5 Signs a Loved One’s Drinking Has Crossed Into Dependence

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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5 Signs a Loved One’s Drinking Has Crossed Into Dependence

Introduction

Alcohol is present in many social settings, which may cause us to not recognize the line between moderate and heavy use. In many cases family members see early signs of a problem that the person, the affected individual, may still deny. Also many people write off these warnings as stress from work or lifestyle changes. What family members may not know is that over time alcohol dependency plays out in health issues; emotional stability; relationships; money; and, in the end, quality of life.

Identifying the early signs of alcohol dependence allows families to bring up the issue before it gets worse. Although every person’s experience is unique, there are some common trends that point out that drinking may have passed the social use stage.

Understanding Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism is not just about heavy drinking. It includes physical and psychological dependence, which in turn makes it hard to either cut back or stop at all. Also, a person may continue to drink, which in turn brings about and does not remediate negative issues at home, at the workplace, or in personal relationships.

In many cases dependence grows gradually. What may start out as a few times a week way to de-stress may turn into a daily thing that feels like it is required for dealing with emotion, stress, or daily tasks.

Identifying what is a bout of heavy drinking as opposed to a full-blown dependence is the first step in seeking out the right help.

Sign 1: Drinking Has Become the Center of Daily Life

One of the signs of alcohol dependence is that which is first to cross the mind is to get alcohol. Also see how that behavior takes a back seat to what once were priority responsibilities and interests.

You will see that your loved one:

• Plans activities around opportunities to drink.
• Frequently talks about alcohol.
• Puts drinking before past hobbies.
• Doesn’t participate in family gatherings.
• Becomes frustrated when drink plans are interrupted.

As alcohol becomes more important in daily life, healthy routines tend to fall by the wayside. Personal interests, exercise, quality time with friends, and family life may also suffer.

Sign 2: Increased Tolerance to Alcohol

Tolerance is a result of the body’s adaptation to alcohol over time. What, which at one time produced an intoxicating effect from a little, may now require large amounts to produce the same results.

Common signs include:

• Also see:.
• Drinking larger quantities than before.
• Needing stronger alcoholic beverages.
• Rarely appearing intoxicated despite heavy drinking.
• Viewing high alcohol consumption as normal.

“Higher tolerance” is a term that is often misused to mean that someone does well with alcohol. In fact, it may point out that the body has adapted to regular alcohol use.

Sign 3: Responsibilities Are Being Neglected

Alcoholism tends to enter into the picture well before large-scale problems arise.

Warning signs may include:

• Warning indicators may include the following:.
• Missing work or school.
• Declining job performance.
• Forgetting important commitments.
• Financial difficulties related to alcohol purchases.
• Ignoring household responsibilities.

Family members note that there is an increase in unreliability. Breaks in promise are more common, appointments are forgotten, and what little structure there was begins to break down in favor of drinking.

These patterns tend to present themselves over a period of months as opposed to suddenly.

Sign 4: Mood and Behavior Have Changed

Alcohol changes brain chemistry, which in turn affects emotions and behavior.

Your loved one may experience:

• Your partner may go through the following:.
• Increased irritability.
• Sudden mood swings.
• Anxiety between drinking episodes.
• Depression or emotional withdrawal.
• Defensiveness when alcohol is mentioned.

Some people hide their drinking issues. Also, some may not admit to how much they drink, or they may take out their anger on family members who bring up the subject.

These issues of emotion may cause stress in relationships and break down lines of communication.

Sign 5: They Continue Drinking Despite Negative Consequences

Some of the best indicators of dependence are when an individual still drinks despite alcohol-related issues.

Examples include:

• Including, for example:.
• Relationship conflicts.
• Health concerns.
• Legal issues.
• Workplace discipline.
• Financial strain.
• Repeated accidents or injuries.

Rather, in the wake of those events, the person does not reduce alcohol use at all; in fact, they may think they are able to moderate it or that it won’t be a big deal.

This issue may play out many times before the person recognizes that they have a problem.

Why Families Often Miss the Early Warning Signs

Alcoholism does not always play out as the stereotype. Many individuals continue to work, care for their families, and maintain social lives while their dependence is increasing.

Loved ones may ignore unusual behaviors because they:

• Want to avoid conflict.
• I hope that things will turn around.
• Believe stress is the primary cause.
• Feel uncertain about what constitutes dependence.
• Do not pass judgment on them.

As addiction is recognized as a progressive issue, it also becomes clear that during its early stages the signs are easier to notice and can be addressed with empathy instead of blame.

How to Start a Supportive Conversation

Discussing the topic of alcohol may make all parties uncomfortable. Which approach to take may improve the quality of the conversation.

Helpful strategies include:

• Here are some tips, which include the following:.
• Speaking privately without distractions.
• Remaining calm and avoiding accusations.
• Focusing on actions instead of people.
• Using a first-person account.
• Listening carefully without interrupting.

For instance, instead of going in with wide-sweeping accusations, try this:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been missing family dinners lately after what I assume is a night out drinking, and it’s concerning to me.”

In many cases change doesn’t happen right away, but through respectful communication, positive progress may be seen over time.

When Professional Help May Be Needed

If a person is still drinking, which is brought to their attention multiple times, or has begun to affect health, safety, employment, or relationships, professional evaluation is recommended. What may follow is a range of treatments, which will be based on the specific needs of the individual and may include counseling, behavioral therapies, outpatient care, inpatient treatment, peer support groups, and ongoing recovery planning.

Early in intervention, issues of addiction may be more easily addressed before they progress into more serious health issues. Also, family members can play a role in the support system for which their loved ones may suffer from addiction, which is why it is also important to include them in educational and support programs.

Individuals seeking information about Illinois recovery programs can explore available treatment options and speak with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate level of care.

Conclusion

Alcoholism tends to develop slowly, which in turn makes it hard for families to see the transition from social drinking to a more severe problem. Look out for changes in priorities, development of greater tolerance, and neglect of responsibilities, mood changes, and continuing to drink despite negative results, which may indicate a problem at an earlier stage.

While at present no single sign is a sure indicator of dependence, what may be observed is that a combination of them may be a cause for professional evaluation. Throughout the process of support, compassion, patience, and informed discussion may in fact greatly contribute to helping a loved one begin the journey of recovery and improved well-being.