If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a drinking problem, there are a few factors that will help you know for sure. Here are ways to detect alcoholism, so you or your loved one can get the help needed to combat this disease.
First, it’s important to understand that men and women cannot consume the same amounts of alcohol and be able to function properly. If you are a woman who drinks seven or more drinks a week or if you drink more than three drinks in one setting, this could be a sign of a drinking problem. If you are a man who consumes more than fourteen drinks a week or has four or more drinks in one setting, this is definitely a warning sign. While most people may view this as casual or social drinking, having more than a drink or two at a party or social gathering or having to drink every day of the week is indeed cause for concern.
Secondly, people who struggle with alcoholism are under the false impression that they can perform regular tasks with the skill and accuracy of a sober person. Alcoholics will try to operate heavy machinery or drive a car while drunk, thereby putting everyone around them in danger. Men and women who are dealing with alcoholism may also fail to tell their doctors that they drink on a regular basis; this can be potentially dangerous, since many medications have a different effect on the body when mixed with alcohol. If you or the person you are concerned about are consuming drinks in settings or times that are completely inappropriate, this is a sign of alcohol dependency. For instance, if you know that a loved one drinks right before or during work or while watching children, it is time to seek help for the problem.
Another definite way to tell if your friend or family member is an alcoholic is to bring up the subject casually. You can talk about a current news story involving a drunk driver or bring up the idea of going to a social gathering where alcohol will not be served. Observe your loved one’s reaction–does she express concern about the drunk driver story or does she blow it off as if it is not important? Does he seem mildly interested in going to a party where there is not alcohol, or does he simply state that the gathering will not be ‘fun’ because no one will be drinking? Alcoholics are best recognized by their refusal to see or admit that their alcohol abuse is a problem, so you will have to be sensitive and smart in your attempt to recognize alcoholism in a friend or family member. If you think that you may be experiencing these symptoms yourself, there are several places to get help and informative literature on alcoholism. Visit your local hospital or counseling center for more information and advice.
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