Signs of Alcoholism

One should be aware of the signs of alcoholism.  Considering one out of every thirteen adults is alcoholic, the chances are, you know at least one.  Sometimes as a non-alcoholic, one overlooks the signs because he or she is having a good time out partying and since everyone is drinking, it does not seem to like an issue that everyone is taking part in the activities.  

Alcoholism is a serious problem and alcoholics need to be held accountable for their actions.  Although intervention does not always help the first few times, at least the alcoholic may slowly be coming to terms with what he or she has become.

Some of the key signs of alcoholism include physical and mental symptoms.  Key physical signs include shaking and trembling.  This is due to a certain withdrawal from liquor for a certain period. 

Alcoholics have major cravings for alcohol and if the craving is not being satisfied than it is possible that the symptoms of withdrawal are likely to demonstrate themselves.  Even the physical appearance of the alcoholic is altered.  They begin to look less maintained, their eyes are lifeless and strained and they may even appear a lot thinner and fragile.

The mental signs of alcoholism include a person who feels that they do not have any limitations on their drinking.  They normally express that they have an unlimited capacity to drink whatever they feel like, whenever they feel like it. 

Alcoholics commonly lose grips with reality and the person that you once knew has now been consumed by the alcohol and has lost a major part of their previous identity.  Intervention is one way to help alcoholics view the timeline of how they used to be, what they have become and how it can potentially end if they do not receive help.

It is unfortunate that many people do not see these signs of alcoholism sooner in the people that they love.  Sometimes alcoholism can be caught in the early stages while other times it goes virtually undetected.  It is a sensitive issue because even though as a society we may be able to see the signs and try to intervene, the only person who has control of admitting that there is a problem is the alcoholic.  He or she must assume the responsibility and have the desire to get help.

 That is the most difficult part of the process.  They must realize that they are demonstrating the key signs of alcoholism before the admit guilt and reconcile themselves to help.

© 2008 alcoholismandyou.com: signs of alcoholism