The Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Sometimes it is hard to see right away if someone has a problem with alcohol.  It is such an accepted part of society.  We drink champagne at weddings, have a beer after work with the guys, keg parties go with the Super Bowl and religious ceremonies can often include wine.  However, there are some signs and symptoms of alcoholism that can alert a loved one to the likelihood of addiction. 

The most obvious and definitive sign is when a person allows alcohol to take over his life.  Yes, this can and does happen.  Waking up in the morning and starting the day with a beer.   Not wanting to socialize unless people come over at which point the person has already been drinking for hours.  Calling in at work, using sick days and vacation time when there is absolutely nothing wrong and nothing planned but, that's right, getting up and having a beer. 

A person can carry on for a long time with appearances while still having a problem with alcohol.  Mood swings may often be thought of as stress dealing with a work situation or a problem at home but the real problem is the person has become an alcoholic and is having withdrawal because he is not able to satisfy his craving by sitting down and having a beer or drink something stronger at the moment.  Following are some signs to watch for whether the one with the problem is you or a loved one.

Craving a drink: do you find yourself wanting a drink the way some people want to have a cigarette?  The only thing you can think of being that next drink?  Do you tell yourself you are going to cut down on drinking, only to give in time and again to the compulsion?  Do you feel like your body just can not go another day or hour unless you have just one drink, thereby extending it and having another one, then another, till you have drank yourself into oblivion? 

Drinking is a real problem and a person needs help in order to overcome the addiction.  Looking the other way compounds the problem.  Just as with any other substance abuse problem, you or your loved one needs help and can not get through it alone.  Call our helpline and we will work together with you to begin a successful road to recovery in the best treatment for alcohol addiction in Canada.