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Top 7 signs of alcoholism

Read the signs, then call 833.754.0554 when you feel ready.

If this is close to what you’ve been living with, start with one conversation. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t have to know what to call it. That’s our job.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

You do not need to apply a label or have everything figured out before talking.

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Original article

The this topic focus on loss of control and continuing despite harm. You can compare the seven patterns below with these alcohol use warning signs for women and information about alcoholism risk for women.

Alcoholism is a disease. It is a change in the brain that affects a person’s ability to make choices or perform essential, everyday tasks. It usually requires support and treatment to free a person from its grasp because it is a disease.

Many issues can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction, including when they started drinking, their environment, and genetics. Alcohol abuse ranges from mild to chronic and can have short and long-term effects on a person’s physical, social, and emotional health. While many people can drink alcohol without becoming addicted, for some, it is not possible. There are some common signs to look out for if you are concerned that you or a woman you love may be dependent or addicted to alcohol.

At Women’s Recovery, we understand the impact that alcohol addiction can have on a woman’s life. As a result, we have created treatment programs designed to meet women’s specific needs to get them on the road to recovery. If you suspect that you or a woman you love struggles with alcohol addiction, reach out to one of our trained specialists to learn more about the warning signs of alcoholism by calling 833.754.0554.

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1. Falling Behind on Obligations at Home, School, or Work

This is often the first sign that is noticeable to others. A usually responsible and careful person may start to miss deadlines, forget important dates, or frequently miss school or work.

2. Continuing to Drink Even Though There Are Negative Consequences

A common sign of alcoholism is that, despite suffering negative consequences, the person continues to drink. Someone might lose their job, be evicted, or go through the breakup of a meaningful relationship and continue to drink. This is a clear sign that the person cannot make healthy decisions about their alcohol use. People who drink so much that they find themselves facing legal, social, or financial consequences need immediate help from an alcohol treatment center.

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3. Drinking More than They Planned

A sign of alcoholism is when the person frequently struggles to limit their drinking. They may plan to drink one or two drinks and then find that they have consumed the entire bottle of wine. They may find that they are drinking much more than the people around them during social events.

4. Losing Interest in Activities They Used to Enjoy

Someone who is struggling with alcoholism will often quit doing things they used to get satisfaction from. They may stop doing hobbies, skip social outings, give up on exercising, and instead only enjoy activities that center on drinking. They may become withdrawn and find themselves isolated from others much of the time.

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5. Physical and Psychological Symptoms

People who struggle with addiction to alcohol may have physical symptoms when they are not drinking. They may experience anxiety or depression. They might sweat, feel nauseated, have trouble sleeping, or have shaky hands. If their alcohol dependence is advanced, they may experience seizures, confusion, or hallucinations if they stop drinking. These are signs that immediate intervention is needed, and the person must seek treatment at an alcohol addiction treatment center right away.

6. Craving or Fixating on Alcoholism

Someone who struggles with alcoholism will often show signs of craving it or fixations on it. These cravings could show up as:

  • Thinking about alcohol a lot
  • Struggling to socialize without drinking
  • Drinking alcohol right away in the morning
  • Planning how to get alcohol
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7. Being Dishonest About Alcohol Use

Secrecy often plays a vital role in the progression of alcoholism. People who are struggling with their use may begin to keep secrets or lie in an attempt to protect their ability to keep drinking. Because the disease often requires that the person keep it a secret, it can be challenging to realize until they are in a critical stage of their alcoholism.

Find an Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Women’s Recovery

If you notice these signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you love, it is essential to get help right away. An alcohol treatment center may be just the right place to start on the road to sobriety and living the life you want.

Women’s Recovery in Colorado is an alcohol treatment center that specializes in women’s treatment. They offer a wide range of treatment options to support the whole person in the journey towards recovery. Contact us today by calling 833.754.0554 or using the online form.

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Common questions

Explore articles on mental health and substance use and substance use care that sees the whole woman for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

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01 Does having one warning sign mean I have alcoholism?

Concern is reasonable when drinking repeatedly overrides intentions, responsibilities, relationships, or health. A single sign does not determine whether you have alcohol use disorder. What matters is the broader pattern, its effects, and how difficult changing it feels. A professional assessment can help clarify what you are experiencing.

02 How serious does drinking need to be before I seek help?

You do not need to reach a crisis before seeking support. Earlier help may prevent further consequences and give you more choices. Treatment can be appropriate for mild, moderate, or severe alcohol problems, and options may include behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, medications, or a combination tailored to your needs.

03 How can I talk to a woman I love about her drinking?

Choose a calm, private moment and mention specific changes you have noticed. Speak with care rather than applying a label or demanding an admission. You might say that you are concerned, want to understand, and will support her in exploring help. She may need time to consider what you have said.

04 What kinds of help are available for alcohol problems?

Alcohol use disorder is treatable, and recovery can take different forms. Evidence-based care may involve behavioral treatment, mutual support, medication, or combined approaches. No single option is best for everyone, so appropriate care considers the pattern and severity of alcohol use, health needs, preferences, and response to previous support.

05 How do I start a conversation with Women’s Recovery?

You can call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 for a conversation about what has been happening and what questions you have. You can also contact the team or visit Women’s Recovery at 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210. Reaching out does not require an immediate decision.

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Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

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