Identifying the signs of early alcoholism enables timely intervention and appropriate treatment.

Some potential indicators of alcohol abuse are easily noticed, while others can be subtle and more challenging to recognize. Alcoholism is clinically described as alcohol use disorder, a condition which presents on a spectrum from mild to severe.

This means it is beneficial to act on early warning signs rather than minimizing or ignoring these potential red flags.

Common Early Signs Of Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that typically worsens unless treated. Fortunately, alcoholism is treatable with evidence-based treatment that usually involves medications, talk therapies, and counseling.

Early signs of alcohol abuse can manifest in one of three ways:

• Physically
• Psychologically
• Or through behavioral changes

Physical Signs Of Alcoholism

The physical signs of alcoholism include:

• Development of tolerance
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation
• Deterioration in physical appearance

Development Of Tolerance

Addictive substances like alcohol work by triggering an outsized release of dopamine in the brain. Over time, the brain undergoes changes and develops tolerance, becoming less sensitive to the effects of dopamine. As the effects of alcohol diminish, more is required to deliver the initial effects. If you or someone you know is drinking more alcohol than before without appearing more intoxicated, this indicates the development of tolerance.

Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms Upon Discontinuation

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking is another of the early physical signs of alcoholism that’s also among the 11 criteria for alcohol use disorder outlined in DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). When someone develops tolerance to alcohol and increases consumption as a result, this accelerates the formation of physical dependence.

Deterioration In Physical Appearance

In the early stages of alcoholism, drinking assumes more and more importance in a person’s life. Many people invest less time and effort in their physical appearance and personal hygiene as drinking becomes more of a driving force.

Psychological Signs

The psychological signs of alcoholism include:

• Regularly drinking alcohol alone
• Depressed mood when not drinking alcohol
• Inability to control consumption
• Problems in relationships
• Failed attempts to discontinue use of alcohol

Regularly Drinking Alcohol Alone

Drinking alone is a major red flag for alcohol abuse. For many people, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or beer with dinner on their own. Problematic solo drinking occurs when someone drinks alcohol alone with the aim of getting drunk.

Depressed Mood When Not Drinking Alcohol

When someone starts becoming addicted to alcohol, this usually involves the development of dependence, which is associated with withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol. Depressed mood, irritability, and anxiety are all early warning signs of alcohol withdrawal.

Inability To Control Consumption

When someone is unable to control the amount of alcohol they consume, this is a classic early sign of alcoholism. Addiction is characterized by compulsive substance use regardless of adverse outcomes.

Problems In Relationships

Addiction and healthy relationships don’t mix. Hiding your substance use from loved ones and prioritizing your addiction over their needs creates stress between you.

Failed Attempts To Discontinue Use Of Alcohol

If you attempt a break from drinking (such as Sober October or Dry January) and find that you cannot achieve sobriety, this suggests a growing problem with alcohol abuse that’s worth further exploration and assessment.

Behavioral Signs

• Hiding alcohol consumption from loved ones
• Endangering self or others
• Blacking out

Hiding Alcohol Consumption From Loved Ones

When someone exhibits problematic drinking, they often subconsciously hide the behavior from loved ones. Anyone who hides their alcohol consumption is almost certainly dealing with deeper issues.

Endangering Self Or Others

Another common sign that alcohol addiction is developing is when someone puts alcohol ahead of their health and safety—such as drinking before driving or while on medication.

Blacking Out

Binge drinking is a growing problem in the United States. It’s defined as consuming five or more drinks within two hours for men, or four or more drinks for women. Roughly one in six adults in America engages in regular binge drinking sessions.

What To Do When You Notice The Early Signs Of Being An Alcoholic

Recognizing the early signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone close to you is a fundamental first step toward recovery. Here’s what to do when you notice these early signs:

• Acknowledge the problem: Denial is common, but acknowledging a problem is key to seeking help.
• Learn about alcoholism: Understand its effects and recovery benefits to motivate positive action.
• Reach out for support: Talk with family, friends, or professionals who can guide and support you.
• Get professional help: Contact healthcare providers or addiction specialists for therapy or counseling.
• Join support groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org) or SMART Recovery (smartrecoveryinternational.org) can help.
• Develop a personalized recovery plan: Work with professionals to address co-occurring mental health issues.
• Set healthy boundaries: Protect your well-being while supporting others in recovery.
• Encourage ongoing treatment: Stay positive, celebrate progress, and commit to recovery.

Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment At Gratitude Lodge

Although alcohol addiction can be debilitating, it’s highly treatable. If you or someone you care about needs help addressing problematic consumption, call Gratitude Lodge today.

Begin your recovery with supervised detox at one of our luxury rehabs in Long Beach or Newport Beach, California. You’ll receive clinical and emotional care to manage withdrawal and cravings effectively. After detox, you’ll transition into personalized inpatient treatment.

Treatment plans at Gratitude Lodge blend holistic and evidence-based therapies, including:

• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Psychotherapies like CBT and DBT
• Motivational therapies
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• One-to-one counseling
• Holistic interventions
• Aftercare planning

The sooner you seek treatment, the smoother your recovery journey will be due to the progressive nature of alcoholism.

Call 844-576-0144 and begin your recovery right away.

Sources

1. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826820/