It can be difficult to watch someone that you love go through a struggle with addiction. You may not know what to do when you’re in this situation. Unfortunately, there are no clear answers on how to deal with this problem. The person battling his or her demons needs to want to find help. Once this level of awareness has been reached, finding a qualified addiction center is the right move. Before you can do this, you need to know what you’re dealing with.
Alcoholism takes many forms, and it is not always going to be easy to spot the problem from the beginning. If you’re beginning to worry about someone you care about, you have to take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the easier it is for the problem to grow larger and more unmanageable. These are a couple of simple signs to look out for that may be helpful to you moving forward.
Culture of Excess
A big part of why it is so hard to tell when someone is slipping into the thralls of addiction is because modern society thrives on drinking. Young people go out and drink frequently, especially those who live in cities, and this is an accepted part of everyday life. While it might seem like the norm, it creates a very blurred line between those who are able to drink in moderation and those who are compelled to drink at any opportunity.
When someone that you care about looks for any reason to drink, big or small, and cannot seem to fathom the idea of not partaking in a drink, red flags should be raised. While many people drink on a regular basis, those dealing with addiction do not like to be told no. If you suggest a night of not drinking, and it is met with unwarranted or passionate opposition, then it could be a good sign that there is a problem at hand. Don’t jump to conclusions if you aren’t sure, though, as it can make for an uncomfortable encounter.
Physical Signs
If the problem has gotten so bad that the person in question relies on alcohol as a physical necessity, then it is at a point where you have to intervene. People who live with alcoholic addiction become reliant on this substance to the point where their bodies have negative reactions when the alcohol is taken away. Withdrawal symptoms are intense, especially at first, and can include nausea, headaches, sudden agitation, among others.
To spot these signs, you have to be in a position where the person you care about is not able to drink. If you are not able to achieve this, then try paying attention to other angles of your friend’s drinking habits. For example, if he or she seems to have an increased tolerance to alcohol, it can be a good sign that they are dealing with an addiction.
Find the Right Help
Addiction is not an easy matter to try to understand. The best way for you to help someone that you care about who is battling addiction is by looking for the warning signs. Once your friend or loved one recognizes the issue, he or she will be able to find the right addiction center and get well again.
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