Does My Loved One Have a Drinking Problem?

When characters on TV shows and in movies have a drinking problem, the depiction is often romantic or tragic, or at the very least dramatic. But alcohol addiction does not always look like that. In fact, sometimes, it is hard to spot. The reality is, a drinking problem may not cause someone to fall over at the bar or witness their life fall apart at home. This does not, however, mean your loved one’s drinking doesn’t warrant alcohol addiction treatment. If someone you love is struggling to quit drinking or if their alcohol use is spilling over into their work, school, or personal life, contact Alina Lodge online or call us at 833.685.1700 today.

Recognizing the Signs of a Drinking Problem

For many Americans, drinking alcohol is an ordinary part of everyday life. And yet, because alcohol affects each person differently, it is not always possible to easily identify when a loved one’s drinking has crossed the line from responsible drinking to alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. This is because there’s no specific amount that indicates a person has an alcohol use disorder. Instead, a drinking problem is defined by how the drinking affects your loved one’s life and the people and environments surrounding them.

A person with a drinking problem regularly uses and abuses alcohol but not necessarily at the expense of their ability to function in everyday life. If you are worried that a loved one may have a drinking problem, there are some clear red flags to watch for. For example, your friend or family member may require alcohol addiction treatment at Alina Lodge if they:

• Spend a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from drinking
• Are unable to drink less, even if they have a desire to do so
• Craving alcohol
• Binge drink
• Lie to cover up their drinking
• Cannot remember events that occurred while drinking
• Have developed a tolerance to alcohol, meaning they need to drink more to get drunk
• Exhibit symptoms of withdrawal whenever they quit drinking
• Lost interest in social and recreational activities
• Are not fulfilling their responsibilities at home, school, or work
• Know their alcohol use and abuse is causing problems but do not try to quit drinking
• Drink alcohol in physically dangerous situations like before or while driving

How To Help Your Loved One Quit Drinking

Seeing someone you love spiral out of control because of a drinking problem, and living within a possibly dangerous and likely physical and emotionally hurtful environment, is something no one should have to suffer through. And yet, you want to help your loved one get the help they need to sober up and reclaim their life and livelihood. It’s not always easy to have a delicate conversation with someone, even a loved one, about their drinking. You may be worried that they will react with anger, denial, get defensive, or pull further away from you. Sadly, these are all common reactions, and yet your loved one is not likely to quit drinking on their own, and their use of alcohol won’t get better without alcohol addiction treatment.

There are several steps you can take right now to encourage someone you care to begin the process of overcoming and recovering from their alcohol addiction, including urging them to:

• Enter a medical alcohol detox facility to have expert supervision and compassionate help in managing the potentially severe acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome when they quit drinking
• Begin an alcohol addiction treatment program
• Take part in therapy, holistic care, and aftercare support
• Join support groups after they have completed treatment for their drinking problem

Learn More at Alina Lodge

Nearly 15 million adults in America suffer from alcoholism, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Thankfully, there is help available. If you believe your loved one has a drinking problem, contact Alina Lodge using our secure online form or call us at 833.685.1700 today.