A man who has overcome alcoholism has identified three key indicators that could help you recognize problematic drinking in your friends and family.
Many people may fall into the habit of regular heavy drinking without realizing they are becoming reliant on alcohol for enjoyment.
Distinguishing between someone who simply enjoys a drink and someone who cannot have fun without becoming intoxicated is challenging. However, it’s crucial for those who care about their health to be aware of such differences.
Approaching a friend about their drinking habits can be difficult, even if it’s in their best interest for their health and relationships.
Corey Warren, a recovering alcoholic who has been sober since 2011, has shared three insightful indicators that someone close to you may be exhibiting a concerning drinking pattern.
The first sign Warren mentions is a change in the individual’s thought process regarding alcohol.
“Number one, they’re probably creating rules for their drinking,” he stated on his YouTube channel.
This might involve setting guidelines like ‘only beer tonight’ to control the level of intoxication rather than limiting the amount consumed, or having a few drinks quickly before leaving a place.
“If you have to create rules, chances are it’s already broken,” he explained.
The second indicator can be the most challenging to address with someone you care about—a significant alteration in their personality.
Warren noted: “Number two, their personality changes 180 degrees. They’re probably really funny and nice, happy to be around, but then alcohol gets involved and they might get overly emotional, sad, mad, or even aggressive.”
This can be particularly tough as those with drinking issues might justify their actions and personality shifts by saying they are a different person when drunk.
However, if they are often intoxicated when you interact with them, there is a risk they may become that person permanently.
A third important warning sign highlighted by Warren is when ‘they think about drinking even when they’re not drinking.’
This can be tricky to identify, as they may frequently invite you to social events where the primary focus for them is alcohol consumption.
“They call you all the time to hang out, you might see them a lot, but every time you do, alcohol is involved,” the recovering alcoholic pointed out.
Health professionals recommend that anyone developing a dependency on alcohol, no matter the severity, should seek medical advice and participate in abstinence programs promptly, as continued heavy drinking can severely impact their health.
If you’re dealing with addiction and need to talk to someone confidentially, you can reach American Addiction Centers at (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.