Alcoholism is a ravaging and deadly condition that does not only cause a great number of problems for the individual with the disease but also with the community at large. The over consumption of alcohol greatly magnifies the risk of injury while operating machinery, driving a car or even walking about the street at night. By lowering reaction speed and decreasing inhibitions, alcohol can lead to a number of injuries and problems. Alcoholics also experience a large number of health problems. This includes increased risk of heart disease, liver damage, and damage to the lining of the stomach tissue. The problems for the alcoholic are not simply limited to health problems. Many alcoholics suffer financial, emotional and personal problems as a result of their affliction. The following will list five common signs of alcoholism and how to spot them.
Alcoholism
The first and most obvious sign of alcoholism is over consumption of alcohol. Daily drinking that begins with the morning is an obvious sign that someone has a drinking problem. Persistent drinking throughout the day or in antisocial ways can be a clear indicator that an individual is an alcoholic rather than simply a heavy drinker or a party drinker. Drinking a lot only on the weekends or only at social occasions is not necessarily a sign or indicator for alcoholism but may just indicate disruptive and dangerous behavior.
Second, alcoholics exhibit a tendency to lie about a great number of issues in their life. This is not limited to their drinking but also is spread over to many different aspects of their life. A marked turn in behavior characterized by an increase in dishonesty can be an obvious sign of alcoholism.
Third, alcoholics often start to hide their drinking from their friends and family members. Hiding the smell of alcohol by excessive showering and the smell on one’s breath by constantly brushing their teeth or chewing gum can indicate an excessive consumption of alcohol that could be an indication of alcoholism. If you notice than an individual starts to hide their drinking, lies about going out to bars or hides alcohol in their home or office, this may be a warning sign of alcoholism.
Alcoholism Dangers
Fourth, alcoholics start to isolate themselves from others and may begin to drink alone. While at first it may only manifest itself as excessive social drinking, once an individual starts to drink in excess on their own without or without provocation, this is a dangerous sign that the individual could have more than simply a partying mindset. Increased isolation, purchasing of alcohol for consumption at home alone and frequenting bars alone can be obvious warning signs of alcoholism.
Fifth, this is probably the most important indicator of alcoholism: continual drinking that disrupts normal social and work functions. If someone continues to miss work or is habitually late due to their drinking, they would most likely either cut back or quit their drinking because the benefits of drinking is less than the harm that is caused by drinking. An alcoholic on the other hand will continue to drink even if it no longer provides a benefit for them that is greater than the harm.
These five signs are some obvious ways to see if your friend or family member might be an alcoholic. If you notice these signs, take some time out of your day to confront the offender. Do not be accusatory but simply suggest that the person might want to consider the ramification of their actions. If this does nothing to alter their behavior, more drastic steps may be needed.