Alcohol abuse is a disease that can cause several other problems that may affect a person’s professional and social life. While some signs are easy to recognize, other signs are hidden. They may only manifest after prolonged abuse, putting one at risk of severe health complications and life-threatening conditions.

It is crucial to watch for signs of alcoholism and help a loved one get treatment immediately to live a sober and healthy life.

Here are some signs of alcohol abuse that you should look out for.

1. Changes in Priority

If your loved one no longer makes the things that were once important to them, such as their job, school, or hobbies, a priority, it is time to consider committing them to alcohol addiction treatment.

For example, if their grades start down, they get evicted from their apartment because of late or no rent or are in massive debt. It may signify that they are missing school or have quit their jobs and are spending most of their time drinking.

2. Social Withdrawal

One of the most significant signs of social withdrawal is a sudden disconnection from others and a lack of communication. If a loved one insists on being alone, they become sneaky and hide their actions; they may be dealing with alcoholism.

Remember, pushing too hard to know their whereabouts may only worsen the situation.

3. Destroyed Relationships and Changes in Their Friend Circle

Alcoholism destroys relationships. This is because a person can be aggressive or have unappealing behavior when high. It can lead to separation, divorce, or strained sibling relationships. In some cases, one may make new “drinking buddies.”

If your family member has suddenly made new friends with troubling characters and they no longer hand out with the friends you knew, it is time to get help. If it is your child, forbidding the newly formed relationships may backfire. Instead, seek help from an alcohol addiction treatment center and learn how to handle the situation.

4. Poor Overall Health

If your child or loved one is constantly sick because of alcohol abuse, it is time to get help. Alcoholics pay little attention to their health. They may not eat right, and this will affect their immunity. If they are always dealing with viral or bacterial infection, chickenpox, or are just constantly sick, they need help.

Alcohol also causes a hangover, which can cause headaches, lethargy, sensitivity to light or sound, and more. While these symptoms are also familiar with binge drinking, do not assume they are just a hangover. If their health is affected and constantly portraying these symptoms, they may be abusing alcohol.

5. They Drink Excessively and Seem Unable to Quit

If your loved one has tried to stop drinking but failed, it is time for professional help. Several underlying reasons cause alcohol abuse, and the best way to stop drinking is to also deal with the triggers.

Alcohol treatment centers offer programs that deal with the mind, body, and soul. The treatment will help them get sober and stay clean.

Consider Professional Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Excessive alcohol use can be detrimental to the user’s health, in some cases even fatal. As such, you should not ignore any of the signs of alcohol abuse highlighted in this column. If a loved one is portraying any of these signs, it may be best to persuade them to get the help they need.