Addiction can hurt when it affects a loved one. If you are looking at the possible signs of addiction, then you are taking a brave step, but one that shows how much you care. When an addict is left to their own devices, the situation can get worse. This is why it is important to know what some of the early signs of alcohol addiction are. Here are some that you might recognize in someone else and start alcohol addiction treatment early.
Their Intake Is Higher Than Usual
It is a telling sign that might seem obvious, but a lot of addictions build up over time. Given this, it can be hard to tell when someone is drinking to the point of addiction. The person you are concerned about might be drinking for more extended periods, seemingly unable to go days without alcohol. If their entire social life seems to revolve around drinking, then this could be a sign that they are alcohol dependent.
They Go to Great Lengths to Drink
This doesn’t mean they will travel a long way to go to a party, that can be perfectly innocent. It is rather they will go out late at night to get a drink or maybe make sure they are constantly near alcohol.
They Spend a Lot of Time Recovering
Recovering from alcohol is how many people spend their Sunday mornings, but if a person takes consecutive days recovering, it can mean they are not taking breaks between drinking sessions and can be a sign of being alcohol dependent. This doesn’t apply to how long an alcoholic might spend in a clinic such as the reputable Parkman Recovery Center. Those in recovery centres have recognized they have a problem already.
Your Loved One Misses a Lot of Commitments
Unless they have an illness that you are aware of, your loved one could be missing work, family commitments, social events, and more because of their drinking. If this is the case, and you suspect it is because of alcohol use, then it can be good to pay them a visit. It is not uncommon for an addict to make up stories about an illness to hide their addiction.
If you hear your loved one making comments about drinking to relieve stress, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. A lot of addictions start because life can be difficult at times, but if these problems continue so can the drinking. If your friend or family member is drinking to deal with life, then this can be something to look out for.
They Are Irritable When They Are Not Drinking
There isn’t always an opportunity for an alcoholic to drink. As a result, they can become irritable as their body craves more. If they are snappy or get agitated when there is little or no reason to be, this can be a sign of alcohol dependence.
You might now be are worried that your loved one is showing some of the signs above. It is especially concerning when more than one of these signs can be associated with them. If this is the case, you should seek advice on how to handle a potentially difficult conversation. If you are looking to go to a different state to start your recovery journey consider rehab in Arizona.