If your loved one has been acting out of character recently, been withdrawn from their daily life, forgetting important tasks, or just acting strangely in any other way, and you’re sure it’s not some serious illness or other medical condition, then it is highly probable that this particular loved one is going through alcohol abuse.
If this is your first time coming across this term, then alcohol abuse is a subset of substance abuse, where a person develops an unhealthy dependency on alcohol, as an ineffective defense mechanism.
In simpler terms, the person starts consuming harmful amounts of alcohol to escape from some stressful reality.
To say the least, alcohol abuse is a detrimental condition.
However, for you to take some action, you need to be sure it is what you’re suspecting it to be.
The signs of alcohol abuse that you need to look out for have one thing in common which is a lack of control in the victim’s attitude.
Here are some more:
1. Neglecting Important Responsibilities
One of the most important signs is the blatant disregard for important responsibilities. Most people who are neck-deep in alcohol abuse start to lose their sense of reality.
The alcohol takes control to such an extent that the victim cannot differentiate between what’s important and what’s not.
The only two thoughts that cloud their mind all the time are either imaginary or impulsive, i.e., when under influence of alcohol, or the constant drive to consume alcohol, when not under its influence.
2. Unusual Withdrawal From Society
The second sign, which is also very evident in these conditions, is social withdrawal. This is even more obvious when the person in question is usually a social butterfly.
The change in their social associations becomes so stark that even someone who’s not usually very close to the person can notice it.
Even for naturally introverted people, the signs of social withdrawal are discernable at least by close kin. Although not as discernable as in the previous example.
3. Vigilantism/Hooliganism
The third sign is an unusual leaning toward vigilantism or hooliganism. As opposed to the first two, this symptom is not present for every victim. Even for the ones who do embody this symptom, the way it presents itself is not always the same.
The reason is that the Thanatos attribute is not as strong in some as compared to others. That is, this symptom mainly shows for people whose stress is associated with some kind of violence, and thus is channeled through violent behavior.
4. Heightened Alcohol Tolerance
Lastly, you can recognize this condition by scrutinizing the person’s alcohol habits. Have they started drinking more alcohol than before? Has the frequency of their alcohol consumption peaked lately? Is the person making excuses to go to the bar and drink alcohol all the time? If yes, alcoholism is most likely the case.
Also, people who go through this kind of substance abuse generally start displaying a greater alcohol tolerance than usual. Keep a close watch and if you find any similarities, it’s time for you to take action.
Being A Supporter
What actions should you take? Will your support be able to help your loved one’s self-destructive tendencies single-handedly? Who should you consult to determine which step is right and which is not?
First things first, you have to address the elephant in the room. You have to communicate with your loved one and express your worries. Tell them why they need to stop.
Plan what you’re going to say in advance so that your arguments are convincing enough. Be ready to face backlash. The victim is more likely going to deny your accusations, but be patient and don’t give up.
Also, learn where to use passive and active convincing. When you’re dealing with someone younger than you and dependent on you, maybe your underage child, you can project active convincing.
Since you’re in a position of authority here, make sure that they don’t get the resources to continue with this abuse. At the same time, be very gentle with them. Don’t use harsh techniques to justify your authority as that may backfire.
When you’re dealing with someone who has surpassed the drinking age, you’ll have to engage in passive convincing. You cannot simply ask the person to stop drinking and expect that they’re going to listen.
Instead of getting involved in the situation directly, try to provide emotional support. Show them that they’re not alone. If possible, try to share some of their stress.
Look for the best opportunity. Being honest with the victim won’t help until you communicate at the right moment. This perfect opportunity is different for different people. Some are convinced only when they’re sober enough, and some others during heightened emotional circumstances.
Involve professionals. It’s no news that you as a kin/family of the victim can only do so much for stopping their alcohol abuse. If the victim has already gone deep into addiction, then you’re going to need the help of professionals.
Talk to a therapist about the situation, and let the therapist talk to the victim, and figure out what’ll be best for them.
In most cases, you’ll need to admit the person to a rehabilitation center. While it may be hard to access rehab treatment, it can be extremely beneficial. The rehab journey can be difficult but it’ll be worth it. Make the victim realize that you care by paying routine visits.
Conclusion
Do not worry, early treatment of alcohol abuse can lead to efficient and timely recovery. Even after the person has recovered, do not let them near alcohol and you should also abstain from consuming alcohol in front of the person.
At first, there might be strong withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and fever, but that’s the natural course of recovery from any kind of addiction.
Throughout the journey, you need to be strong and ready to provide emotional support whenever required.