Key Takeaways
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects approximately 29.5 million Americans, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- The transition from social drinking to addiction is gradual, making early signs easy to overlook.
- Physical signs include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, changes in appearance, and neglect of health.
- Behavioral signs include drinking alone, hiding alcohol, neglecting responsibilities, and failed attempts to cut back.
- Psychological signs include using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, and feeling unable to function without drinking.
- The DSM-5 criteria for AUD include 11 symptoms — meeting just 2 within a 12-month period qualifies as a diagnosis.
When Does Drinking Become a Problem?
There is no single moment when social drinking crosses the line into addiction. Alcohol use disorder develops along a continuum, and what starts as casual drinking can gradually become a pattern of dependence. Understanding the warning signs can help you or your loved ones identify a problem before it escalates.
Physical Signs of Alcohol Addiction
The body often shows signs of alcohol addiction before behavioral changes become obvious:
- Increased tolerance: Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing shakiness, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when not drinking
- Changes in appearance: Weight changes, puffy face, broken blood vessels, red or flushed skin
- Frequent hangovers: Regularly feeling sick after drinking
- Neglected hygiene: Declining attention to personal grooming and cleanliness
- Frequent illness: Weakened immune system leading to more infections
- Sleep problems: Difficulty sleeping without alcohol or disrupted sleep patterns
- Blackouts: Gaps in memory during or after drinking sessions
Behavioral Signs
Changes in behavior are often the most noticeable indicators:
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Hiding alcohol around the house or workplace
- Making excuses to drink or choosing activities that involve alcohol
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop drinking
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences (DUI, relationship problems, health issues)
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that used to be enjoyable
- Legal or financial problems related to drinking
Psychological Signs
The mental and emotional aspects of alcohol addiction include:
- Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, loneliness, or depression
- Feeling unable to relax or socialize without drinking
- Preoccupation with alcohol — thinking about the next drink, planning around drinking
- Irritability or anxiety when unable to drink
- Denial about the severity of the problem
- Guilt or shame about drinking behavior
- Mood swings that correspond with drinking patterns
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges, learn more about comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs available at Trailhead Treatment Center in Salem, NH.
The DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies 11 criteria for AUD. Meeting 2-3 criteria indicates mild AUD, 4-5 indicates moderate, and 6 or more indicates severe:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Wanting to cut down but being unable to
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
- Cravings — strong urges or desires to drink
- Drinking interfering with work, school, or family responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite it causing relationship problems
- Giving up activities to drink instead
- Drinking in situations where it is physically dangerous
- Continuing to drink despite it causing health problems
- Needing more alcohol for the same effect (tolerance)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Getting Help
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love, the most important thing to know is that alcohol addiction is treatable. Evidence-based approaches include individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and comprehensive outpatient programs.
Trailhead Treatment Center provides how to start treatment at Trailhead to support lasting recovery and wellness.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is the first step toward recovery. If you identified with several of these indicators, know that help is available and recovery is possible. Trailhead Treatment Center offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder in Salem, NH.