With the holidays right around the corner, many of us find often ourselves swept up in the excitement of the season. But this time of year also can be quite difficult for a lot of people. Aside from the effects of shortened days and colder weather, the holiday season can be a very emotionally trying time. Compounded with increased financial pressures, these factors only exacerbate mental health conditions like depression or substance dependency. It is no wonder that the amounts of drug overdoses and alcohol-related deaths sky-rocket during this time every year.
The signs of alcoholism can be hard to spot in someone else. People struggling with alcoholism often go to great lengths to hide their problem. This is something that I have personally dealt with, with a family member. However, it can be even harder to recognize the signs of alcohol addictions in oneself. The dangers of alcohol addiction go beyond reckless driving or expensive liquor store bills. Like any other drug, alcohol can kill you all on its own.
Below are some of the most common signs; if you recognize them in yourself or a loved one this holiday season, consider reaching out to a local rehab center for help.
- Overreactions to Mentions of a Drinking Problem – One of the most common signs of alcohol addiction is a denial of a problem. Many who are addicted to alcohol – or any substance – honestly believe that they do not have a problem.People with alcoholism may use various justifications to deny their problem. They may think that while they drink more than the average person, they have their drinking completely under control. They insist they can stop any time they want. Or, they may tell themselves that it is not an issue because they are still able to function (i.e. go to work, pay bills). When approached, they might vehemently deny having a problem.If you notice something that makes you think a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, the chances are your instincts are correct.
- Binge Drinking – Binge drinking is often ironically misinterpreted as evidence that someone doesn’t have an alcohol problem. A binge drinker consumes large amounts of alcohol at one time, but not necessarily on a daily or regular schedule. They may go through cycles of not drinking for months and then drinking excessively. They might only get drunk on the weekends.It can be easy for a binge drinker to tell themselves that they don’t have a problem because their habit isn’t constant. They feel in control of their drinking. However, the truth of the matter is that they do still have a problem and are at risk of serious health issues.
- Drinking at Inappropriate Times – One of the more obvious hallmarks of alcoholism is drinking and or becoming intoxicated at inappropriate times, such as during work or a family dinner. Many who are seriously addicted to alcohol can experience severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms if they go even a few hours without drinking. They may hide small shot bottles in their bags or carry liquor in water bottles. At this point, drinking has become more about satisfying cravings and staving off the effects of withdrawal than getting drunk.
- Experiencing Withdrawal – Withdrawal is a sure-fire sign that a person’s body has become dependent on alcohol. This can get really bad and, honestly, really dangerous so fast that basically, only a detox center can actually help. It can be scary, and sometimes, it can even be fatal. Symptoms can sometimes set in if a person goes even a few hours without a drink. Withdrawal from alcohol is more than just unpleasant – it can be life-threatening. The most common symptoms are intense cravings for alcohol, nausea, headaches, body aches, shaking, vomiting, and chills. Everyone experiences these symptoms differently, but in most cases of withdrawal, there are usually at least two symptoms present.
