Come On, Just One More Drink! How to Spot Early Signs of Alcoholism in Close Friends

Helping a friend or loved one through their battle with addiction starts by identifying that it exists.

It’s vital to remember that alcoholism is a disease, and, as with most diseases, it is easier to treat and manage if you catch it early.

But, unlike other life-threatening illnesses, alcoholism has plenty of visible signs you can be on the lookout for.

The key is knowing what those signs are.

Do you have a friend or loved-one you suspect may be suffering from the early stages of alcoholism? We can help.

Here are a few early signs of alcoholism you should look out for if you suspect your friend or loved one has picked up a dangerous habit.

Too Much “Me Time”

While an excess of partying can also be a sign of alcoholism, one of the most commonly overlooked signs is someone spending more time on their own.

If you have a friend or loved one who has begun drinking more than usual and they recognize their new habits, they may elect to try to hide it by staying home.

Drinking alone can generally be more destructive and dangerous than drinking with a crowd. So, a generally social friend who’s becoming more reclusive should be cause for some alarm.

If you’ve noticed your friend or loved one rejecting invitations more than usual, it could be a sign they need your help.

Lies and Excuses

Has your friend been “deserving” of a few more drinks than usual?

While a celebratory drink is perfectly healthy every now and then, not everything is worth popping bottles over.

If your friend or loved one has been “celebrating” a little more than they need to, it could be a sign that they are dealing with the early stages of alcoholism.

On top of that, a friend lying about how much they’ve been drinking can also be a pretty clear sign that it may be time to step in and get them the help they need.

Altered Appearance

Alcoholism can take a pretty serious toll on someone’s outward appearance. While everyone keeps up different standards on their outward appearance, there are a few things you can look out for.

Start by paying close attention to your loved one’s clothes. If they’re wearing stained, wrinkled or even dirty garments, it could be a sign they haven’t been taking the time to care for their wardrobe.

This disinterest with keeping up with basic chores can be a sign that they’re dedicating more of their time to more dangerous activities.

Clothing aside, you can also look out for lack of or poor job shaving, doing make-up, or maintaining their skin.

Unwashed, unkempt or over-grown hair can also be a sign that someone is dealing with alcoholism.

Risk Taker

Finally, sneaking a beer into the movies once or twice may seem innocent and funny when you’re in college–but it could spell trouble if it’s become a habit.

If you’ve noticed your loved one has started drinking in places they shouldn’t, it could be a sign that they’ve developed alcoholism.

A rise in risk-taking behavior is a staple of addiction and a definite sign that it’s time to get your loved one the help they need.

If you have a friend or loved one who is suffering from addiction and want to help them, you can get more details about how to do that here.

Spotting the Early Signs of Alcoholism

Overcoming addiction, no matter how serious, will always be a struggle. It’s important to remember that while your loved one may be defensive or even aggressive at first, they need your support now more than ever.

Now that you know the early signs of alcoholism you should be on the lookout for, you can take your next step in helping your friend or loved one.

Are you looking for tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy? We can help.

We have dozens of articles on everything from dealing with addiction to finding a fun new workout routine. Check them out today.