Diagnosing alcoholism can be challenging, especially in a society where alcohol consumption is commonplace at social gatherings, bars, restaurants, or at home. This regular behavior is often referred to as social drinking. However, excessive drinking can easily lead to alcoholism, which is defined as a physical or mental dependence on alcohol. The ubiquity of casual drinking makes it difficult to identify alcohol addiction. Often, friends and family members may notice the warning signs of alcoholism before the individual does.
A recent study revealed that around 30 million Americans, or just over 12.7% of the population, are struggling with alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, many of these individuals do not seek treatment, sometimes due to not recognizing the symptoms or being in denial about their condition. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism is crucial for identifying and addressing an emerging problem.
So, how can you determine if occasional drinking might escalate into an addiction? How can you tell if you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol? Here are some signs of alcoholism to be aware of in yourself or your loved ones.
Signs of Alcoholism
Interference with Work, School, or Family Life
When alcohol becomes someone’s top priority, other responsibilities often suffer. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions and physical abilities, and when this becomes a regular occurrence, it can lead to neglect of important obligations. Whether it’s work, school, or family life, something will inevitably give way to the demands of alcoholism. Many individuals may sacrifice meaningful aspects of their lives for alcohol, finding it increasingly difficult to complete tasks at work or school due to their addiction.
Feeling Guilty about Drinking
Alcoholics often experience guilt about their drinking habits. Deep down, they recognize that they have a problem but may feel powerless to change it. This guilt can lead them to hide their drinking or lie to family and friends, attempting to downplay the severity of the issue. There are many reasons why alcoholism can evoke feelings of guilt, such as causing harm to loved ones through addictive behaviors.
Drinking More than Before
As the body builds a tolerance to alcohol, it requires increasing amounts to achieve the same level of intoxication. If someone notices that they need to drink more than they used to in order to feel the effects, this could be a sign of alcoholism. What starts as moderate drinking can quickly escalate to heavy drinking as the body adapts and demands more alcohol over time.
Drinking Alone
Drinking in isolation is a significant warning sign of alcoholism. Consuming large amounts of alcohol alone is more concerning than doing so in a social setting, as it suggests a deeper issue. Those without alcohol problems rarely drink alone, and doing so can become a dangerous habit due to the lack of accountability. Additionally, hiding alcohol or the amount consumed can contribute to this behavior and signal an underlying alcohol problem.
Risky Behavior
Alcoholism often leads to risky behavior, where individuals take significant chances under the influence of alcohol. This might include driving while intoxicated, drinking in inappropriate places such as work or school, or engaging in dangerous activities. While impaired, a person might make poor decisions, such as getting into fights, having unprotected sex, or acting impulsively, which could lead to injury, legal trouble, or even worse consequences. Such behavior can jeopardize relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
Blacking Out
Blacking out from drinking is a serious indicator of alcoholism. This condition, characterized by temporary amnesia or “blackout drunk,” occurs when a person drinks to the point of not remembering their actions. Unlike passing out, individuals in this state may continue interacting with others without recalling any of it later. Persistent heavy drinking can lead to more frequent blackouts, increasing the risk of long-term memory loss. This highlights the dangers of alcoholism, as being in a blackout state leaves a person vulnerable to harm and unable to control their actions.
Affected Relationships
As an individual’s relationship with alcohol deepens, their relationships with others often deteriorate. A significant other might notice the problem and encourage them to quit drinking, or a parent may express concern and urge them to seek help. Alcohol can lead to increased aggression and irritability, straining these relationships. If drinking begins to negatively impact relationships with loved ones, it may be time to reassess one’s relationship with alcohol.
Drinking Every Day
Daily drinking is a strong indication of alcoholism. Many people turn to alcohol to relieve stress, but this habit can quickly lead to emotional and physical dependence. The temporary “relief” that alcohol provides is unhealthy and not a long-term solution. If someone is not just drinking but getting drunk every day, it signals a serious issue. Some alcoholics may even start their day with a drink, further highlighting the severity of their dependence.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When the body becomes accustomed to alcohol and begins to crave it, addiction sets in. If you resist these cravings and avoid drinking, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Common physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, nightmares, and irritability. A concerning sign is waking up feeling hungover even when you haven’t consumed alcohol the night before. Once you stop drinking, your body immediately enters withdrawal mode, leading many alcoholics to drink again to alleviate these symptoms.
Assessments
If you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it might be a sign of alcohol addiction. Although this realization can be difficult, it is an essential first step toward recovery. There are various self-assessments available that can provide insight into whether an alcohol addiction may be present.
CAGE Assessment
The CAGE assessment is a widely used tool for identifying alcohol addiction, consisting of just four questions. Developed in 1968, the name “CAGE” is an acronym derived from the key concepts in each question: “C” for cut down, “A” for annoyed, “G” for guilty, and “E” for eye-opener. Despite its brevity, the CAGE assessment is highly effective, identifying alcohol dependency in approximately 90% of cases.
The four CAGE questions are:
- 1. Have you ever felt the need to cut back on your drinking?
- 2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- 3. Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
- 4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or cure a hangover?
If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, it may be time to seek professional help.
Heavy Drinking vs. Binge Drinking
Heavy drinking and binge drinking are distinct patterns of alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking is defined as more than three drinks per day or more than seven drinks per week for women and men over 65. For men 65 and younger, heavy drinking is considered more than four drinks per day or more than fourteen drinks per week. In contrast, binge drinking is characterized by consuming four or more drinks within two hours for women, and five or more drinks within two hours for men.
Regularly consuming multiple servings of alcohol can lead to intoxication and, over time, alcohol abuse. However, alcoholism is not solely about the quantity consumed but also about the frequency and its effects. For instance, getting blackout drunk is a severe consequence of alcoholism, indicating that the body could not process the amount of alcohol consumed.
If you’ve tried to cut back on drinking and found it challenging, or if you’ve made promises to yourself or others to reduce or quit drinking but couldn’t keep them, it may be a sign of alcohol dependence. The inability to stop without professional help is a strong indication of reliance on alcohol. Both physical and mental withdrawal symptoms make it difficult to reduce or stop drinking entirely. These symptoms can begin a few hours to a few days after ceasing alcohol use, and if they become too severe, it can be tempting to resume drinking to alleviate them.
Alcoholism and Depression
Depression is a common symptom of alcoholism. Feeling depressed when not drinking is a significant warning sign of alcohol abuse, as the brain may be struggling with withdrawal. The isolating nature of addiction, coupled with poor decision-making, can lead to depression. This, in turn, may drive a person to self-medicate with alcohol, creating a vicious cycle where alcohol abuse exacerbates depression.
Denial
Despite the negative consequences of alcoholism, many individuals fail to seek treatment due to denial. Alcoholics often rationalize or downplay their drinking habits, blaming others or their circumstances. They may become defensive when confronted about their behavior. In some cases, even severe consequences, like losing a job or getting a DUI, may not serve as a wake-up call.
Over time, a person may lose control of their life and perspective on their situation. Some may be aware of their issues but feel helpless to resolve them. However, it’s crucial to remember that no matter how severe the symptoms, recovery is always possible.
By recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, more people can seek treatment before their condition worsens. Those who have been drinking long-term may be in deeper denial than those with shorter-term issues, but even seemingly minor drinking problems should not be ignored. Over time, unchecked alcohol abuse can affect every aspect of life. Don’t become trapped in the cycle of addiction—take the first steps toward recovery today.
What Next?
Wondering where to begin? At Sunrise Recovery, we offer a comprehensive approach to help individuals overcome alcoholism. Our alcohol addiction treatment program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each person seeking treatment. With a team of experienced professionals and the latest treatment methods, we are dedicated to helping you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery from alcoholism.
