6 Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted to Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious and possibly life-threatening condition that affects people from all walks of life. If you’re worried that someone you love can’t stop drinking, you can help them find the treatment they deserve at Klarity Clinic.

Our highly skilled physicians specialize in the treatment and recovery of those with drug and alcohol addictions. Henry Liang, DO, and Devin Tang, MD, offer ketamine and NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) infusion therapies that help people through their initial detox from alcohol without severe withdrawal effects.

Infusion therapy can also reduce your cravings, so you can achieve long-term recovery from alcohol and other substances.

Understanding alcohol addiction

Alcohol use disorder describes an inability to stop drinking, despite the adverse consequences that alcohol use can have on one’s life. Stopping alcohol on your own becomes difficult because of the withdrawal effects that occur.

You experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, shaking, and irritability because of how excessive alcohol use rewires your brain. These symptoms can be severe enough to make you keep drinking to prevent uncomfortable symptoms, which creates a vicious cycle where quitting alcohol for good seems impossible.

Though alcohol consumption is considered socially acceptable and alcohol is widely available, it isn’t always easy to see that someone you love has a problem. In fact, people who are addicted to alcohol can become masters at keeping their drinking a secret and resist your attempts at helping them recover.

However, there are warning signs that typically become more apparent in those struggling with addiction.

6 signs of alcohol addiction

Here, we outline some signs to look for, so you can reach out to a loved one who may need help.

Alcohol is an essential component of their social life

People with alcohol addiction are generally around alcohol all the time. You might notice that a friend or relative refuses to attend social or family gatherings where alcohol isn’t available.

They may also surround themselves only with fellow drinkers and distance themselves from people who don’t drink and those who quit using alcohol.

2. The maintain a defensive attitude about alcohol use

Those with alcohol use disorder often become defensive, angry, or even violent when asked about their drinking habits.

A loved one may also make up a wide range of excuses, deny their alcohol use, or try to minimize your concerns about their behaviors.

3. Alcohol is the go-to for stress relief

After a hard day of work or another stress event, someone with alcohol addiction may head straight to the bar or to their home liquor cabinet as a means of escape.

Drinking away stress can easily lead to binge drinking and blackouts, which create even more stress and chaos in the person’s life.

4. Noticeable changes in personality

Those who drink to excess or feel shame around their alcohol use may exhibit noticeable changes in their personalities.

For instance, someone who is traditionally soft-spoken and respectful may become loud and obnoxious when under the influence. Your usually peaceful friend or family member might also become violent when they’ve consumed alcohol.

5. Legal consequences start piling up

Being under the influence of alcohol makes it difficult to make good choices. A heavy drinker may engage in risky behaviors like driving when drunk or passing out while something is cooking on the stove.

Often, the negative behaviors start to have legal consequences, such as traffic tickets, DUI arrests, and assault chargers.

6. Poor personal care habits become apparent

Alcoholism can also interfere with a person’s ability to care for themselves and their responsibilities.

Your loved one may often appear disheveled or have their utilities cut off for nonpayment of the bill.

If you recognize these signs of alcohol use disorder in your family or friends, encourage them to get help at Klarity Clinic. We offer a safe, non judgmental space for people to recover from addiction and enjoy a healthier way of life.

Call the Klarity Clinic office in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Upland, California, today to schedule a consultation for alcohol addiction treatment or book an appointment online.