Alcohol addiction is sometimes hard to spot. Since alcohol is readily available and legal to consume, it can be hard to know when someone develops a substance use disorder. Not everyone who drinks alcohol will struggle with addiction. However, some may develop it quickly. Spotting the signs of alcohol addiction may help you get the support you need sooner, minimizing some complications. At Next Wind Recovery, we can help you at any stage of addiction.
How Does Alcohol Addiction Form?
Consumption of alcohol consistently or binge drinking several times a month can lead to alcohol addiction. It occurs when a person recognizes the risks of using alcohol but continues to consume it anyway. Most often, addiction forms once a person is compulsively drinking alcohol. That does not mean every day or all day long, but on a more frequent basis.
Common Signs of Alcohol Addiction Early On
Addiction impacts people in different ways. That’s why the symptoms of alcohol addiction may vary from one person to the next. Some of the most common signs include:
- Having trouble controlling how much a person drinks, such as being unable to stop after a drink even when they’ve promised to.
- Drinking alone, often when they should not, such as at work or early in the morning. Usually, a person will hide alcohol, which can be a sign that they understand consumption is no longer safe.
- Making excuses to drink, such as saying that the day was hard or needing to get their mind off their stress.
- Pulling away from family and friends on an increasing basis, often to drink
- Losing time, often through a temporary blackout, or having short-term memory loss
A person may also begin to feel the impact of dependence. This condition often creates feelings of a hangover even when they have not consumed anything. Muscle aches and pains, headaches, and feeling anxious or irritable are common. If dependence occurs, a person may find it hard to stop using on their own. That means they may increasingly seek out alcohol.
Alcohol Addiction and Tolerance
Another component of alcoholism is consuming alcohol at an increasing rate. The body can become used to the amount being consumed. That means to get the same relief or high from alcohol, and they may need to drink more. Over time, this increases until they are drinking a significant amount and unable to get any benefit if they consume smaller amounts. Binge drinking may also increase in frequency.
Get Help at New Wind Recovery
Alcohol recovery is an option for most people. If you spot the signs of this condition early on, it’s best to seek help immediately. Addiction recovery can be effective, especially early on when a person has not developed dependence just yet. However, it can be hard to know when to reach out for help if you want to help a loved one.
For that reason, take a step back and ask them about their use. Discuss the risks of continued use. Offer to help them to find help and support so that they can start on the path of addiction recovery. Our team at New Wind Recovery can offer help with a wide range of programs, including:
- Addiction treatment programs
- Outpatient detox services
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Mental health treatment programs
If you see the signs of alcohol addiction in yourself or a loved one, don’t put off getting help. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you are to regain your health and wellbeing quickly. Our team at Next Wind Recovery provides the tools and resources to help you. Learn more when you call 201.331.6569 or connect with us online.
