Ten Warning Signs of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease that does not discriminate among race, religion, sex or age. It is a widespread problem affecting millions, and can be more effectively treated with early intervention.
Over the past few years the perception of the typical alcoholic has changed. No longer considered to be drunks on skid row, alcoholics can be any of your friends, family or neighbors.
One of the main warning signs of alcoholism is drinking alone. Those who drink alone are no longer drinking for social reasons and are simply trying to cope with life and make it through the day. Often alcoholics drink alone because they don't want their friends and family to realize exactly how much alcohol they are consuming. Secret drinking is also a sign of alcoholism. Alcoholics often fill their plastic cups with alcohol instead of soda so that no one will realize they are drinking all day long.
Morning trembling is another warning sign of alcoholism. When alcoholics wake up, their body is still in shock from not having any alcohol in the system. This can cause the body to tremble and shake. You might also notice a certain paleness to alcoholics when they first wake up.
Alcoholics often make excuses for reasons to drink. Instead of admitting the fact that they have a drinking problem, they will always find a reason to celebrate with a drink or to console themselves with one. Making excuses for drinking is a typical warning sign of alcoholism. Once an alcoholic begins drinking, they find it very hard to stop. Often, if there is any alcohol left in the house, it will be consumed. Most bottles are emptied by the end of the evening. They also have a very difficult time reducing their alcohol intake to a smaller amount.
Many alcoholics have a hard time keeping up their physical appearance. They may appear unkempt, unshaven and with wrinkled clothes at work in the morning. You many also notice that they are not showering regularly or have problems putting the correct clothing together.
If you know someone who needs to drink daily in order to function, they are probably an alcoholic. Drinking daily is one of the main signs of alcoholism. Alcoholics often feel as thought they can't make it through the day without a drink and may start drinking as early as noon.
Alcoholics are often plagued by poor eating habits. Concentrating more on drinking than eating, many alcoholics will lose weight and have poor skin color. Not having the proper nutrition contributes to the overall health problems that alcoholics usually have.
Many alcoholics become angry when they are confronted about their drinking habits. This anger is an excellent example of a warning sign of alcoholism. Alcoholics become resentful and do not consider the fact that you may be trying to help them. Sometimes, all they can think about is the fact that you are trying to take away their drinks. Violence is often a factor in relationships with alcoholics. Many times, alcoholics lose their temper when they are drunk, causing all kinds of mental and physical damage to those around them.