When it comes to drinking, it’s all fun and games to drink in moderation. But once you begin drinking too much, too often, it can become a danger to your health and safety. However, it can be hard for people to judge when it becomes too much. Which is why it’s easy to spot signs of alcohol problems in someone before they see it themselves. So here’s a few tips for spotting alcohol abuse in a friend and how to handle it.
Spotting Alcohol Abuse: What To Look For and What to Do
Incapable of Going Without Alcohol
When spotting alcohol abuse in friends, the first thing you may notice is the necessity to drink. While everyone else may enjoy drinks for an occasion, someone with an alcohol problems makes every event a reason to drink. Just a casual movie night my become a time to become drunk. If you notice your friend looking for any reason to drink, this could be a sign of an alcohol problem.
Increased Tolerance
If you’re spotting alcohol abuse, you can expect to see an increased tolerance in your friend. This means that it will take them more alcohol in order to feel the effects. So a moderate drinker may feel the effects of alcohol after 1-2 drinks. But someone with an increased tolerance may require many more drinks before they ever feel a buzz. This can be a sign that the person is drinking too much, too often and has developed an alcohol problem.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When spotting alcohol abuse, one sure sign is when someone begins experiencing withdrawal symptoms. When someone with an alcohol problems goes too long without a drink, they may experience withdrawal. If they don’t get a drink they may suffer from anxiety, agitation, depression, and the inability to sleep. In addition, they may also experience more physical symptoms like headaches, tremors, nausea, and an increase heart rate.
Talking with Someone
If you begin spotting alcohol abuse, it may be time to sit down and have a talk with that person. This can be awkward and downright embarrassing. But it’s important to remember that you’re doing the best thing for their health and safety. Before you speak with them, practice what you’re going to say. Try to be sensitive and make sure you are not attacking them. Instead, think of how you would want someone to address you with such a sensitive subject. Really express that you are concerned for their health and well-being