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RECOGNIZING PROBLEM DRINKING
HomebrewersAssociation.org
YOU THINK SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
The American Addiction Centers note that the following are common physical and behavioral indicators that someone
may be engaging in problem drinking behavior:
PHYSICAL:
• Bloodshot eyes
• Alcohol on their breath
• Sleeping more than usual or appearing tired
• Unsteady gait
BEHAVIORAL:
• Frequently becoming angry, belligerent, or moody
for no apparent reason
• Appearing intoxicated
• Losing interest in relationships, activities,
or responsibilities
• Unable to refuse alcohol when offered to them
• Telling lies or acting secretive about alcohol use
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an individual may have an Alcohol Use
Disorder (AUD) if they:
• Drink more, or longer, than they intended.
• Have tried more than once to cut back or quit drinking but couldn’t.
• Spend a lot of time drinking or feeling sick from drinking.
• Want a drink so badly that they can’t think of anything else.
• Find that drinking, or being sick from drinking, is interfering with other responsibilities.
• Continue to drink despite its negative impact on relationships with family or friends.
• Have given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to them in order to drink.
• Have gotten into dangerous situations while or after drinking that could result in injury to themself or others.
• Continue to drink despite it making them feel depressed or anxious, or adding to other health problems.
• Must drink far more than they used to in order to get the desired effect.
• Suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart,
seizure, or hallucinations as the effects of alcohol wear off.
ONCE YOU’VE RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM, HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE CONVERSATION?
It is important to understand that alcoholism is a disease that thrives on secrecy and the individual is likely to deny
that the problem exists. The following are tips to help you navigate this challenging conversation:
• Come from a place of genuine, non-judgmental concern.
• Offer empathy and understanding.
• Avoid using labels like “alcoholic.”
• Present resources.
• Provide options, don’t make demands.
WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
• Local Community Mental Health Agencies
• Job and Family Services
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
• aaHomegroup.org offers 24/7 AA meetings via Zoom
• Local AA meetings:
https://alcoholicsanonymous.com/• NIAAA Treatment Navigator:
https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/ • Check with your insurance provider to find out what services are covered under your plan