Signs Your Friend Has a Drinking Problem

Signs Your Friend Has a Drinking Problem : Drinking too much can have a serious effect on your health. Over time, it can increase your risk for several conditions including liver disease, heart disease, stroke—even cancer.

Not only that, but it can lead to mental issues as well. For example, it’s not uncommon for those with alcohol problems to experience depression and anxiety.

In some cases, it can even result in death. In fact, alcoholism is the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S!

Wondering if someone you know has a drinking problem? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be going over all that you need to know below.

Keep reading to learn more!

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic condition in which an individual has a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. That is, they won’t be able to function properly without it.

This can lead to various issues. For example, heavy alcohol drinking can impact their relationships and professional goals. Left untreated, it can easily spiral out of control.

5 Signs of a Drinking Problem

Alcoholism is not always easy to identify. With that said, there are signs that you can look out for. Here are some of them.

Problems At Work or School

Alcohol abuse can affect their performance at school or work. For example, they might show up late due to drinking the previous night.

Left as it is, it can get them expelled from school. As for the workplace, they might get demoted or even fired.
Isolating Family and Friends

Those struggling with alcoholism may retract from the people around them. For instance, they might isolate themselves from their family and friends.

While it depends on the individual, it’s often due to embarrassment or guilt. For this reason, they rather drink alone.
Trouble With the Law

Those with alcoholism are more likely to run into legal issues. For example, they might get caught driving under the influence.

Public intoxication can be a problem as well. It can lead them to do things that they otherwise would never do.
Mood Swings

Alcohol abuse can lead to mood swings—that is, they won’t be able to maintain one emotion for long. For example, they might be happy one second and irritable the other.

This happens because alcohol changes the chemistry in the brain. As a result, it’s easy for their emotions to get out of control.
Denial

Most alcoholics will deny that they have a problem. They might do so to keep drinking or they might not realize that they have an issue at all.

Unfortunately, this only worsens the problem as it’ll prevent them from getting the help that they need. That’s why it’s so important for friends and family to step up.

For example, they can recommend a treatment facility such as this alcohol recovery center.

Helping Those with Alcoholism

And there we have it—five signs that someone you love might have a drinking problem. As you can see, there are various things that you can watch for.

Looking for more health tips? If so, be sure to read the rest of our blog!