How To Spot The Signs of Alcoholism

We all know that alcoholism is a type of “drinking problem,” but where exactly is the line? What separates someone who has a few too many on occasion from a full-blown alcoholic?

Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is the first step to intervention – whether that means helping the alcoholic manage their disorder or helping the people in their lives cope.

Below, we’ll explain the defining characteristics of alcoholism as well as some key warning signs that can help you get your loved one help before it’s too late.

What is Alcoholism?

The definition of alcoholism is a severe form of what is formally known as an “alcohol use disorder” (AUD), which used to be referred to as alcohol abuse. It affects 4.5% of the U.S. population. While there are many warning signs of alcoholism and many ways to be an alcoholic, there are three characteristic elements for identifying alcoholism in an individual:

• They consume alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with their physical health, mental health, and social or occupational responsibilities.
• They find it difficult to control or make changes to their consumption patterns.
• They have a psychological and physical dependency on alcohol and exhibit withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming it.

Common Warning Signs of Alcoholism

Below, we’ll look at more specific physical, behavioral, and social warning signs for identifying alcoholism.

Not all individuals will display all signs, but these examples illustrate common themes in the life of alcoholics.

Physical Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Physical symptoms of alcoholism include:

• Frequent signs of intoxication, like:
  • Slurred speech, rambling, or repetitive statements
  • Unsteady coordination or balance
  • Glassy, watery, or bloodshot eyes
  • Drowsiness or decreased alertness
  • Frequently smelling like alcohol
• Frequent signs of hangover, like:
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Headache or sensitivity to sound or light
  • Nausea or decreased appetite
• A disheveled appearance and/or worsening hygiene and self-care
• Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol can’t be consumed, like:
  • Shaky hands
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Fever
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Racing heart

Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Behavioral alcoholism warning signs include someone:

• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
• Spending a lot of time, energy, and/or money on alcohol
• Needing to drink a large volume of alcohol to show the effects
• Getting defensive when questioned about their drinking habits
• Turning to alcohol to cope with frustration, sadness, or stress
• Deciding to quit or cut down only to fail, give up, or change their mind
• Hiding alcohol around the house
• Concealing their drinking as something else
• Having a garbage can full of empty alcohol containers
• Exhibiting erratic moods or behavior (aggression, irritability, impulsivity)
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Exhibiting risky behaviors
• Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies

Social Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Looking at what’s going on (or going wrong) in someone’s social life can be a key to recognizing alcoholism symptoms.

Alcoholism can cause social conflict, but since alcoholics drink to relieve or mask discomfort, conflict can also lead to more drinking.

Either way, alcoholics are likely to exhibit:

• Relationship difficulties
• A failure to show up or follow through on promises
• Getting into trouble at work
• Spending more time with people who support their drinking
• Increased isolation from those who criticize their drinking

Causes of Alcoholism, Risk Factors, and Vulnerable Groups

Some people are more likely to be alcoholics than others, so understanding the causes, risk factors, and most vulnerable populations can be another factor in identifying alcoholism.

Alcoholism is caused by a complex set of factors, including genetics, upbringing, mental health, drinking history, and environment. No single factor will guarantee alcoholism or prevent someone from being an alcoholic. Instead, each aspect of someone’s life and history can make them more or less vulnerable to developing severe AUD.

Risk factors for alcoholism include:

• Being the biological child of an alcoholic
• Growing up in a home with heavy drinking
• Starting alcohol consumption young (especially before the age of 15)
• Having a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder
• Having a risk-taking personality
• A history of binge drinking
• Frequent alcohol consumption over a long period of time
• Living with large amounts of stress
• Easy access to alcohol
• Living in a culture where alcohol use is common and acceptable
• Participating in social situations where drinking is likely

One-third of alcohol abusers have some kind of mental illness, and certain mental health conditions make you far more likely to develop alcoholism. Over 40% of those with bipolar disorder (and 20% of those with depression) have some degree of AUD because they use alcohol to relieve their symptoms.

People with high-stress jobs (or the stress of no job) have an elevated risk of AUD. Individuals with service industry jobs are especially affected.

Resources and Support

We understand alcohol use disorder far better now than we did several decades ago, which means there are effective resources and support available if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction.

A great place to start is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ free and confidential information and treatment referral service, which you can access by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They also have an online treatment locator, if you prefer.

If a loved one is struggling with addiction and you need personal support, Al-Anon Family Groups are a great support system.

People in the business of selling and serving alcohol have a special set of concerns when it comes to identifying alcoholism.

First, bartenders are 2.33 times more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than other types of employees, so the problem is very close to home. Second, Dram Shop Laws in many jurisdictions make businesses liable for any damage someone does after they’re overserved, and alcoholics’ high tolerance can make it difficult to accurately judge their level of intoxication.

That’s why many alcohol seller/server businesses turn to responsible alcohol service training like TIPS. It’s an effective way to educate your staff in avoiding illegal sales to all customers, and some jurisdictions allow regular TIPS training to be used as a defense in Dram Shop cases.

Enroll today!