Alcoholism, alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs when a person is unable to control their drinking even when it causes destruction in various areas of their life. The symptoms of alcohol addiction can be discreet or pronounced depending on how obvious the problem is both to the drinker or the people around them.
For instance, a person may only exhibit one or two symptoms of alcoholism. However, those two symptoms may cause serious problems in a person’s finances, relationships, health, or career. Below, we look at some of the most common symptoms of alcohol addiction so that you can get a better understanding of what to look for. Encore Health Group is here to help you understand alcohol addiction and the symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
The following symptoms indicate that a person may have an addiction to alcohol:
Lack of Control
The most obvious and common sign that someone has alcohol addiction is their inability to control their drinking. The alcoholic may intend to start out with one or two drinks. However, they drink too much in any one sitting. Lack of control can also refer to one’s inability to get through a day without drinking. They gradually get worse as the addiction continues.
Unsuccessful Attempts at Stopping
Another clear indicator that a person has an addiction is all their failed attempts at quitting. They may promise to stop once and for all. However, they relapse quickly. This may go on for a period of months or years. Each failed attempt may cause a person to resign to drinking, as they lack the motivation to finally quit.
Obsession with Alcohol
Like any other addiction, the drinker becomes obsessed with alcohol. Their obsession overrides any other interest, hobby, responsibility, or relationship in their life. If they are not drinking, then they are talking about it incessantly. In addition, they cannot wait to have a drink.
Drastic Changes in Behavior or Lifestyle
An addiction can take over all areas of a person’s life. As such, even the most responsible and reliable person may demonstrate drastic changes such as:
- Insomnia/hypersomnia
- Appetite
- Friends
- Appearance/hygiene
- Interests/motivation
- Shirking responsibilities
Eventually, the alcoholic becomes a different person altogether. They become unrecognizable to their friends, family, or coworkers who all wonder what happened.
Reckless or Risky Behavior
Alcohol can impair one’s judgment and remove their inhibitions. For the alcoholic, their behavior may become more reckless or risky over time. They may engage in illicit sexual behavior, experience with other substances, or get in a car drive while drunk. They also get in trouble with the law or face legal problems.
Disregarding Consequences
A person who is obsessed with drinking and cannot see themselves living without alcohol will continue to drink regardless of the consequences. They may lose their home, finances, family, job, or even their health. However, it usually takes hitting rock bottom with the most devastating event in their life before they finally decide to quit.
Treatment for Alcoholism Addiction
If you notice that a loved one exhibits the symptoms of alcohol addiction, then you may want to stage an intervention to get them help. Our Tennessee addiction treatment center offers a wide range of services for addiction such as:
- Detox
- Rehab
- Inpatient/outpatient programs
- Evidence-based treatment
- Holistic care
- Aftercare programs
Regardless of how severe the addiction is, it is never too late to get professional help. If you are unsure of how to get started, then contact a treatment center like Encore Health Group and speak with a treatment specialist.
Contact Encore Recovery for Alcohol Addiction
If you notice the symptoms of alcohol addiction, then get help today at Encore Recovery. We offer comprehensive detox, rehab, and aftercare for all types of addiction. Contact us today to get started.
