Is My Loved One an Alcoholic?

May 2020 Is My Loved One an Alcoholic?

It can be tormenting to wonder continuously – is my loved one an alcoholic? You can never have peace of mind as they’ll be a bother not only to you but also to their workplaces and other institutions.  

An estimated 15 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from an alcohol use disorder, but only 6.7% of this number receive treatment. This is a worrying trend as untreated cases can lead to severe alcohol-related dangers, some of which can be fatal. Losing your loved one to alcohol can be a painful experience. 

Six people die every day in the US due to alcohol poisoning. The signs of alcohol poisoning include nausea, severe mental confusion, difficulties breathing, low body temperature, inability to wake up, stupor, seizure, weak pulse, low blood pressure, and irregular heart rate.  

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Many people who are seeking an answer to the question – is my loved one an alcoholic? – often do not know where to start.  

If you’re struggling to help someone who you suspect has alcohol addiction, it’s essential first to identify if the mental disorder exists. There are signs to look out for to prove whether your loved one is an alcoholic or not, because unless they are neck-deep into alcoholism, it may not be easy to detect. 

To salvage the situation before it gets out of control, watch out for the subtle signs of alcohol abuse, including:  

  • Hiding alcohol in unusual places
  • High tolerance for alcohol
  • Missing work
  • Dangerous behavior, such as aggressive speeding while driving
  • Financial irresponsibility
  • Overusing breath mints to try to mask the smell 

Once you’ve identified several signs from the list above, you’ll be a step closer to finding an answer to the question – is my loved one alcoholic? 

How to Help a Person With an Alcohol Addiction  

The first step to helping an alcoholic is figuring out the right approach to use to confront them about the condition. Your help is much needed to enable your loved one to begin a sobriety journey. However, a person’s willingness to change also plays a critical role in getting the right treatment. Remember, addiction is a disease. Even though your loved one may know that their drinking is harming themselves and others, they are physically dependent and can’t stop without help.

The approach you can use is learning about alcohol use and disorder. Explore credible resources, such as government websites, to learn about how to stage an intervention and find the right rehab facility. After getting the information, practice what you’re going to say by formulating positive and supportive statements without accusations.  

Ensure you choose the right place and time to talk to your loved one to avoid interruptions. Listen carefully to the person, offer your support, and suggest inpatient treatment.  

Is My Loved One an Alcoholic? Learn More at Phoenix Rising

Are you worried about the place to get the ideal treatment? At Phoenix Rising Recovery, you’ll gain valuable tools and resources to restore the life of your loved one. Besides, we guarantee you’ll enjoy a full continuum of care for alcohol addiction with our mental health professionals. Our rehab offers a conducive environment to facilitate the recovery process. 

There are many options for a holistic treatment plan, such as: 

Now you have a satisfactory answer to the pressing question – is my loved one an alcoholic? Don’t let your loved one suffer anymore. Our extremely professional, respectful, and helpful staff is ready to start your loved one on the journey to recovery. Contact us today at 8552328211 for more information on alcohol abuse disorders or to schedule an appointment.