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Across England, over 600,000 individuals are believed to be dependent on alcohol.
Although there is a plethora of support readily available to support those that have become reliant on alcohol, only one fifth take advantage of treatment. Sadly, this sees almost half a million people struggling with an alcohol addiction in silence.
If you have reason to believe that a loved one, friend or employee may be struggling with an alcohol addiction, you will likely want to discuss this with them and offer them support. However, approaching an individual prior to determining whether an addiction is present can cause relationships to crumble.
To help you ascertain whether your friend, family member or employee is struggling with an alcohol addiction, we have outlined the signs and symptoms of an alcoholic here.
The Signs and Symptoms Of An Alcoholic
When considering the signs and symptoms of an alcoholic, it is imperative to consider that alcohol addictions are severe mental health disorders that. As a result, various physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms will impair an individual’s life.
Although you will only come to suspect that an addiction is present when the physical and behavioural signs of an addiction come to light, the individual in question will probably have been struggling with the psychological ramifications of addiction for a significant period.
Sadly, as their addiction controls their every waking moment, cracks in their exterior will begin to show, leaving you feeling somewhat worried about the changes your loved one, friend or employee is going through.
To help you ascertain whether someone you know has developed an addiction to alcohol, we have outlined the behavioural, physical and psychological signs and symptoms of an alcoholic below.
The Physical Signs and Symptoms Of An Alcoholic
- Lack of self-care
- Changes in complexion such as yellow skin
- Regular intoxication
- Unexpected weight loss
- Digestive system problems
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea
The physical signs and symptoms that an alcoholic will typically display are often indications that the severity of an addiction is increasing. Regrettably, illnesses related to alcohol addictions have seen a surge in the number of people admitted to hospitals. In fact, the NHS has reported that alcohol-related illnesses now make up approximately 7.4% of all hospital admissions.
The Behavioural Signs and Symptoms Of An Alcoholic
As the ramifications of consuming alcohol on a frequent basis begin to take their toll on the individual suffering, changes in their behaviour are expected.
If an alcohol addiction is present, various behavioural signs and symptoms will arise as the individual in question attempts to keep their struggles with alcohol a secret. These include;
- Avoiding certain locations
- Avoiding specific people
- Isolation from family members and friends
- Becoming increasingly secretive about their whereabouts
- Frequently asking to borrow money
- Financial problems such as debt may emerge
- Irritability
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Avoiding typical responsibilities
The Psychological Signs and Symptoms Of An Alcoholic
As touched on above, as an alcohol addiction impairs your loved one or friend’s life, you will likely observe changes in their appearance and behaviour. However, many psychological signs and symptoms will almost certainly be present in their life. Although you will not be able to distinguish the psychological signs and symptoms, changes in their behaviour will highlight that the psychological ramifications are becoming severe.
As an addiction intensifies, alcoholics will experience the following psychological signs and symptoms.
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Heightened mental health disorders such as depression
- Agitation
- Lack of self-esteem
- Hopelessness
- Increased defensiveness
Although the above signs and symptoms are often associated with an alcohol addiction, it is essential to consider that changes in an individual’s behaviour, appearance and psychological state could be caused by an underlying illness or mental health disorder.
Considering this, we would highly recommend that you only approach the individual in question when you are confident that an addiction is impairing their life. If you are unsure whether the signs and symptoms you have observed result from an addiction, we can offer you guidance.
Signs and Symptoms Of An Alcoholic At Work
One of those most significant stigmas surrounding alcoholics is that they are no longer able to function as normal. However, recent studies published in America determine that 32% of adults struggling with alcohol addictions are classified as functioning alcoholics.
Functioning alcoholics can carry out their usual tasks, fulfil obligations and live a somewhat normal everyday life. Functioning alcoholics will also often be able to hide their addiction for a great deal of time.
Nevertheless, at some point, a functioning alcoholic’s addiction will become so severe that they begin to display various changes in their behaviour and appearance. Sadly, the changes that are likely to arise could cause significant workplace issues such as accidents and conflict within teams. With this in mind, addressing an alcoholic in the workplace is of utmost importance.
When considering the signs and symptoms of an alcoholic at work, the following actions will likely come to light as a functioning alcoholic becomes unable to cope with their addiction.
- Taking an increased amount of time off of work
- Poor work-place performance
- Becoming somewhat confrontational
- Taking extended breaks
- Returning to work after a break appearing intoxicated
- Seeming agitated at work
- Lack of concentration and commitment
- Becoming somewhat unreliable
Support Available For Those Battling An Alcohol Addiction
If you have reason to believe that a loved one, friend or employee has displayed the signs and symptoms of an alcoholic, attending rehab is in their best interest.
Should you have found your support rejected by the individual in question, at Rehab Clinics Group, we welcome you to make a family, friend or employee referral.
In doing so, you can contact us on behalf of the individual struggling with an addiction and ensure that they can secure professional help that will help them address and overcome their addiction.
To find out more about our referrals, call us today on 0800 470 0382.
Sources
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week/the-alcohol-change-report
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200205/NHS-reveals-record-breaking-number-of-alcohol-related-hospital-admissions.aspx
