how can you tell if you, or someone close to you is an alcoholic?

Answer 1

Alcoholism is marked by dependence on alcohol and loss of control over one's drinking. This loss of control may develop almost imperceptibly over a long period, or it may manifest itself almost from the start of a person's drinking. When a person continues to drink despite the fact that it causes serious psychological, physical, or social problems, alcoholism is developing or is already present.

The stereotype of an alcoholic as a skid row inhabitant is incorrect; only about 3 to 5% of alcoholic Americans are in that category. Actually, alcoholic people represent a cross-section of America, embracing rich and poor, young and old, white-collar workers and blue-collar workers. Most alcoholics are employed and most have families--much like their neighbors and fellow citizens.

Seldom can you spot alcoholics by their appearance. However, for those close to a person who seems to be more and more dependent on alcohol in order to function, there are indicators that his or her drinking may be reaching the danger point. For example: there is the immediate reaction to pour a drink when faced with any problem; getting drunk has become a regular occurrence; there is a record of missing work because of drinking or regular attendance at work with an ill-disguised odor of liquor on the breath; the person's license has been suspended for driving while intoxicated; the person has gotten into trouble with authorities for no "logical" reason; the person has been involved in several unexplainable accidents without evidence of physical impairment; or his/her home life has become intolerable because of excessive drinking to arguments resulting from drinking.

When such signs are present, it means that a person's drinking pattern, if not already out of control, is heading that way.

Answer 2

I used to deal with alcoholism in my childhood, here are some revealing clues.

1) They reek of beer or liquor. (This one sometimes doesn't work, because if you're dealing with a true alcoholic, they will try to deceive you by drinking Vodka, which leaves little or no smell on the breath).

2) If they go to a bar or club at say for instance 8 at night, and you don't hear or see them stumble in until sometime after daylight the next morning.

3) An alcoholic will avoid using the word "Alcoholic" simply because they are in denial about being one, or are afraid to admit the truth to themselves.

4) They will buy you material goods, and seem cautiously proud to show you the gift(s) they have bought for you. Not always, but sometimes this is just to make up for what they've done (drinking behind your back, which btw alcoholics WILL DO).

5) Their face/neck will turn reddish in hue. Almost like they are extremely hot, and are about to pass out. But it's just an effect from the alcohol.

I hope that everythig works out for you, and the person you are concerned about, and I hope that these signs that made me realize the alcoholism will help you too! Don't be afraid to admit the truth and get the help you/they need before something goes awry. You are not alone, there are many alcoholics out there, and this disease (and YES it is a disesase) can be beat. Stay positive.

Answer 3

Here are some ways to tell if someone is an alcoholic:

1.You wonder how they got such a cool right hand.It is shaped like a beer can.
2.You say"Let's get some breakfast" and they pull in at the local Liquor store.
3.You say" Let's get some lunch" and they pull into the local liquor store.
4.You say "Let's get some dinner and they...well you know this one by now.
5.You go visit them and discover that have built all of their furniture with beer cans.
6.You ask to use their restroom and only discover, after you have made potty, that there is no tiolet paper.Only crushed beer cans to be found.
7. When you ask them a question the answer is always " I need a beer"..(Examples: How do you feel today? "I need a beer" What color is that shirt your wearing? " I Need a Beer" Can you say anything else besides that? " I need a beer!"
8. Their idea of grocery shopping is 15 cases of beer.
9.When they owe you money,they pay you with beer.
10.They tell you on a rare occassion(This is when they actually say something other than" I need a beer").When I am dead, please make sure my beer finds a good home.

If any of these things occur,you probably have found an alcoholic.

Answer 4

You simply cannot. Smelling alcohol on someone close to you is not an indication that that person is alcoholic. But if that person always smells that way, especially if you're in places where it is unlikely to find drunk people like the workplace, then there's a good chance that he/she is.

If by close to you, you mean is in terms of relationships, like a friend or relative, all you have to do is observe them. And check the tell-tale signs mentioned in the other answers.

Answer 5

that really depends on each individual situation u could think to urself do they drink to much do they depend on alcohol do they need alcohol do they wake up in the morn and need a drink. the definition is never ending some people do drink every night of the week but mayb only have a glass of wine does that make them an alcoholic!!!?

Answer 6

You just can. A person that cant live without alcohol, is an alcoholic. If the person is always drinking, then there's your answer.

Answer 7

that's a demanding one. maximum will deny it. I even have alcohol themes too, yet do not evaluate myself an alcoholic (I now cut back my beverages)yet then back, not many WILL evaluate themselves alcoholics! i think the 1st step is calling out what's too much ingesting. The U.S. interior of reason conservative with alcohol intake and what may be seen extreme right that's seen time-honored in Europe and different international places. If he/she beverages 2-3 beverages on primary an afternoon.. i might circulate away it on my own. This easily falls decrease than time-honored regulations and is what I shop on with. in spite of if that's over 4 beverages an afternoon each and on a daily basis then.. i might probable might think of that there is a difficulty. To over-do it on social accumulating is high quality yet to be decrease than the impression of alcohol and awaken with a hangover on a daily basis (i understand people who do this) is unquestionably puzzling. perchance you will be able to desire to mail an nameless brochure with a sort & worrying word pointing out some thing like, "i don't choose you to be offended yet i'm in contact approximately your ingesting. possibly you dont' have a difficulty yet possibly you do. Will you please study this and notice what you think of? i does not try this if i did not care. - a chum." Alcoholics would be offended at you in case you dare get rid of their booze. this is not an hassle-free factor and additionally you will't tension every physique to end.

Answer 8

If someone cant go a day or hour without a drink or if you find out that they are sneeking drinks, they are probably an alcholic Why dont you like just talk to the person

Answer 9

well there are several ways ,each case is different ,in my experience with a family member :
- if you find bottles hidden
- the person keeps leaving the room regularly
- they come back quite jolly
- you may not be able to smell drink off them ,especially vodka
- they stay awake at night (to drink in secrecy) and sleep for most of the day...

Answer 10

There behavior is moody, they are one way one minute and one way the next. You should be able to smell it from time to time, and they like to be alone, or like to have privacy. A closet drinker likes to take a nip or two when ever they can. It is hard to tell unless you are on them all the time.