If someone you care about has an alcohol abuse problem, then getting that person help has to be the priority. However, sometimes it’s difficult to recognize a problem. Since alcohol is a commonly consumed, knowing the difference between casual drinking and alcoholism might be tough. Here are some of the best ways to tell if your loved one has a drinking problem.
Lying About Alcohol Consumption
One of the biggest red flags is when individuals lie about their drinking frequency. If a person drinks alcohol in a recreational and responsible way, then there’s no reason to lie.
People who lie about their alcohol consumption often do so because they know it’s a problem. Deep down, they probably recognize that they are drinking too much or too often. Rather than facing that issue, it’s easier to lie.
Inability to Cut Back or Stick to Limits
Another way to tell if a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem is to see whether they can cut back or stick to self-imposed limits. A person who struggles with alcoholism won’t be able to do either without repercussions.
If a person says that they will have just one drink, but ends up drinking several, it could be an anomaly. If they do that regularly, however, it might be because they can’t control their consumption. Once they start drinking alcohol, it can feel almost impossible to stop.
If someone promises to cut back or quit, they might experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Cutting back or quitting cold turkey can cause severe side effects, and these can happen within a matter of hours. Feeling depressed, tired, or achy after a day without drinking is a clear sign of an alcohol addiction.
How Alcohol Addiction Affects Your Life
If something you’re doing daily causes serious financial, career, or health problems, then you would probably stop doing it. If you struggle with alcoholism, however, it’s not that simple. Many individuals keep drinking despite the negative consequences it creates.
Individuals with an alcohol addiction might drink despite warnings from doctors and growing health concerns. They might continue to drink even if hangovers routinely prevent them from performing their best at work. They might even drink after criminal or legal troubles that stem from alcohol consumption.
How to Treat a Drinking Problem
Fortunately, there’s a way to treat alcohol addiction. If your loved one needs treatment, Ashley Addiction Treatment could be the answer. Our substance abuse programs offer everything that patients need in one convenient and caring location. Effective alcohol addiction treatment methods include:
- Holistic care programs
- Dual diagnosis support
- Yoga, acupuncture and massage therapy
- Individual and group therapy
- Nutrition and fitness support
If your loved one has a drinking problem, the best way to help is to get them professional support. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, patients will get exceptional care for their recovery. Call 866-313-6307 to learn more about the path to sobriety.