Signs that an Alcohol Problem Exists

Spotting an alcohol abuse problem can sometimes be tricky. Since alcohol is so widely used in society and so easy to acquire, many people are unsure if someone is suffering from an alcohol problem. In order to determine if a person is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, it is necessary to look at their behaviors and patterns. In many cases, people have more of an alcohol problem than they realize or are willing to admit, so it is up to friends and family members to spot the symptoms and intervene to get proper treatment or counseling help.

Researchers have found that there are varying degrees of alcohol problems, with some being much more severe than others. Mild alcohol problems would include someone who binge drinks ( often defined as five or more drinks in one sitting). An example of someone with a severe alcohol problem would be a person who cannot get through the day without having a drink or who suffers from physical problems if they do not have alcohol in their system.

While more people with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) appear to be on the less severe side of the scale, their actions and behaviors under the influence are just as dangerous. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there are several questions one might ask to determine whether an AUD exists. Some of these include inquiring if any of these have happened in the past year:

More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?

Spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over the aftereffects?

Found that drinking — or being sick from drinking — often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?

Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?

There are many other signs and symptoms to consider here. For people who do have problems, consulting a treatment professional or other behavioral health care provider is vital in determining what course of treatment would be best. Call today to speak with one of our counselors.

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”