We all have that one friend that just doesn’t know how to say ”no”. But do you ever find yourself asking ”is my friend an alcoholic?”? Here are the signs.
You enjoy spending time with friends and getting together for a few drinks now and then. What happens when someone in your group consistently has a little “too much” fun?
Is it harmless? Is it just for fun—or is there a deeper underlying problem with a friend who often has one or two drinks too many. An occasional over-indulgence might not be a more significant issue, but recognizing the signs of alcoholism can help a friend overcome an addiction.
If you ask the question, “is my friend an alcoholic,” see if you recognize any of these fives signs that can point to a problem.
1. Drinking Too Much Too Often
Many people have experienced a bad night of drinking too much in celebration of a friend or event. However, if you notice that a friend has these nights several times a week or often throughout the month, this behavior could be more than “just” a celebration.
Alcoholism often involves someone drinking heavily almost daily to the point of passing out. If you notice a friend frequently drinking to the point of excess, they could be an alcoholic.
2. Withdrawing From Friends and Family
Has your friend disappeared from social interactions? Have they stopped posting on their social media? Withdrawing from social situations could be a sign that your friend is struggling with alcohol consumption.
Alcoholism can lead to depression and avoidance behavior. Avoiding social situations or family gatherings helps an alcoholic protect their disease and keep their depression behind closed doors.
Check on friends you haven’t seen in a while—especially if you know them to indulge in significant alcohol consumption as part of their “normal” behavior.
3. Blackouts and Memory Loss
Does your friend struggle to remember what they do throughout the day? Losing details and memory loss can be a side effect of drinking too much alcohol.
More severe cases of alcoholism can involve blacking out and losing time. If you have a friend who drinks to the point of blacking out without remembering hours (or days) at a time, encourage them to seek help for alcohol abuse.
4. Drinking Early In the Day
Not all alcoholics binge drink to the point of passing out. If your friend wakes up and grabs a drink, they probably have a drinking problem. Alcoholics often need a drink in the morning to end overnight withdrawal symptoms and help them function throughout the day.
Pay attention when a friend starts drinking early and maintains that activity throughout the day.
5. Mood Swings
Everyone has a bad day sometimes, but an alcoholic can exhibit extreme mood swings regularly. You might notice that small things set your friend off on a rage or spiral down into a depressive state.
If you notice a friend experiencing uncharacteristic mood swings, it could be a sign of alcohol abuse.
Is my friend an alcoholic? If yes, get help
Is my friend an alcoholic? If any of these signs point to “yes,” encourage them to get help.
Was this article helpful? Be sure you browse more of our blogs!
