It is not uncommon for alcoholism to be referred to as a family disease. It also is not uncommon to wonder why that is the case. The main reason is that when someone is an alcoholic, it affects everyone else in the family. That means the person suffering from alcoholism is not the only one who is affected by this disease. That leads many families to wonder about the signs of alcoholism and if they should worry. Atlanta Detox Center is here to help you understand the signs of alcoholism and to provide help with our alcohol addiction treatment program.
Early Signs of Alcoholism for a Family Member
Loving and protecting our family is natural. However, that protection could result in enabling. Data revealed from the National Association for Children of Alcoholics teaches us that 43% of America’s population has exposure to alcoholism within their families. When you can recognize the early signs of alcoholism in a family member, you are one step closer to helping them receive the treatment they need in an alcohol detox center program. Early signs of alcoholism include:
- Extreme irritability or mood swings
- Secrecy regarding drinking or they drink alone
- Drinking that leads to blacking out
- Developing a tolerance that leads to drinking more
- Isolating from family and friends
- Making up excuses for drinking, including job stress
- Wanting to drink instead of participating in activities
Understanding How the Middle Stage Signs of Alcoholism Change
When a person in your family suffers from alcoholism, that means they are experiencing ongoing changes. As a result of those changes, the signs of alcoholism become more apparent. When they reach the middle stage of their disease, that could pose significant problems. Examples of some of these middle stage signs of alcoholism include:
- Drinking when it is either dangerous or inappropriate, like when taking care of a child, for example
- The individual becomes more combative or defensive toward their peers, especially if anyone approaches them with concerns about their drinking
- They might start experiencing redness on their face or bloating
- Weight gain or weight loss could occur, or their abdomen could become bloated
Signs of Late-Stage Alcoholism in Family Members
It is nearly impossible for families not to notice the late-stage signs of alcoholism. When alcoholics reach this stage, it is not uncommon for them to have significant changes in their appearance. These individuals are likely to experience severe health conditions, as well.
Some of the most common health conditions include cirrhosis of the liver, as well as symptoms of dementia. These individuals might also experience mental health problems, including paranoia. Those who reach this stage and try to attempt to stop drinking without professional help from our Atlanta Detox Center staff could experience severe withdrawal symptoms that include hallucinations.
When Families Hide the Signs of Alcoholism
Because families experience significant impacts as a result of their family member’s drinking, they might make attempts to hide the signs of alcoholism. That includes concealing the signs of an alcoholic mother, father, or child. Families keep these secrets for many reasons.
One of the biggest reasons why families hide the signs of alcoholism is because they are in denial. They recognize that the family member is struggling, but they do not want to admit that they have a problem with alcohol. Families might also hide these signs because it is embarrassing. Because the family member might not act appropriately, other family members might do everything they can to protect them instead of facing the problem.
How Atlanta Detox Center Can Help
Are you worried that a member of your family might be exhibiting the signs of alcoholism? If so, now is the time to reach out and receive the support the entire family needs. No one should have to endure these struggles without help. Contact Atlanta Detox Center at 833.631.0534 to see how your family member and the rest of the family can receive support from our residential addiction treatment program.
The Atlanta Detox Center’s drug and alcohol detox programs provide around-the-clock care to help each individual begin the path to real recovery. Learn more about our Georgia detox center by visiting us at our website.
