As of 2014 there are an estimated 130 million individuals in the U.S. who consume alcohol on a regular basis. Many of these people may have a dependence and should be enrolled in a treatment program, but they may not realize it. This is because of the perception that since alcohol is legal, it can’t be dangerous. That type of thinking is detrimental to any recovery efforts to be made. While alcohol is certainly addictive, it’s unlike other addictions because of the fact that it often goes unnoticed. If you feel as though yourself or a loved one may be suffering from alcohol addiction, here are some signs and symptoms to look for.
First, consistently choosing drinking over other activities such as spending time with friends and family is a major red flag that somebody may have a problem. It’s one thing to have a night out with friends, but it’s completely different to prioritize alcohol every single time.
Drinking alone is also another red flag. Drinking alcohol is generally considered a social activity, and if you do it alone, it can be dangerous.
If you start to feel hungover anytime you’re not drinking, you probably have a problem. You should be able to go days or weeks without alcohol without exhibiting any serious physical side effects.
If your emotions often feel out of whack, it may be another sign of alcohol abuse. Consistent alcohol consumption can actually change the chemicals in your brain and make you feel irritable and even angry anytime you don’t have a drink in your hand.
Another serious symptom of alcohol addiction that should never be ignored is frequent blackouts or memory loss. This usually occurs when a large amount of alcohol has been consumed in a short period of time. If you’re doing it consistently, it can feel like one long nightmare of drifting in and out. You may not be aware of the time and feel as though you’re living one long day that never seems to end.
Finally, if you often isolate yourself from friends and family, you may have a problem as well. If you’re often ignoring texts or calls from friends or family members, you’re isolating yourself.
Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that requires recovery at a treatment program, and its symptoms and side effects should never be ignored. If you have an addiction — opiate addiction, oxycodone addiction, adderall addiction, or any substance, the best thing you can do is seek help today and enroll in a treatment program. There is life after addiction.
