Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing.
Alcoholism is a growing health issue, with there being over 608,000 adults suffering with the condition in 2019-20.
The NHS define alcohol misuse as 'when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol'.
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They also advise that you keep intake of the substance to no more than 14 units a week. One unit is equivalent to half a pint of beer or a shot of a spirit, while a small glass of wine is equal to one and a half units.
Someone that is an alcoholic can appear with flushed skin, suffer from memory loss, suffer with the inability to have just one drink, or most of all, they may lie about their alcohol use - among other things.
So what signs can you look out for that could indicate that someone close to you that you may live with, like your partner, is an alcoholic?
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There are 12 main things to keep an eye out for:
The physical signs
Your partner may hide their behaviours that could indicate alcohol misuse, but physical signs such as drastic weight loss or gain, flushed or dry skin, unexplained bruises and jaundice are not easy to hide.
In addition to this, hand tremors could also indicate that your partner is abusing alcohol, especially when waking up in the morning, when someone is the most dehydrated.
Finding a reason to drink
Some healthy people might choose to drink in occasion when they feel happy, but there might be other ways that they react too, such as socialising with friends, or doing a hobby.
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People that misuse alcohol don't have as wide a range of coping mechanisms, with many of their solutions to happiness related to drinking.
Blacking out or having memory loss
The act of blacking out is never healthy or ideal in any scenario, and if your partner shows signs of forgetting things after drinking, it should be considered a sign of alcohol abuse.
When it interferes with every day responsibilities
It may take a longer to hit, but all alcoholics will eventually experience a decline in their personal or professional commitments.
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Whether it be not waking up at work after a night of drinking, or causing conflicts with loved ones after having a few - the issues usually shine through.
Drinking when it's unsafe to do so
If someone is desperate for a pint even when they're about to do something risky, such as driving, operating machinery, going rock climbing or other dangerous activities, it's a red flag.
This can result in injuries or accidents, even without a drink.
Not being able to have one
If you head to the pub and your partner can't just have one pint or sip a drink for a while before swapping to water, it can be a telltale sign.
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It can lead to excessive drinking and intoxication, while hiding drinks and covering up how drunk they really are - expect them to have a high tolerance, to the point where drinking makes them feel 'normal'.
Avoiding situations where they can't drink
Choosing to stay home with a drink in hand instead of going to a dry social activity can also be a sign that they are abusing alcohol.
Preferring to stay alone instead of socialising with no drinks should ring alarm bells.
If what they do revolves around drinking
Alcohol addicts would rather have friends that share the same lifestyle, and go to places like pubs or bars instead of places where non-drinkers would be.
This could extend to bringing a flask of alcohol to events with no drinks, or starting to drink early in the morning.
Failing to quit, continuously
They may try and stop because they've realised they have a problem, or to prove to a family member that they can, but if they ultimately fail, over and over again, they may be an alcoholic.
Without professional help, they can often relapse and start their bad habits again within days.
They keep lying
High-functioning addicts are better at hiding their drinking habits, and from time to time, those closest to them can catch on to their web of lies or their hidden drinking habits.
You shouldn't dismiss these events if you clock on.
Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
Alcohol abuse can result in mood swings, changes of behaviour or even sudden bursts, and crashes, of energy.
If you notice your partner seeming different each day or each hour after or during drinking, they may have a problem.
Getting defensive
If you try to raise the issue and they become tirelessly defensive or hostile, it may be a sign that their brain chemistry has changed.
It can get to the point where their body believes alcohol is essential to survival, and will do anything to be able to keep drinking.
Topics: Health, Mental Health, Food And Drink, Alcohol
Joshua Nair