Unfortunately, alcohol is a huge part of culture in the United States, and the connection between drinking and “having a good time” does not seem to be dying out anytime soon. After all, how many advertisements depicting couples happily drinking vodka or bourbon have you seen recently? As a result of the overhype surrounding alcohol, you can easily see why so many people are bonafide problem drinkers, meaning they have little to no control over their alcohol intake or simply love getting drunk. Still, everyone has their limits. How can you identify them? Let’s take a closer look at some big indicators that your friend or loved one is a problem drinker.
Behavioral and Physical Problems
If your loved one or friend may be coping with a severe drinking problem or simply does not have the willpower to quit, he or she will be exhibit certain physical and behavioral problems including:
- Severe Mood Swings: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can severely warp normal brain function. While intoxicated, a man or woman can exhibit extreme sadness, aggression, or (in severe cases) violence. Ultimately, heavy drinkers can also develop depression as a result of long-term alcohol use.
- Sudden or Recurring Health Problems: Although some people can drink one glass of wine or a shot of whiskey to help their heart and brain, you have to remember that alcohol can be toxic. Even if a person has a high tolerance for the drug, their liver and the rest of the digestive tract have to work overtime to process it. Even the brain and heart don’t get a break from alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Liver disease and heart problems in a health individual are huge indicators of a drinking problem.
Social Problems
Besides the obvious changes to health and well-being, problem drinkers will also experience problems in their social lives and may even brush with the wrong side of the law:
- Lying: Your loved one or friend will be eager to cover up their problem. If he tells you he is not drinking alcohol, and you find evidence of previous drinking (particularly clusters of bottles or cans), you can identify a problem. If he is healthy, he doesn’t have a reason to hide anything from you.
- Making False Promises: Your friend or loved one may tell you they will cut back on alcohol, but you will find evidence of their weakness later. If they cannot quit after multiple attempts, they have serious health problems that need to be addressed.
- Poor Task Management: People who are problem drinkers are unable to cope with the smallest tasks at home, resulting in a dirty or disheveled living space and an inability to maintain a schedule. Alcohol pretty much runs their lives now.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Although it might be a symbol for partying and “having a good time,” alcohol is far from being a positive element in the lives of people. One glass of wine or a shot of whiskey might help protect you against heart disease and strokes, but many cases of abuse and divorce have stemmed from binge drinking and alcoholism. However, you have to remember that a little drink does not have control over your life. Only you can determine your future. The time to take back your life is now.
If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
