signs of alcoholism

10 Signs of Alcoholism

When we think of drug problems, we don’t tend to dwell on alcoholism. We think of the hard drugs that plague our communities, but not of the shiny can of beer at the grocery store. But alcohol is the number one drug problem in America. There are over 17 million alcoholics in the US and those are only the people we know about. A person dies in America every 30 minutes from an alcohol-related car accident. Beer and liquor may be legal, but they ruin lives and kill the same as any dangerous drug.

Beer and liquor may be legal, but they ruin lives and kill the same as any dangerous drug.

Alcohol users, most times, are able to use it in such a manner that is relatively harmless. Yet, you’ll rarely find a drinker who doesn’t have at least one embarrassing story purely caused by alcohol use. There are those stories, and then there are the times alcohol contributes to marital and family disputes. How do we know if we have crossed the line into alcoholism and need to seek help? Here are 10 signs of alcoholism.

Important Note: Change is possible and a good thing. If you are struggling with any of the indicators below, seek help through Alcoholics Anonymous.

1. Taking Risks

When a person chooses to use alcohol despite a tendency to endanger themselves, their families, their relationships, their livelihood, or even the lives of other innocent people, that is a major red flag. Eventually, the drinker loses.

2. Blacking Out

Blacking out is drinking to the point that you can’t remember what happened.

3. Not Knowing When to Stop

Everyone else at the get-together either has stopped drinking or has gone home. You are still going and get defensive when told it’s time to stop.

4. Bottomless Bottles

It takes more and more alcohol to achieve the effects you desire from alcohol.

5. Drinking Solo

For most people, drinking alcohol is a social activity. If you find yourself drinking large amounts while you’re alone, you are heading down a dark road—particularly when you start to prefer it that way.

6. Withdrawal Symptoms

If you go for a few days not drinking and suffer symptoms such as the shakes, the sweats, anxiety, and being sick to your stomach, then you are addicted to the substance.

7. Ignoring Warnings and Consequences

You continue to choose alcohol even at the expense of relationships and your health.

8. Becoming Angry When Confronted

When the people who care most about you voice their concerns about your drinking, you respond in a defensive or angry way.

9. Missing Obligations

If you start to miss obligations such as work or children’s activities because of your drinking, then drinking has become the priority.

10. Getting Arrested Because of Alcohol

If society has deemed your behavior dangerous enough that it required law enforcement officers to cuff you and place you under arrest, then you have a major issue.

Sound off: What other possible signs are there of alcoholism?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What are some negative things about drinking alcohol?”