The number of drinks a person consumes does not determine the alcoholic, but the way he drinks it; hiding your consumption is a red flag.
Determining whether or not someone is an alcoholic is a matter of simple formula; someone could have one drink a day and be an alcoholic, while another person could drink six glasses of wine a night and not be considered an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a very complex disease, and the diagnosis of alcoholism depends on several symptoms and factors taken together, ranging from a genetic predisposition to alcoholism to the patient’s drinking habits. If you are concerned that someone you know may be developing an alcohol dependency, you should be aware that many people with alcohol abuse and addiction problems are in denial, so approach that person carefully about the matter.
Someone who repeatedly drinks and then drives shows signs of alcoholism.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by the continued consumption of alcohol despite social, legal or health complications. An alcoholic tends to develop an obsession with alcohol, losing the ability to control their drinking, and many alcoholics also experience distorted thinking and denial.
Some signs that someone might be an alcoholic include regular heavy drinking, along with drinking at inappropriate times, such as early in the morning. If someone has had problems at work or school because of drinking and it persists, this could be an indicator of alcoholism. Someone who drinks and drives repeatedly or drinks and engages in other dangerous activities also shows signs of alcoholism.
An alcoholic tends to develop an obsession with drinking alcohol.
Drinking alone, hiding alcohol in strange places, and trying to hide alcohol consumption from others are also symptoms of alcoholism, as is the inability to count the amount of alcohol consumed. An alcoholic may also experience frequent blackouts related to alcohol use, along with health problems associated with binge drinking and personality changes related to alcohol use.
Drinking becomes a problem as soon as it negatively affects a person’s life and relationships.
When people begin to have relationship problems because of alcohol, combined with feelings of guilt and a desire to cut down on alcohol, but an inability to do so, this is a strong indicator that they may be suffering from addiction to alcohol. . Alcoholics may also manifest an alcohol fixation, insisting on alcohol at all social occasions and showing disinterest at events where alcohol will not be present.
Some people only drink when socializing with friends.
Alcohol dependence treatment can address the problem from many angles. Not all treatments work for everyone, and it can take time for an alcoholic to find a therapist or treatment plan that is effective. Patient support from friends and family is important, and many friends and family of alcoholics take advantage of support programs that show them how to help with recovery.
