Signs Of Alcohol Abuse

There are a number of signs that may be observed in someone that has crossed the line into alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is a sure sign that a full-fledged addiction is not very far off. It is important to understand the signs of alcohol abuse to get someone the help they need. A person consuming alcohol may experience signs of alcohol abuse at different stages. These stages include early stage, addictive stage, and chronic stage.

Early signs of alcohol use and abuse include frequent intoxication, an established heavy drinking pattern, and drinking in dangerous situations such as while driving. Sneaking drinks into unwanted areas or places that drinking is not allowed, gulping the first drinks because of thirst for alcohol, unwillingness to discuss one’s drinking behavior, guilty feelings about one’s drinking, and frequent memory lapses are some other signs.

Other early signs of alcohol abuse include some anti-social behaviors like becoming angry fast and sometimes getting violent when under the influence of alcohol.

Some people also become louder than usual when they are talking. People may also miss work, drop their responsibilities, or even start to get into trouble.

There are common signs of alcohol abuse that can always be noted in people who abuse alcohol around us. At work one can note an alcohol abuser to be registering poor performance, and at home a parent who is an alcohol abuser neglects their responsibility as a provider and in their guidance to minors. All of these can arise from uncontrolled consumption of alcohol.

Drinking alcohol in a physically dangerous environment is also among other signs of alcohol abuse. There are also people who drink while they operate heavy machinery. Those who drink and drive are also at risk because of impaired vision. Drinking and brushing shoulders with the law may start to become common. Frequent arrests from drinking activities are signs of alcohol abuse. Some abusers may also get into unnecessary fights.

Other common signs of alcohol abuse that people may show include the smell of alcohol on one’s breath and clothing, going out regularly and coming back home later than usual, regular consumption of alcoholic products in the house, even after social occasions are over, slurred speech, and uncoordinated movements. Headaches, dry mouth, and stomachaches in the morning are also potential signs of alcohol abuse. Those who abuse alcohol will often wake during the night either to urinate or to drink water because of dehydration.

Physical Alcohol Abuse Signs

Red eye Blackouts Persistent cough

Changes in weight Poor concentration Feelings of wanting to vomit

Signs of alcohol abuse may also be present in people who drink excessive alcohol. These may be comprised of erratic feelings and some problems having to do with relationships with loved ones. An alcohol abuser will often want to be alone and away from the family, as they are likely to notice a problem and bring attention to it, which is something someone who is hiding their drinking will try to avoid.

In case one was previously involved in social activities with people that don’t have the same drinking habits, they may start to refrain from such activities. Worse is when one abandons their hobbies because of alcohol abuse. Depression may be experienced by an alcohol abuser. Depression is among the signs of alcohol abuse that has vast and adverse effects to a victim, and some drink to cover up depression, which can make it worse.

Making new friends is not a problem for many people. An alcohol abuser will often have new sets of friends replace old ones who in most cases do not drink the same way. Signs of alcohol abuse can also be noticed in a student’s performance in school. A drop in performance, an increase in tardiness and absences, and a loss of interest in school activities that they were once interested in may indicate alcohol abuse, though for adolescents these changes can also be a part of their age.

Secretive behavior is common with those that abuse alcohol or other substances. They may often borrow money and not give explanations about what they want the money for. In some cases they would rather steal the money or even sell personal items in order to afford to drink. These are definite signs of alcohol abuse. Lastly we have the chronic signs of alcohol abuse.

When one starts having morning drinks, then this is a serious sign of alcohol abuse. Others may experience tremors and shakes upon awakening. The body involuntary trembles and becomes unstable. Prolonged binges or continuous drinking impairs thinking and an increase of alcohol tolerance is other chronic signs of alcohol abuse. Somebody who abuses alcohol makes drinking a major priority in their life, replacing other activities and relationships, almost always resulting in negative consequences.

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