You might think that the guy on the corner chugging the liquor bottle in the paper bag is an alcoholic, but what about people who aren't so obvious? Your coworker, family member or friend could be struggling with alcoholism. If you learn the signs and symptoms that someone's abusing alcohol, you might be able to help someone you love deal with his addiction.
Functioning Alcoholic
Not everyone who has a drinking problem winds up homeless, loses her job or gets a divorce. A functioning alcoholic is one who continues to work and can maintain some relationships but needs to drink regularly. She might come home from work each day and have many drinks while watching television. She might say she does it to relax after a hard day. No one should have to drink everyday to relax. The biggest outward sign of someone who has a drinking problem is that whenever you see her in a social environment she's drinking--and it's more than one or two drinks.
Tolerance and Withdrawal
Someone battling alcoholism builds up a tolerance for alcohol. This means it takes him more drinks than most to get drunk. Some people can build up extreme tolerances for alcohol and have to down 5 to 10 drinks before feeling the effects. Also, someone with a drinking problem shows signs of withdrawal if unable to drink for a day or two. According to HELPGUIDE.org, the person might become anxious, tremble, feel depressed or irritable, have headaches and stomach issues, sweat excessively and not be able to sleep. If the person can't drink due to work obligations or family obligations, he might start to show some of these signs or might try to sneak drinks.
Occupational and Social Signs
Alcoholism doesn't necessarily affect someone occupationally and socially. Someone who has a drinking problem might drink before work, not finish projects on time, be demoted or get fired. Also, a person with a drinking problem might not have time to maintain relationships, only hang out with friends if alcohol is involved and lose the trust of friends and family members. If you're a friend or family member of someone who shows these signs of a drinking problem, it usually means the addiction is getting worse.
Physical Signs
Abusing alcohol can have detrimental effects on a person's health. He might develop health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, gastrointestinal problems including gallstones and heart failure. Someone you know who is abusing alcohol might call in sick to work often, complain of medical ailments regularly and have to go to the doctor often. Also, someone with an alcohol addiction might look disheveled. He might not shave for days, wear the same clothes for a few days in a row and not shower regularly.
