1. Loss of Control – A sign of being an alcoholic is the inability to control how much and how often one drinks. If you find yourself drinking more frequently than you had planned, or drinking to get drunk, these are signs of a potential problem.
2. Neglect of Responsibilities – Alcoholics often neglect their duties and responsibilities in favor of drinking. This could include skipping work, missing appointments, or not taking care of family obligations.
3. Increased Tolerance – An alcoholic’s body becomes tolerant of alcohol, so they need to drink more to achieve the same effects. This can lead to dangerous consequences, such as alcohol poisoning.
4. Withdrawal Symptoms – If an alcoholic stops drinking abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, anxiety, and nausea.
5. Drinking in Secret – An alcoholic may hide their drinking and try to drink without others noticing. This includes drinking in private, or buying alcohol from a store and bringing it home to drink alone.
6. Denial – Denial is a common sign of alcoholism. An alcoholic may deny they have a problem or minimize the amount of alcohol they consume.
7. Blackouts – If an alcoholic drinks to excess, they may experience blackouts where they cannot remember what happened while they were drinking.
8. Changes in Appearance – If an alcoholic is drinking heavily, it may be seen in their physical appearance. They may look unkempt, or their eyes may be reddened and glazed over.
9. Financial Difficulties – An alcoholic may have financial difficulties due to the amount of money they are spending on alcohol.
10. Risky Behaviors – An alcoholic may engage in risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated, or engaging in unprotected sex. These can be signs of a serious problem.