The signs of alcoholism are just the external proofs of a much bigger and deeper problem that the alcohol addict is grappling with. Beneath the surface is a more sinister and problematic truth that reaches beyond the physical and touches the emotional and psychological states of a person. People with family history of alcohol abuse are more susceptible to fall into heavy drinking and eventually develop drinking problems. Those with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression are also at risk of alcohol abuse and self-medication.

Indicators of a Drinking Problem

People with drinking problem usually feel guilty and ashamed about their overconsumption of alcohol and they tend to hide their habits through lying to others. Alcohol dependents, however, cannot hide their drinking habits and this leads to family members and friends getting increasing worried about their alcohol problems. The need to consume alcohol as a form of relaxation or feeling better is also an indicator of alcoholism as well as regularly drinking more than you can handle or intended to do. Blacking out and forgetting the things that you did when you were drunk is also a sign that you have a drinking issue.

Signs of Alcoholism and Alcohol Dependence

There is a thin line between problem drinking and social drinking and the bad news is that it may sometimes be too late before the problem is noticed or addressed. Some of the common signs of alcohol abuse include a repeated neglect of your obligations and commitments at work, home, or school due to your alcohol consumption. For instance, alcohol addicts tend to do poorly at school and work, flunk classes, skip out on their commitments, and even neglect their families.

One of the sure symptoms of alcohol abuse is when you are already experiencing some legal problems due to your drinking problems such as getting arrested for drunk driving and disorderly conduct. Drinking too much that it is already causing problems in your social and personal relationships is a sign of alcohol abuse.

Related article: Five Warning Signs of Alcoholism | Alcoholism | Alcohol Use Disorder

Tolerance – First Sign of Alcoholism

Drinking alcohol is socially and culturally acceptable but not to the extent of feeling physically compelled to drink in order to feel better or function well. One of the major signs of getting abnormally hooked to alcohol is when you feel the need for more alcohol consumption just to feel the same effects.

Withdrawal – Second Sign of Alcoholism

Alcohol addicts show physiological manifestations of dependence on this substance such as involuntary tremors or spasms. When you need to drink in order to steady your shaking hands or body, then you are in deeper trouble than you thought. Some of the withdrawal signs of alcoholism include depression, headache, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, trembling, sweating, sleep problems, and jumpiness or anxiety.

The tangible signs of alcoholism are just the tip of the iceberg. There is a much deeper reason why people fall into the abyss and feel like there is no turning back. The good news is that there are also efforts to counter and treat alcohol abuse in Vancouver. Call Inspire Change Addiction Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs.