Three Signs of Alcoholism

Trying to identify whether you or someone you love has an addiction to alcohol can be challenging. Understanding the most common signs of alcoholism can give you the tools you need to make an informed decision as to whether or not alcohol is a problem. Here are some of the most important signs to look for:

Poor Performance at Work or School as a Result of Drinking

Alcoholics tend to put alcohol before everything else, including work and school. They may frequently call in sick because they had too much to drink. They may also have difficulty holding a job because of poor job performance, frequent absences or, in severe cases, showing up drunk to work.

Blacking Out

Another common sign of alcoholism is not being able to remember what happened after a night of drinking. Alcoholics commonly report large chunks of time that are simply missing from their memory when they are drunk. This is commonly referred to as blacking out.

Constantly Thinking About Drinking

When people are addicted to alcohol, it occupies a large percentage of their thoughts. Commonly, alcoholic worry about whether they will have enough alcohol on hand. They also spend time planning how they are going to get more. They may spend time feeling guilty about drinking, or spend nearly every waking moment thinking about when they get to drink next. They may also develop elaborate ways to hide their drinking from others. A large portion of their time and energy is devoted to drinking, or to thinking about drinking. Recognizing the common signs and symptoms of alcoholism can give you the knowledge you need to determine whether you or a loved one is an alcoholic. By understanding the core concepts of alcohol addiction, you can take steps to seek treatment if necessary.

Alcohol Abuse Treatment and Recovery from New Beginnings Recovery Center: