Telltale Signs of Alcohol Addiction and When It's Time to Ask for Help

Drinking alcohol is a socially acceptable habit in many settings. However, when a casual drink after work starts to turn into several, it can become a concern for addiction.

For some people, casual drinking can easily turn into dependence. This progression often happens subtly, which is why it is important to recognize the signs of alcohol addiction early to ensure you or a struggling family member can get the necessary help.

The Behavioral and Emotional Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction often starts to show itself through behavior and emotions. When a person’s alcohol use starts to impact their life and cause harm or difficulty, this is when it crosses the line into an addiction. The behavioral and emotional warning signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Drinking more or for longer than intended
• Failed attempts to stop drinking or cut back
• Neglecting home, work, or school responsibilities
• Withdrawing from social interactions or activities
• Mood swings, irritability, or defensiveness about alcohol consumption
• Blackouts or memory lapses from drinking

At first, the individual may try to rationalize or make excuses for these signs, but it quickly becomes harder to hide the underlying problem.

Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal: The Physical Signs

As alcohol consumption continues, it will start to affect the individual physically as well, showing signs like:

• Increased tolerance
• Sleep changes
• Weight changes
• Chronic fatigue
• Withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety)
• Health issues, such as liver problems

The physical signs are not only further indicators of alcohol addiction and withdrawal, but can also have long-term risks and consequences if not addressed.

When It’s Time to Ask for Help

The signs of addiction are clear warnings that a person’s drinking is severely affecting their life. Here are some clear indicators that it’s time to ask for help with alcohol:

• Drinking has started impacting relationships or work
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about drinking
• Attempts to cut back or stop have been unsuccessful
• Loved ones are concerned
• Drinking to cope with stress, trauma, or emotions

There is nothing wrong with asking for help to overcome alcohol addiction. It is a sign of strength in wanting to take your life back from alcohol.

Alcohol Addiction Can Happen Insidiously

Alcohol addiction often starts as a social way to cut loose, but escalates over time into dangerous behavioral and physical warning signs. Learning to recognize these early is a vital step in changing the path to get help.

Taking the First Step to Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

If you or your loved one is struggling with the warning signs of alcohol addiction, don’t let it go any further. Narconon is here to help with an individualized, holistic alcohol rehabilitation program to help people take their lives back from addiction. Take the first step to learn more about our program by calling us.