Alcoholics develop a pattern of drinking that can reveal they are headed for serious trouble. They may not be willing to admit they have a problem, but the warning signs continue to build and may become noticeable to people around them. The problems will get worse until the alcoholic realizes he needs treatment to stop the progressive disease. An alcoholic will usually display warning signs, and she may even begin to recognize some of the signs in herself.
Craving
Cravings hold great power over an alcoholic. An alcoholic is unable to limit how much he drinks because his will that stops him from doing so is not strong enough. It's not that the person is weak-willed, the Psychiatric Disorders website explains; rather, the need to drink overwhelms him, and taking a sip becomes as vital as the urge to eat or drink water.
Loss of Control
Loss of control overtakes an alcoholic who starts to drink. The drinking may go on late into the night or last for days. Drinking becomes so important that there is no longer self-respect. The alcoholic continues to seek escape through drinking with no concern for responsibilities, family or career.
Blackouts
Blackouts are specific time periods that the alcoholic cannot remember. An alcoholic often has the ability to carry on a conversation while intoxicated, but he may not remember conversations or commitments made during this time.
Tolerance
A tolerance to alcohol builds up over time because of chemical changes in the brain. When this occurs, an alcoholic needs more alcoholic drinks to achieve the same pleasurable effect fewer drinks once took.
Annoyance
Alcoholics may start to become annoyed when people make comments or criticize their drinking habits. An alcoholic may know that there is a need to cut back on drinking, but she does not want to be reminded of it.
Drinking Alone
Drinking alone or in secret may become a habit for the alcoholic. It may be that the drink is considered "a good friend," or the alcoholic may think that by drinking alone he is keeping his problem a secret. Alcoholics may also hide alcoholic beverages in strange places at home, at work or in the car, the Mayo Clinic says.
Dependence
A physical dependence on alcohol can present when an alcoholic stops drinking. Withdrawal symptoms may include shaking, irritability, anxiety or nausea. Despite all this, an alcoholic may still want another drink to calm the effects.
Loss of Interest
An alcoholic may begin to lose interest in activities that were once interesting or important. Hobbies or family outings are pushed to the side in favor of events that involve drinking.
Carelessness
Carelessness and recklessness may get the alcoholic into situations that could be hazardous, such as drinking and driving, using machinery or being in dangerous areas. These situations sometimes lead to trauma or hazards.
Family and Money
Family, financial and legal problems play big roles in the fall of an alcoholic. Drinking takes over a bigger portion of the alcoholic's life. The alcoholic may start spending unwisely, get fired or put necessary matters on hold while drinking.
