Telltale Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Knowing Whether a Loved one is Struggling With Alcohol Abuse

Across the United States, alcohol is one of the top-most abused substances due to its ease of accessibility and the mere fact that it is legal. Unfortunately, too many individuals fall victim to alcohol abuse due to these factors which can quickly lead to alcoholism if it is not promptly taken control of.

While alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can often be quite easy to hide from even the closest friends and family, there are some telltale signs that your friend or loved one is on the road to serious destruction. Knowing the signs can help you approach the individual who is struggling so that they can get the help they require to get better.

Some of the common warning signs of alcohol addiction are:

  • Inability to manage money

    When individuals are victims of addiction, they prioritize their disease over anything else. This could result in depleted funds as the cost of their addiction will rob them of any finances they have.

  • Getting into trouble with the law

    Those who have a drinking problem will often get into mischief which can result in legal trouble. Those who struggle with an addiction will not hesitate to get behind the wheel while intoxicated or inebriated. This does not only put their lives and the lives of others at risk, but it also results in hefty fines and license suspension which often requires a court date to resolve.

  • Must drink an entire beverage without leaving anything behind

    Those who have an alcohol addiciton problem cannot simply leave their last few sips of alcohol and walk away. They feel as though they must consume the entire beverage and they do so.

  • Experience memory loss after drinking

    A common sign that an individual is struggling with alcohol abuse is their inability to recall what happened the night before. Bouts of amnesia as a result of excessive alcohol consumption is a sign that the individual is struggling with an addiction.

  • Have a high tolerance for alcohol

    One of the telltale signs that an individual is struggling with alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction is their high alcohol tolerance.

If you or someone close to you is showing signs of alcohol abuse or alcoholism, help is needed right away.

Expressing Signs of Shame

A common characteristic that individuals who struggle with alcohol abuse will display is shame. They are not yet in denial about their drinking and continue to come up with every possible excuse as to why they are not seeking help for their addiction. Those who struggle with an alcohol issue will often be nervous and overwhelmed by societal perspectives on ‘alcoholics’ which can influence their unwillingness to get help. They may feel as though people will judge them or misunderstand them. It’s important to understand that getting into treatment and putting your health first is paramount as addiction is a progressive disease that will continue to worsen the longer you wait to get help.

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s time to get immediate help.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.