If you’re married or in a relationship with someone, it can be hard to admit they have a problem. Because of your affection towards them, you don’t want to point out their flaws. However, it can become increasingly difficult to ignore their alcohol abuse if they’re an alcoholic. If you ever stop and wonder, “is my loved one an alcoholic?” it might be time to seek out drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs.
Is My Loved One an Alcoholic?
It’s easy to turn a blind eye to the behaviors of your loved one. Ignoring their drinking habits makes it easier for you to enjoy your time with them and not discuss the uncomfortable topic of drinking. However, as signs and symptoms begin to occur more often, it becomes harder to ignore their problems with drinking.
Some of these signs and symptoms of alcoholism include the following:
- High tolerance for alcohol- Your loved one appears unaffected by larger amounts of alcohol consumption. This comes from the body building up a tolerance for alcohol the longer they regularly consume it.
- Secretive behavior regarding alcohol and drinking- Instead of being open and honest about their drinking habits, your loved one begins to hide their drinking from you. They may begin to lie about how often they drink, how much they’re drinking, and if they’ve consumed alcohol at all. This secretive behavior can also include lying about where they are and who they’re with.
- Neglecting responsibilities- As their thoughts become consumed with their drinking, your loved one might begin to neglect their daily responsibilities. From family obligations to work responsibilities, it seems as though nothing else matters to them except for their drinking.
- Sudden changes in mood- Your loved one may begin to show sudden changes in their mood. This could include sudden fits of anger, periods of depression, and ongoing irritability.
- Withdrawal from alcohol- If your loved one doesn’t have a drink, they begin to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This can include headaches, sweats, fever, and vomiting.
- Reckless behavior- As they continue to drink, your loved one might partake in more reckless or dangerous activities.
Instead of ignoring these signs, take the time to seek out an alcohol rehab center that can help your loved one today.
The Need for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
When you identify alcoholism in your loved one, it’s important to encourage them to seek out substance abuse treatment programs for help. The longer your loved one consumes alcohol, the more their brain will change. Because of these chemical imbalances, your loved one is unable to end their drinking on their own. Even if they realize that their drinking is becoming a serious problem, they need the help and support of a professional treatment center.
A comprehensive treatment program will provide your loved one with the medical and holistic care they need to reach their goals of lasting recovery. These programs can also include family therapy that allows the two of you to repair your relationship. Therapy will help you to reach a place of forgiveness, empathy, and understanding. You will learn how to support your loved one through their recovery and how to move forward in a healthy and healing way.
Your loved one will also learn the reasons behind their addiction, strengthen their communication skills, and learn how to repair your relationship.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Your Loved One Today
If you’re continuing to wonder “is my loved one an alcoholic,” it’s time to begin your search for help. An addiction treatment center will provide the intervention and treatment services you need to help you and your loved one recover from alcohol addiction. Begin your search for help today.