How To Detect the Signs Of Alcoholism

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Not all alcoholics fit the stereotype of the down-and-out drunk. Learn to recognize the warning signs in yourself or a loved one.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Reflection
Observation skills
Honesty

Step 1: Weigh the importance of alcohol to you or a loved one. Is there a general preoccupation with drinking, like when, where, and with whom the next round will begin? Is it difficult to stop drinking once it starts, or to stick to a limit? Is a life without drinking impossible to imagine?

Step 2: Consider how much alcohol is consumed. Does drinking take place on a daily basis? Is binge drinking — more than five drinks in one sitting — a commonplace event? Do hangovers and blackouts occur frequently?

Tip: The compulsion to finish every drink -- and even other people's -- is a red flag.

Step 3: Examine the motives for drinking. Using alcohol as a mood enhancer or coping mechanism is common among alcoholics.

Step 4: Think about the guilt, if any, associated with drinking. Have there been promises to cut down? Lies told about the amount consumed, or about drinking altogether?

Step 5: Measure tolerance for alcohol. Being able to consume a lot of liquor with few signs of intoxication is not a badge of honor; it's a sign of addiction.

Step 6: Don't be fooled by the ability to hold down a job. As many as half of the 18 million American alcoholics are considered high-functioning, meaning they can spend years maintaining the facade of a normal life while drinking to excess, until something catastrophic happens.

Step 7: If you see these signs in yourself or a loved one, call The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service toll free at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for help.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HealthBeauty
• mind
• body
• detecting
• knowing
• alcoholic
• alcoholism
• recognizing
• help
• stereotype
• drunk

[yernott]

I'd rather live a life in absolute silence than spend another minute with anyone drunk, buzzed or even takes a sip.

[Archon220]

Im a fuking drunkk 8)

[bradgibss86]

1) preoccupation with drinking, nah I drink during whatever I'm doing. Stop drinking after i start? Why would I do that? 2) Wait, what? more than 5 drinks in one sitting is binge drinking??? I call that warmup.

3) Motives for drinking...Not being at work.

4) Lies told about the amount I've drank... Well, maybe, I mean theyre may have been some that I forgot 5) why not? 6&7) don't be a pussy. I think whoever wrote this needs a drink.

[dallas1sarria]

I dont drink much only with my friends but i worry when i am legal to buy beer i will buy it all the time (im 18)

[Helikaon9]

yep im a total alcoholic, damn lol

[dopefish93]

i am 18 years old i live in sweden and i am an alkoholic. i have been drinking since i was 14 but i know that when the day comes were i have to choose betwen drinking or loved ones i will make the right call... i hope

[Corrans]

@yernott Me too!

[Supaduck0]

I remember when I was a kid this alcoholic lady called Lorraine lived across the street from me. She was nice at first, made friends with my mum, and I didn't see a problem. I was around 8 at the time. She turned nasty one day when I gave her 6 year old son the finger (i was 8 and he was an annoying kid) from my bedroom window . She saw me later and said if I ever gave him the finger again she'd cut my hands off. Obviously not emotionally mature, which is one reason someone may be alcoholic.

[shockz18]

im drujnk whiikle wat ching thiss

[Kelly14UK]

@alcoholismrecovery Discover hash and the guitar.

[Kelly14UK]

@TheATCchamp Beer isn't drinking. Period. Lol. Stuff is just wee wee. Now, WHISKY...

[sumadinac92]

@catagon12345 He pretty much explained it the best way possible.