Millions of Americans struggle with substance abuse each year, and you can recognize the signs to get help for alcohol addiction by paying attention to them. Around 20.4 million people in the United States received a diagnosis of substance dependency in 2022. Unfortunately, substance addiction often leads to diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, etc.

But here’s another significant problem: many people who suffer from alcohol addiction aren’t ready to face it.
As a result, they often spiral out of control—leading to enormous mental and physical health issues.

In some cases, it also leads to premature and avoidable death.

In this article, we’ll tell you ten signs someone needs urgent help for alcohol addiction:

1. Drinking in Secret

If your friend or family member has started drinking secretly—or, worse still, hiding their alcohol—it’s a sign they might have a more significant issue.
Here’s the good news: they’re probably aware that they’re drinking too much; that’s why they’re drinking in secret. If they’re aware of the problem, there’s more chance that you can help them.

2. Neglecting Responsibilities is one of the most important signs to get help

Alcohol addiction has a terrible way of forcing responsible people to forego their responsibilities. In some cases, this can be their children, careers, and finances.

Always ask questions if your family member or friend has started to lose interest in their key responsibilities; it could be a sign of a mental health issue or addiction.

3. Mood Swings

Everyone has mood swings sometimes; it’s part of life and not always a huge concern. That said, it can also be a sign of substance addiction.

Many people battling addiction show signs of irritability and irrationality—which are often sudden and uncharacteristic. Reach out to them if you notice a sudden personality change.

4. Drinking Despite Negative Consequences

Drinking when someone is already in poor health is often a telling sign of alcohol addiction. If you have a family member battling any health condition, ensure you monitor their alcohol consumption.

Likewise, drinking alcohol when someone has more negative things such as financial issues or legal concerns—is another sign of potential alcohol dependency.

5. Drinking At Weird Times

Have you noticed your friend or family member drinking at weird times? These times can include early mornings or afternoons. If so, this could be a sign they are battling alcohol dependence.

In addition, someone fighting alcoholism is more likely to drink during work hours, which is unhealthy and a sign of dependency.

6. Failed Attempts To Quit

If you know someone who’s attempted to quit drinking but failed and continued to drink, they could be suffering from alcohol dependence.

Here’s the truth: beating alcohol addiction can be challenging. If someone is struggling, consider referring that person for professional help.

7. Drinking To Handle Emotions

Life always throws challenges and curveballs, and emotions—regardless of their triggers—can be hard to deal with. If you suspect someone is drinking to handle their feelings, they could be suffering from alcoholism.

Therefore, they may benefit from seeking professional help. Alcohol can numb—albeit temporarily—the feelings of anxiety. That’s why many people drink daily to relax.

8. Forgetting About Personal Hygiene

One of the first things some people lose during addiction is their hygiene because continual consumption of alcohol can make it challenging to maintain hygiene.

Nonetheless, you should notice when someone has given up taking care of their appearance. It could be a sign of many mental health concerns—including substance abuse.

9. Random Financial Woes

If you know someone suffering from unexpected financial issues, it could be a critical sign that they’re suffering from substance addiction. Many people battling addiction will spend all their income to feed their habit, whether cocaine, alcohol, or heroin.

10. Extra Isolation is one of the signs to get help

Some people are more introverted than others, and that’s not always something to worry about. With that said, if you notice someone isolating themselves more often than before, it could be a sign of substance addiction.

Reach out and ask if they want to meet up with you. Similarly, ask them why you don’t see them as often.

Get Help for Addiction Now

These ten signs could mean your family member has an addiction issue and they need to get help.  But don’t worry: there’s always a way around it.

At Still Detox, we have the perfect treatment for anyone battling substance dependency.
Reach out to us for more information.