmanageable, there is nothing wrong with getting help. Alcoholism is a disease but it can be beaten.

If you or a loved one think you may be struggling with alcoholism, it is extremely important to stop it at an early stage if possible. It is important to remember there is nothing wrong with admitting defeat and seeking professional help. You could also look for alcoholics anonymous meetings in your area to help you connect with people who share the same goal of sobriety. You owe it to yourself and those around you who care.