Alcohol addiction often appears differently than people might expect. Many people experience symptoms of alcoholism that don’t always match the stereotypes we see in the media.

Because alcoholism can look differently than you might expect, some people miss it. They may believe that because they’ve never stolen money, lost their job, gotten a DUI, or experienced homelessness because of their alcohol use, they cannot be addicted to alcohol.

But alcohol addiction can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health, relationships, and other aspects of your life in different ways–and it can catch up with you quickly. It’s essential to understand the signs of alcoholism and take action as soon as possible.

Alcohol use is common and widely accepted in the United States. It can be challenging to determine the line between regular social drinking and problematic drinking, so how can you tell if you’re an alcoholic? This article will explore ten signs that you may need help to regain control over your drinking or overcome an addiction to alcohol. Contact the Arise Treatment Center Specialists today to explore our holistic alcohol addiction treatment programs.

10 Signs of a Drinking Problem

Alcohol is available in many social situations and settings. Many people drink alcohol to celebrate a special occasion, unwind at the end of the day, as part of a social gathering, and in many other settings. While some people can drink moderately as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol and may regularly drink more than recommended.

Here are ten signs of a drinking problem that may require professional treatment.

1. Secrecy around your drinking

People with alcohol abuse and addiction May often hide how much they drink from friends and family. Some may fear being judged or believe that friends and family will try to interfere with their drinking if they become aware of it.

2. Cravings

When people regularly drink too much, their bodies may become physically dependent on alcohol. The person will need to drink alcohol for their body to function correctly. People with alcohol abuse and addiction often experience intense or frequent cravings for alcohol when not drinking.

3. Prioritizing drinking

People with alcohol abuse and addiction often prioritize drinking over anything else, including spending time with friends and family, working, attending school, or hobbies. They may begin to spend time only with others who drink, neglecting their old friends and loved ones.

4. Losing interest in other things

As alcohol addiction develops and deepens, a person may focus on drinking over anything else. In time, nothing else is satisfying or enjoyable. Hobbies, friendships, and ambitions go out the window as drinking becomes the center of their life.

5. Mood swings

Excessive alcohol use can profoundly affect your mood. As people begin to drink more and more, they may experience erratic behaviors and wild mood swings that can take people by surprise. Someone who was at once stable and reliable may suddenly become unpredictable, aggressive, or even violent.

6. Drinking in the morning

People with alcohol addiction often need to drink as soon as they wake up to alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, indicating the person is in withdrawal. Needing to drink immediately in the morning is a sign of physical dependence and should be a red flag that someone needs help.

7. Withdrawal symptoms

Once a person’s body becomes dependent on alcohol, they will need to drink in order to function. When someone with alcohol dependence stops drinking abruptly, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia

Some people may have dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, and hallucinations. People must have medical and emotional support while going through alcohol withdrawal to avoid potentially dangerous complications.

8. Loss of control over how much you drink

People with alcohol addiction experience a complete loss of control over their drinking. Once they begin drinking, they may be unable to stop. For an alcoholic, there is no such thing as just having one or two drinks with friends–they drink excessively every time they drink.

9. Feeling guilty about drinking

People with alcoholism may be aware of the damage they are doing to their health, relationships, and communities– but they will not be able to stop drinking. They may experience deep guilt or shame about their drinking and their inability to control it.

10. Continuing to drink despite the consequences

People with alcoholism will not stop drinking, even if it is hurting them in some way. They will continue to drink despite any legal, social, or financial consequences of their alcohol abuse. They will even keep drinking after receiving a life-altering medical diagnosis related to their alcohol abuse. Alcohol addiction is a loss of control over your drinking. Someone who is addicted to alcohol can no longer choose whether to drink because their addiction is in the driver’s seat.

Alcohol abuse and addiction are complex conditions deeply rooted in a person’s emotions, behaviors, history, and genetics. People with alcohol addiction require comprehensive, compassionate treatment that allows them to treat the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping skills to avoid relapse for the rest of their lives.

Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Effective, evidence-based treatment is available at Arise Treatment Center. Contact us today to learn about our holistic treatment programs and to take the first step of your recovery journey.