Have you ever met someone with an alcohol use disorder? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably seen someone with a diagnosed problem of alcohol use pass by in a bar, a club, or maybe an office. Maybe you’ve even seen someone get behind the wheel after drinking too many beers. However, do you know what it actually means to have an alcohol use disorder? Or, more importantly, do you know how to recognize the signs that someone you know might be affected?
If you’re anything like most folks, you’ve probably been drinking alcohol for most of your life. You probably know that drinking a few beers at the end of the day won’t cause any lasting harm to your health or the people around you. However, the majority of Americans don’t know that heavy drinking can have serious, negative consequences on your physical, mental, and social health.
Fortunately, there are many ways to identify if someone you know might be struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Here’s how to do it.
Look for Changes in Behavior:
What to Consider in a Person with an Alcohol Use Disorder.
The first step to recognizing if someone you know has a problem with alcohol is to look for changes in behavior. This is important because these changes can indicate that the person has an alcohol use disorder. These changes in behavior can include:
-Alcohol becomes more important and occupies more time than other activities
-Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
-Loss of interest in exercises or leisure activities that used to be charming that used to be enjoyable
-Changes in sleeping patterns, such as sleeping too much or too little
-Difficulty concentrating at work or school
-Increased irritability or moodiness
-Changes in weight, such as weight gain or loss
-Physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, poor digestion, liver problems, blackouts, and seizures
Be Aware of Increased Risk-Taking Behavior: Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
One of the signs that someone might have an alcohol use disorder is increased risk-taking behavior. Specifically, if you notice that your loved one has changed their behavior to involve more risky activities or is engaging in more reckless behaviors, it’s a good idea to take action and speak out.
For example, if you notice that your friend has been drinking a lot more than usual and has even started driving after drinking, it’s time for you to step in and offer help. The safest option is for your friend to refrain from driving altogether until their alcohol consumption reduces significantly.
Watch for Difficulty Paying Attention and Concentration: Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
One of the most common signs of an alcohol use disorder is difficulty paying attention and concentrating. Someone who struggles with an alcohol use disorder might be very forgetful, have a hard time understanding what’s going on around them, or struggle to remember recent events. They may also have trouble focusing on anything for more than a few minutes without the need for another drink.
This can be a sign that someone has an alcohol use disorder and needs help managing their drinking habits. However, it could also just mean they’re drunk and not doing well. If you suspect someone you know might have a problem with drinking, ask them if they’ve noticed any of these signs recently. Assuming they say OK, you should look for proficient guidance to decide if they need liquor abuse treatment.
Consider Substance Abuse: Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Substance abuse is defined as using a substance, such as alcohol or drugs, in a way that causes harm to the user’s physical, mental, and social health.
Some of the signs of alcohol abuse include:
-If they are unable to stop drinking despite negative consequences
-If they have a tolerance to their beverage(s) of choice and/or use it more often than intended
for example, you notice that your friend can’t text or walk straight anymore
-They are abusing other substances in addition to alcohol
Watch for Mood Swings: Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
If someone you know is struggling with alcohol, look for signs that they might be experiencing mood swings. Common signs of someone who might have an alcohol use disorder are irritability, restlessness, and anger. If the person you’re concerned about has these symptoms, it might be a good idea to reach out and ask them what’s going on.
Additionally, if the person you’re worried about has a rigid routine that changes when they start drinking heavily or binge drinking, it could be a sign that they have an alcohol use disorder.
Look for Other Negative Consequences: Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
The first signs of an alcohol use disorder may be the negative consequences that accompany heavy drinking. These consequences include health risks, trouble at work, and legal problems. If you notice that someone you know is experiencing these negative consequences as a result of alcohol use, it’s time to take action.
Health Risks:
People with alcohol use disorders might show other symptoms besides those related to physical health. The most common symptom is sleep disturbances, which can cause serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes to develop. This can lead to permanent damage or death if not treated properly.
Work Problems:
Alcohol use disorder can also have a significant impact on work performance. If you suspect that someone might be battling alcoholism, ask them about their job or work performance and how they handle stressful situations. Alcohol abuse might cause issues with timeliness, productivity, creativity, or communication skills in the workplace.
Legal Issues:
Legal issues are another common consequence of alcohol abuse. If someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it’s important to ask them about their alcohol use disorder so you can help them get back on track before their situation gets worse. DUI arrests have a significant impact on employment opportunities and professional relationships in the future and should be taken seriously by employers and professionals alike.
Conclusion
Alcohol misuse is a common problem, but it’s easy to miss signs of the disorder. If you suspect someone has an alcohol use disorder, it’s important to be aware of these signs and seek help as soon as possible.
An alcohol use disorder is not something that you can just stop on your own. With professional help, you can learn how to manage your drinking patterns and prevent negative consequences from happening in the future.