Noah Vinter
Alcoholism is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a person’s inability to control their drinking. It can be challenging to talk to a friend about their drinking habits, but recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is crucial to helping them seek treatment. Some common signs of alcoholism include developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, undergoing personality changes, and drinking as a form of stress relief. If you notice these behaviors in your friend, it’s important to approach the situation with care and encourage them to seek professional help.
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What You'll Learn
Binge drinking and frequency
Physicians typically separate alcohol addiction into three phases, with binge drinking being the initial stage. This may manifest as your friend drinking to excess on weekends or holidays. As the condition progresses, they may start drinking during the week, possibly every night, resulting in more frequent hangovers at work and increased absenteeism. They may also exhibit a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, neglecting responsibilities, and experiencing relationship problems.
Another warning sign is a preoccupation with events that involve alcohol. Individuals with AUD tend to enthusiastically attend gatherings where alcohol is available and avoid those that do not. Their entire social life revolves around alcohol, and they may even secretly drink during work or school hours. They may go to great lengths to hide their drinking, such as brushing their teeth frequently to mask the smell of alcohol.
As the disorder advances, individuals may start drinking alone, and drinking becomes a way to cope with stress or negative emotions. They may also experience physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to drink, such as shaky hands, sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or even more severe symptoms like hallucinations or convulsions. At this stage, they may drink in the morning to steady their nerves and continue drinking throughout the day to maintain a sense of calm.
If you recognize these signs in your friend, it is important to approach the situation with care and compassion. Encourage them to seek professional help, as addiction is a medical condition that requires medical attention.
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Physical appearance and health
Alcohol abuse can have a significant impact on a person's physical appearance and health. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterised by cravings, physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, and uncontrollable alcohol use. It is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, depression, high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain types of cancers.
One of the most common physical signs of uncontrolled alcohol abuse is weight fluctuation, which can manifest as unintentional weight gain or weight loss. Alcoholics may also experience bloating and puffiness, and their skin may show signs of damage. Additionally, they may neglect their personal appearance and hygiene.
Alcoholics may also experience health problems such as memory disruptions, including alcohol blackouts, which can lead to dangerous situations and an increased risk of injury. They may also face problems at work, such as increased absenteeism and decreased productivity due to frequent hangovers.
The final stage of AUD is daily abuse, where the person needs to drink to function. They may experience shaky hands and constant cravings, needing alcohol to calm down. Detoxification and withdrawal, under medical supervision, are crucial steps in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Without proper treatment, individuals with AUD may experience a decline in their quality of life and face severe health consequences.
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Personality changes
Alcohol abuse can lead to significant personality changes. If your friend doesn't seem like themselves lately, it could be a sign that they are struggling with alcohol addiction. For example, reserved individuals may become loud and boisterous, while typically closed-off people may become very open. These changes can be particularly harmful if your friend becomes aggressive or violent while drinking. They may also start to neglect their appearance and hygiene.
Another sign of alcohol addiction is that your friend may become defensive or hostile when confronted about their drinking. They may make excuses or minimise the problem. It's also common for people with alcohol addiction to drink secretly, even at work or during the school day. They may brush their teeth frequently to hide the smell of alcohol.
Alcohol addiction can also lead to risky decision-making. Your friend may insist on driving while drunk or get into physical fights at bars. They may also start to neglect their responsibilities, such as work or family obligations, and experience relationship problems.
If you notice these personality changes in your friend, it's important to approach the situation with care and compassion. Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that requires medical attention. Encourage your friend to seek professional help, and remember to take care of yourself and set boundaries during this difficult time.
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Hiding alcohol consumption
Those who hide their drinking may use various tactics to do so. They may choose drinks that are easy to disguise, such as vodka, as it is clear and doesn't have a strong smell. They may also add alcohol to a soft drink or tea without others knowing, or top up a vodka or gin bottle with water to disguise how much has been consumed. Some people may use mouthwash, which contains alcohol, to explain away unusual smells, or use chewing gum or mints to mask the smell of alcohol on their breath.
Secret drinkers may also hide alcohol in various places around the home, such as behind the couch, in the airing cupboard, or in the car. They may also stash alcohol in unusual containers, such as shampoo bottles, flasks, or water bottles. Additionally, they may display signs of increased injuries or sickness due to the impact of alcohol on their physical health. When confronted, they may make up excuses that don't seem plausible.
If you suspect a friend is hiding their alcohol consumption, it is important to approach them in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner. Talk to them privately when they are sober, and focus on expressing your concern for their well-being. Be prepared to listen to their response and work together to make a plan for addressing the issue. It is crucial to offer support and encourage professional help if needed.
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Failing to fulfil responsibilities
Your friend may begin to experience difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships. They may become secretive, deceitful, or hostile when confronted about their drinking habits. Alcoholics often struggle with relationship problems as their drinking becomes a source of tension and conflict with loved ones. They may isolate themselves from friends and family or become emotionally distant, impacting their ability to connect and maintain meaningful relationships.
Additionally, alcoholics often exhibit a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may neglect hobbies, exercise, or other positive outlets and instead turn to alcohol as their primary source of pleasure and stress relief. This can further contribute to their inability to fulfil responsibilities as they spend more time drinking and recovering from hangovers, leaving less time for other activities and obligations.
Financial problems can also arise as a consequence of failing to fulfil responsibilities. Alcoholics may struggle to manage their finances effectively, leading to issues such as unpaid bills, debt, or financial instability. They may prioritise spending money on alcohol over other necessary expenses, further exacerbating their financial difficulties.
The impact of alcoholism can extend beyond the individual to their families, particularly if they have children or dependents. Alcoholics may neglect their parental responsibilities, such as caring for their children, providing a stable home environment, or attending important family events. This can have significant consequences for the well-being and development of their children and can create a challenging dynamic within the family unit.
It is important to recognise that failing to fulfil responsibilities is a significant indicator of a potential alcohol use disorder. If you notice these signs in your friend, it may be time to encourage them to seek professional help and support.
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Frequently asked questions
If your friend is an alcoholic, you may notice that their social life revolves around alcohol. They may be enthusiastic about events where alcohol will be available and tend to avoid ones that do not. They may also drink to relieve stress and have given up other hobbies. Other signs include developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
Withdrawal symptoms can be physical and emotional. They may include trembling hands, sweating, nausea, a rapid heartbeat, extreme irritability, and in severe cases, hallucinations or convulsions.
It can be challenging to talk to a friend about their drinking, but it's important to try. Remember that they may not be talking openly because they're ashamed or scared of what might happen if they get help. You can encourage them to seek professional help and offer to go with them. It's also important to take care of yourself and set boundaries.
