Spotting An Alcoholic: Signs And Symptoms

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is a prevalent medical condition. While people with severe AUD may resemble the stereotypical alcoholic, those with mild or moderate AUD may not fit the alcoholic mould. They may hold down jobs, manage their finances, and maintain relationships while still suffering harm from alcohol use. This makes it challenging to identify the signs of alcohol dependence, and people with AUD may feel ashamed and get upset if confronted. However, there are some warning signs to look out for, such as impaired control over alcohol intake, prioritising drinking over other activities, and risky behaviour under the influence. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, it is important to seek help from medical professionals or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcohol cravings and urges

Internal triggers

Internal triggers are the thoughts, memories, emotions, or physical sensations that prompt the urge to drink. For example, you might experience cravings when feeling anxious, stressed, or facing conflict with someone. These triggers can be harder to identify than external triggers, as they can be set off by fleeting thoughts or emotions. However, by tracking and analysing your urges, you can become more aware of when and why they occur.

External triggers

External triggers refer to environmental cues that remind you of drinking, such as certain people, places, times, or situations. For instance, you might associate drinking with social functions, celebrations, or winding down after work. It's important to be mindful of these triggers and avoid them as much as possible, especially in early recovery when cravings are often most intense.

Managing cravings and urges

Acknowledging and accepting cravings is an important first step. Remind yourself that cravings are temporary and will pass in a few minutes. You can also try to avoid your triggers, at least initially, by limiting your exposure to alcohol at home and socially. Additionally, you can carry a wallet card or save an electronic message with your reasons for cutting back on drinking, which can help reinforce your motivation.

If you're experiencing alcohol cravings and urges, it may be worth seeking support from a mental health professional or recovery coach. They can provide guidance and coping strategies to help you manage your cravings effectively. Medications such as Acamprosate (Campral) and Disulfram (Antabuse) can also be prescribed to help reduce cravings and support sobriety.

Inability to control drinking

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is a common medical condition. People with this condition can't stop drinking, even if their alcohol use negatively impacts their health, safety, and personal relationships. They may also be in denial about their addiction and the consequences of their drinking habits, such as losing their job or getting a DUI.

People with AUD may experience personality changes when under the influence. Typically reserved individuals may become loud and outgoing, while some may become aggressive or violent. They may also drink in secret, even at work or school, and take steps to hide their drinking, such as brushing their teeth frequently to mask the smell of alcohol. They may also make excuses for their drinking or minimise the issue when confronted by loved ones.

A person with AUD may use alcohol as a stress reliever. They may have previously had healthy outlets, such as exercise, reading, or painting, but now rely on alcohol as an escape from everyday life. They may also have a high tolerance for alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, or convulsions if they suddenly stop drinking.

Additionally, they may spend a lot of time obtaining and consuming alcohol or recovering from hangovers. They may repeatedly try to reduce their drinking but fail to do so and may give up important social, work, or recreational activities due to their drinking habits. They may also continue drinking despite having a medical condition or mental disorder that worsens with alcohol consumption.

Prioritising drinking over other activities

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. People with AUD may prioritise drinking over other activities or obligations, such as work or family life. This can lead to a decline in personal relationships and performance in work or school.

If a person is prioritising drinking over other activities, it may be a sign that they are struggling with alcohol use disorder. This disorder is characterised by a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink, even when drinking is causing harm to one's health, safety, or personal relationships. People with AUD may continue to drink even when it interferes with their work, family, or social obligations. They may also give up important activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed to prioritise drinking.

Additionally, people with AUD may experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut down or stop drinking. These symptoms can include tremors, sweating, nausea, and anxiety. As a result, they may prioritise drinking to alleviate these unpleasant symptoms. AUD can also cause people to develop a high tolerance for alcohol, meaning they need to drink increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. This can further contribute to prioritising drinking over other activities, as the person may feel a strong compulsion to maintain their alcohol intake.

The prioritisation of drinking over other activities can have significant negative consequences. It can lead to social isolation as individuals withdraw from social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed. It can also impact work or school performance and contribute to financial difficulties. Additionally, prioritising drinking can worsen any co-occurring mental health conditions and increase the risk of engaging in risky behaviours, such as drinking and driving or unsafe sexual practices.

It is important to recognise that AUD is a treatable condition. Evidence-based treatments, including behavioural therapies, mutual-support groups, and medications, can effectively help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption or achieve abstinence. If you or someone you know is struggling with prioritising drinking over other activities, seeking professional help is crucial.

Denial of drinking problem

Denial is a common reaction when someone is confronted about their drinking problem. It can be difficult for someone to accept that they have a drinking problem, and this can lead to feelings of shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. It may take several attempts to begin a conversation with your loved one about their drinking, and you should expect pushback and denial. Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging situation:

Offer Advice, Not Ultimatums

It is important to approach the conversation from a place of caring and support, rather than accusation or anger. Offer advice and suggestions for seeking help, such as calling a helpline, talking to a doctor or counsellor, or joining a support group. Remember that you cannot force someone to stop drinking or change their behaviour.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Select a time when your loved one is not drinking and is in a good mood. Choose a quiet and private place where you won't be interrupted, and turn off your phones or other devices to avoid distractions. This will help create a calm and focused environment for the conversation.

Express Your Concerns in a Caring Way

Share your worries about their drinking and how it is impacting their health, your relationship, and the family. Remain neutral and compassionate, and avoid judging their behaviour or shaming them. Encourage them to open up about the underlying reasons for their drinking, such as stress, boredom, loneliness, or anxiety.

Give Them Time and Space

After expressing your concerns, give your loved one time and space to process your words and start to see the problem for themselves. Avoid threatening, punishing, bribing, or preaching, as this can increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink. Remember that it may take time for them to come to terms with the issue.

Avoid Covering Up for Them

Do not cover up for your loved one's behaviour or make excuses for them. While it may be tempting to shield them from the consequences of their drinking, doing so will only delay their recognition of the problem. Allow them to face the natural consequences of their actions, as this can be a powerful motivator for change.

Remember that it is not your fault or responsibility to fix their drinking problem. You are taking a brave step towards helping your loved one by acknowledging the issue and offering support.

Physical and behavioural signs

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is a common medical condition. People with AUD experience impaired control over their alcohol consumption, giving precedence to drinking over other daily activities, and experiencing a strong urge to drink alcohol.

• Slurred speech: This is a common sign of alcohol intoxication, and may indicate that a person has been drinking excessively.
• Unsteady gait: If a person has difficulty walking or maintaining their balance, it could be a sign that they have been drinking too much.
• Lack of availability for social activities in the evening: People with AUD may decline social invitations or avoid participating in activities that do not involve drinking.
• Poor work performance: AUD can lead to decreased productivity and motivation at work, and may put their job at risk.
• Impaired relationships: AUD can negatively impact relationships with partners, family members, and friends.
• Drinking and driving: People with AUD may engage in risky behaviours such as drinking and driving, which can have serious consequences.
• Blackouts: They may experience memory lapses or blackouts when drinking, indicating that they have consumed more alcohol than their body can handle.
• Increased priority to drinking: They may give more importance to drinking than to other daily activities and responsibilities.
• Inability to quit drinking: People with AUD may try to curb their drinking by setting limits, but they are unable to uphold these boundaries.
• Denial and blame: They may deny that their drinking is a problem or that it has caused negative consequences, instead pointing fingers at others or making excuses.
• Withdrawal symptoms: If a person with AUD suddenly stops drinking, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, or convulsions.
• Craving alcohol: Even when facing negative consequences or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, people with AUD crave alcohol to fix their negative feelings.

Frequently asked questions