Nearly 90,000 people die each year due to alcoholism, which trails behind other causes of death such as tobacco use and poor diet and exercise. 

Such a large number has a devastating effect on families and loved ones, especially when you know there are interventions and prevention.

To help those you love, it’s important to learn the signs of an alcoholic, because it’s not always easy to discern.

If you believe you think someone you know may be an alcoholic, here are some of the signs of alcoholism. 

1. Drinking Alone

Drinking alone is one of the key signs of alcoholism. This is especially true, because those who know they might have a problem may not want anyone else to know or find out, so they drink in solitude. 

If you find your loved one having several drinks alone per day, for a long period of time, they may have a problem with alcohol. 

2. Asking for Money

The alcohol industry is worth billions of dollars, and this is due in part to how expensive alcoholic drinks can be. When you’re spending money on alcohol, it’s easy to spend too much too quickly. 

An alcoholic who is dependent on alcohol will do whatever they can to acquire money for a drink. If they are constantly asking you for money, but won’t disclose what it’s for, you may be right to be suspicious. 

3. Desire to Drink

Otherwise known as ‘cravings’ the person who is abusing alcohol will want or crave it frequently. This is because they’ve developed a dependence on it. 

If you’re going out for entertainment with someone and there will be no possibility of drinking, the person may become anxious or bow out of activities due to the inability to acquire alcohol. 

4. Mood Swings

Mood swings are another sign of alcoholism

Because they crave alcohol, when people do not satisfy their cravings, they become moody and unpredictable. Some people might become violent, emotional, or withdrawn.

Any other changes in contrast to their normal personality ought to be taken into account alongside these other signs. People go through difficult times such as job loss, family troubles, and more, that can contribute to mood swings, but they may subside after a while. 

If your loved one already has a mental illness, alcoholism can heighten symptoms of mental illness. And this post can aid you in living with an alcoholic. 

5. Change of Appearance or Social Life

While the signs someone is an alcoholic might be challenging to spot, another area that might be a clue is in changes to their appearance or the people they associate with. 

If they normally appear put together, and suddenly start lacking in hygiene or appearance, this might be a sign of a problem. The disinterest in appearance would be due to their preoccupation with alcohol. 

New friends or social groups who seem sketchy or drink heavily may also be an indication that your loved one is slowly becoming immersed with alcohol. 

Signs of an Alcoholic

The signs of an alcoholic are not always clear, but these signs can be a good start to distinguishing whether or not someone is struggling. 

Want to learn more healthy habits? Our website can help! Visit our page to learn how to stay healthy. 

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