You may be involved with someone who is in the beginning stages of alcoholism. You have a gut feeling that they may have a problem with alcohol, but there is nothing you can say because the person is exhibiting a few symptoms of alcohol addiction.
Experts believe that alcoholism is a progressive disease. When alcoholic continues to drink, the symptoms become more apparent, until it is quite clear to almost everyone that they have a drinking problem.
Alcohol abuse is not always displayed with obvious symptoms and doesn’t happen overnight. Their drinking problem increases over a long period of time.
With that being said, it’s not so obvious in the early stages of the disease. In the beginning stages of alcoholism, it is not always apparent that the person has a problem with alcohol, but there can be telling signs.
So, how does one know if they are dating an alcoholic?
Here are some things to look for.
Their Social Life Revolves Around Alcohol
He or she will only attend activities where alcohol is available or allowed. They will only surround themselves with others who drink and ignore those who don’t. They would never spend time at a kids baseball game, but would definitely be in attendance at a professional game where there will be alcohol. Your date may take you to an occasional movie, but can’t wait to go to a bar after the movie.
Drinks to Relieve Stress
They drink if they are happy or sad. Their problem isn’t an occasion when they won’t drink. This person uses alcohol as a coping mechanism. He or she drinks when they’re depressed and relies on alcohol to deal with their emotions. Alcohol simply means more to them than it does to other people.
They Don’t Seem To Be Intoxicated
After a period of time, an alcoholic has developed a tolerance for alcohol, which requires more alcohol to make them feel the way one or two drinks used to make them feel. You will be unable to drink along with them, as you will feel the effects long before he or she does.
Personality Changes When They Drink
Although they may not seem inebriated after a few drinks, their personality may change. They may fo from kind and affectionate to mean and verbally abusive after just a couple of drinks.
They Become Irritable When They Haven’t Had a Drink
Everything is all well and good if they have a drink in their hand, but if they have to go without a drink for a long period of time, their mood changes. They are quick to become angry with the slightest provocation. While sober their mood is unpredictable and hard to communicate with.
Drinking Has Caused Problems in Their Life
Because of their inability to stop drinking, he or she may have lost their job or have had trouble with the law. Many alcohol abusers will swear to never drink again when such problems arise. But, they continue to drink in spite of the embarrassment and trouble they have caused themselves.
There Is a Family History of Alcoholism
For those who have a family history of alcoholism, there is a much higher risk of becoming alcoholics. If one of their family members has a problem with alcohol, it could be a sign the person you are dating “will become” an alcoholic themselves.
If this sounds familiar, you may want to find out more about what you can do to help. At Asana Recovery we can assist you with any questions about you can help an alcoholic get the help they need. 949-438-4504
