How to Recognize Signs of an Alcoholic

It's really not that difficult to recognize signs of an alcoholic if you look for them. Many friends and family members tend to be in denial about alcoholism when someone close to them drinks too much and experiences problems because of his or her drinking.

For the most part drinking is socially acceptable; there are, however, people who should not drink because alcohol is an addiction for them. Even one drink tends to be dangerous for anyone with a drinking problem.

Many people think alcoholics are only skid row type homeless people who walk around intoxicated carrying some kind of liquor in a small bag. In reality there are many alcoholics who function as family members, friends, or coworkers. To recognize signs of an alcoholic, follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. To recognize signs of an alcoholic, check to see if a person is having problems in any area of his or her life because of drinking. These areas include especially relationships, employment and school. Keep in mind that there are many alcoholics who can perform well in some environments; however, they still will have some issues in their lives where there are problems because of their drinking. For example, alcoholics will typically neglect responsibilities such as taking care of their families, children, homework, finances, personal hygiene and other commitments.

2. Recognize signs of an alcoholic by counting their number of drinks. Alcoholics typically cannot stop drinking after just one or two drinks. Alcoholics sometimes lie about their drinking or try to keep their drinking habits hidden.

3. Look for signs of an alcoholic by noticing if he or she experiences any blackouts. Alcoholics usually tend to continue drinking even though it's obvious they have had enough. Many alcoholics will continue to drink even if they put themselves and others in harm's way. Having one or more DUIs is another sign a person may be an alcoholic.

4. Check for signs of an alcoholic when someone repeatedly tries to quit drinking or they may continually insist they can stop drinking at any time. Alcoholics may also quit one type of liquor and replace it with another. For example, alcoholics may give up beer but insist they have no problems drinking wine.

5. Look for signs of an alcoholic when someone continues to drink even though he or she is aware that drinking is causing a problem in his or her life. Alcoholics may also blame others for their drinking problems.
   
   For more information about alcoholism, check out the resources below.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that you have no control over anyone else's drinking.
• Don't take on the responsibilities of an alcoholic.
• If you cannot stop obsessing about another person's drinking, start attending Al-anon meetings regularly.
• Alcoholism is a progressive disease. An alcoholic may stop drinking for a period of time; however, once they begin drinking their lives will continue to deteriorate.

Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-anon / Alateen

[godfather25]

on 1/4/2010 Excellent article on recognizing the signs of an alcoholic.

[jseven]

on 1/4/2010 Very good tips, you are so right about it hitting anyone in the social status.

[TheBusinessMind]

on 1/3/2010 Great article and your right most people with this problem deny it until its too late or something bad happens. 5*