For millions of people around the country, and millions more around the world, alcoholism is a disease that has ripped apart families, torn up lives, and created and wreaked considerable havoc on a variety of upstanding and worthwhile people who could not cope with the disorder and the need to drink.
But what are the signs of alcoholism, anyways? And what can you do to prevent and be on the lookout for alcoholism in those around you, should you suspect something more serious may be going on due to their erratic or unusual behavior with alcohol and in general?
Here are a few things to keep in mind about alcoholism, the signs to change it, and what can be done about the line between social drinking and full on disorder in this country, and in any culture that prizes and values drinking alcohol in any way.
The social drinking paradox
Let’s face it – we are a social drinking culture. We love going to bars, watching games, getting a beer with friends, or getting drunk on Friday night to avoid and leave behind all of our troubles. It makes sense, too, because it can be so much fun to do it and let loose, if only for just a little bit, and reward ourselves positively with those around us as we enjoy friends, and of course, alcohol.
The paradox, though, is that this social drinking culture contributes roundly to alcoholism by promoting alcoholic behaviors and encouraging drinking, and yet, doing little stop people from crossing that blurred line between the two behaviors. It can be quite the paradox for people to deal with as they have to go between the two worlds, and for many people, they simply cannot cope with social drinking without making it a more compulsive (and full-on alcoholic) behavior in time.
Withdrawal
One of the telltale signs of alcoholism is a change in behavior leading to withdrawal. Many social drinkers turn into solitary drinkers who need their fix, and many deal with significant problems regarding and resulting in their alcoholism that they try to hide from others. For those who may have recently become withdrawn, in addition to drinking more and more frequently, there may be a situation regarding alcoholism occurring.
Compulsive behavior surrounding habits
Alcoholics are compulsive – they must get a drink, they must get their fix, and they must cure their ails and their desires with alcohol. In doing so, watch out for compulsive behavior among those involved with alcohol, and recognize that in many cases, this compulsive behavior is making the disease worse each and every day.
Alcoholism can tear apart families, relationships, and friendships very easily. But if you know the signs and recognize when the line from social drinking is crossed, you can get the most out of treatment, either for you or a friend who is dealing with a significant problem relating to alcoholism.
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