Alcoholism can be a tough topic to confront, especially when it involves someone close to you. It’s easy to think, “Oh, they’re just having fun,” or brush off certain behaviors as a phase. But if you’re starting to notice some worrying signs, it’s important to take them seriously. Catching the warning signs early can make all the difference. Let’s talk about the eight key signs that someone you care about might be struggling with alcoholism—and what you can do about it.
1) Increased Tolerance
Has your loved one started drinking more than usual without getting as affected as they used to? If someone can down a large amount of alcohol with little visible effect, that’s often a sign their body has built up a tolerance. This happens when alcohol consumption becomes more frequent, and the body needs more of it to achieve the same buzz. It’s one of the first signs that casual drinking is turning into something more serious.
If you’re seeing this, it’s time to have a conversation about possible next steps. Supporting them as they explore treatment options like ibogaine for alcoholism might be a proactive way to help them regain control. Of course, you do need to broach this carefully, but if your loved one is receptive to help, you can help them navigate treatment options.
2) Loss of Interest in Hobbies
Remember when they were excited about their hobbies, whether it was playing guitar, painting, or even hitting the gym? If your loved one seems to have lost interest in things they used to love, that’s a red flag. Alcoholism often starts to take up more time and energy, pushing out other activities they once enjoyed.
This shift can sneak up gradually, so it’s worth paying attention to how they spend their free time. If drinking has replaced their previous passions, it might be time to step in.
3) Neglecting Responsibilities
Does your loved one seem to be slacking at work, skipping important meetings, or neglecting family responsibilities? Alcoholism often leads to a decline in focus and motivation. People might miss deadlines, show up late, or even call in sick more frequently—all because alcohol is slowly taking over their life.
When drinking becomes the top priority, everything else starts to slip, and this can have serious consequences on their job, relationships, and even their health.
4) Drinking in Secret
You might notice that they’re sneaking drinks or hiding how much they’ve had. This could look like “pre-gaming” before an event or having a stash of alcohol hidden somewhere. When someone feels the need to drink in secret, it’s a sign that they know their drinking habits have gone too far.
Read Also: How to Talk to Teens About Alcohol Addiction
At this point, shame or guilt may play a big role. Your loved one might not want others to realize how much they’re actually consuming, and that concealment is a major warning sign of dependency.
5) Drinking to Cope With Stress or Emotions
We all have rough days, but if your loved one turns to alcohol every time they’re stressed, anxious, or sad, it’s a sign that drinking has become more than just a social activity. Using alcohol as a crutch to manage emotions can spiral into dependency quickly.
It’s easy to dismiss this as someone just “unwinding,” but if it’s happening regularly, it’s worth addressing. Drinking to escape problems rather than dealing with them head-on is a slippery slope.
6) Frequent Blackouts or Memory Lapses
Alcohol affects memory, and if your loved one often can’t remember what happened during a night out, it’s a big sign of a problem. Blackouts are a result of excessive drinking, where the brain simply can’t store new memories.
It’s more than just embarrassing the next morning—it’s dangerous. Memory lapses signal that the brain and body are being overwhelmed by alcohol, which can lead to risky behavior and long-term health damage.
7) Irritability or Mood Swings
Have you noticed your loved one becoming more irritable, defensive, or moody when drinking or when they haven’t had a drink in a while? Alcoholism can mess with someone’s emotional state. What was once a cheerful, laid-back personality might now seem short-tempered or erratic.
Alcohol not only affects the brain in the moment but can also alter brain chemistry over time, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. If you’re seeing this in someone you care about, it’s definitely something to bring up.
8) Withdrawal Symptoms
This one’s critical. If your loved one experiences physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, nausea, or headaches when they haven’t had a drink, they’re likely in the grip of alcohol withdrawal. This is a major indicator that their body has become dependent on alcohol to function normally.
Withdrawal can be a very dangerous phase, sometimes even life-threatening. If you see these signs, it’s time to get professional help immediately.
What Can You Do?
Recognizing these signs is just the first step. Talking to your loved one can be tough, but it’s important to come from a place of support rather than judgment. Encourage them to seek help and remind them they don’t have to face this alone. There are a variety of treatment options available, and the earlier someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery.
Being there for them—whether that’s by helping them find a treatment program or just listening without judgment—can make a world of difference.
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s essential to trust your instincts and take action. Alcoholism is tough, but it’s not impossible to overcome, especially with the right support system. Keep an open mind, have that difficult conversation, and most importantly, be there for them every step of the way.
