As with any other addiction, the first step in treating alcoholism is recognizing and acknowledging the problem. The sooner you can recognize the symptoms of alcohol abuse the more chances you have to overcome this addiction fast and successfully. Take a look at our latest infographic to find out what are the main signs that may indicate a person has an alcohol addiction.
For most people who struggle with alcohol addiction, their addictions began with alcohol abuse. There are many different signs that an addiction has developed, and I’d like to talk about five of those signs in particular. Perhaps you will recognize some of these behaviors and characteristics in yourself, and if so, I want you to know that assistance for alcohol addiction is available to you.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Denial is a common characteristic for those who are addicted to alcohol. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of alcohol addiction, whether you’re researching for yourself or for a member of your family. These signs will help you understand the nature of alcohol addiction, and whether or not you should begin to seek treatment.
- You have blackouts after drinking – It’s very common for people who are addicted to alcohol to pass out after a session of binge drinking. This happens on a regular basis, and they can’t remember what they were doing before they passed out. They may wake up in someone else’s house, or they simply have no memory of the events that occurred before the blackout.
- Drinking is interfering with work or school – It’s also common for people who are addicted to alcohol to repeatedly miss work or school, or to constantly show up late because they were drinking. Usually, a decline happens over time, and at first, it might just be your performance that’s suffering. Before long, you might be tempted to quit your job or quit school, or you may even get fired.
- Family members begin to express their concern – It’s difficult for people who are addicted to alcohol to hide their addictions from their family members because they feel the need to drink regularly. Drinking helps them feel “normal.” Perhaps your family has started to express their concern about your health and well-being. If they have, that’s definitely one of the signs of alcohol addiction.
- Your health is at risk – Perhaps you’ve been to the doctor recently, and you’ve been diagnosed with some severe medical problems. Drinking excessive alcohol can result in liver disease, heart problems and a host of other medical issues. It’s normal for addicts to know about these problems and disregard them so that they can keep drinking.
- You’re experiencing legal problems – Alcoholics are known to take risks with their lives, as well as with the lives of other people because of the bad decisions they often make. Perhaps you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, or you’ve gotten into fights with people while you were drunk. If you have any legal issues that occurred while you were drinking, you most likely are addicted to alcohol.
How to Treat Alcohol Addiction
Once you realize you have an alcohol addiction, it’s important to get help. As an addictions therapist in Toronto, I’m very experienced with helping people overcome their alcohol addictions so that they can begin the process of recovering. The road to recovery comes with many different challenges and it is vital to have a professional on your side that understands what you’re going through and how to assist you.
I offer a free, initial telephone consultation to all of my new clients. Together, we can talk about your personal situation, and what signs of alcohol addiction you’re noticing in your own life. Help is available to you, but you need to take the first step.
With commitment and expert help, you can break your addiction to alcohol once and for all so that you can experience recovery and healing.
