Spotting the Early Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Learn the Early Warning Signs of Alcoholism

Whether it comes in the form of beer, wine, or hard liquor, alcohol is undoubtedly the most common drug in the world, and its use often goes unnoticed. For many people, having a drink is no big deal, and those lucky individuals can stop any time they wish. But for those suffering from alcoholism, putting the bottle away or setting the glass down is not easy. It is important for those impacted to recognize the early signs of alcohol abuse to prevent their habit from spiraling out of control.

The early warning signs of alcoholism can sometimes be subtle, but you will see them if you look hard enough. Whether you are concerned about your own drinking or that of someone you care about, it is crucial to understand what these early signs of alcohol abuse are and what you can do about them. This requires a high level of self-awareness, but the value of early intervention is enormous.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

It is imperative to understand the progressive nature of alcoholism. Dependency on this dangerous and addictive drug can build up slowly, with budding alcoholics degenerating step-by-step. By the time they recognize the depths of your addiction, alcoholics will likely find it impossible to stop drinking without professional help and guidance. With that in mind, here are some of the common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse:

Short term memory loss and temporary blackouts

Alcohol can be a memory eraser, and any change in cognitive abilities or recall should be cause for concern.

Secret drinking

If you hide your drinking from your friends and family, you almost surely have a problem with alcohol, and it is vital to get treatment right away.

Drinking alone

Alcohol can be a social lubricant, but drinking alone is a big red flag for budding alcoholics. If you are drinking by yourself, you need to monitor your behavior very carefully.

Irritability and mood swings

Problem drinkers often experience extreme agitation and irritability when trying to stop drinking, and these mood disorders should serve as a wake-up call.

Making excuses for your drinking

If you find yourself rationalizing your use of alcohol, you need to take a closer look at your behavior. Excusing your excessive alcohol use with claims of stress or a need to relax is a common tactic for those suffering from alcohol use disorder.

Feeling hungover even when not drinking

Alcoholics may continue to experience hangover symptoms even when sober, and that should always be cause for concern and action.

Feelings of isolation

Alcoholics often isolate themselves from family members and friends out of fear that their dependency will be uncovered. If you live a more isolated life than you used to, your excessive drinking could be to blame.

How to Recognize Alcoholism in Yourself

Whether you are worried about your drinking or a loved one, recognition is the first step to recovery. If you want to know if you are in danger of becoming an alcoholic, start by asking yourself these essential questions:

• Have you ever thought you needed to cut down on your drinking?
• Do you feel annoyed when other people criticize your use of alcohol?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
• Do you feel you have to start each day with a drink?

If these questions sound familiar, it is time to get help, and the help you need is just a phone call away. Do not wait for your alcohol use to cross the line into alcoholism – just pick up the phone and give WhiteSands a call. We have the training and expertise needed to put you back on the road to a lifetime of successful sobriety, but the rest is up to you.

Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol maybe a legal drug, but that does not mean it is not a dangerous one. In fact, alcohol is one of the most hazardous substances there is, responsible for untold amounts of human suffering, thousands of car crashes, injuries, and negative consequences for society. Some of the most significant dangers of alcohol abuse include:

• Drunk driving arrests
• Job losses
• Domestic violence
• Liver damage
• Blackouts and memory loss
• Possible brain damage

These dangers are genuine, and alcohol is far from an innocuous substance. If you recognize any of the warning signs of alcoholism, it is important to seek help as soon as possible, and we encourage you to reach out to the experts at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

It is all too easy to slip from social drinking into excessive alcohol use and alcohol’s excessive use into actual alcoholism. If you think you may already be an alcoholic or fear you are on the road to alcohol use disorder, you should trust your gut and reach out for the help you need. Problems with alcohol will not get better on their own, and alcoholism is a progressive illness that will only worsen over time.

We encourage you to call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today for the help you need to overcome your alcoholism. Our experts can help you diagnose your condition and assess the severity of your problem, but more importantly, we can provide the expert help you need at our many locations around Florida, so you can regain your lost sobriety and start living the life you deserve.

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.