Signs Someone Is Struggling With Alcohol Addiction

Posted on: Jun 6, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Signs Someone Is Struggling With Alcohol Addiction

Ever wondered if someone you care about might be having a hard time with alcohol? It is not always easy to tell, especially since drinking is so common in social settings. However, what starts as a casual habit can slowly turn into something more serious. Recognising the signs of alcohol addiction early can make a difference, not just for the person struggling, but for everyone around them. Concerned that a loved one might be struggling with alcohol addiction? Read on to learn the signs.

Signs that Someone May be Struggling with Alcohol Addiction

The following signs indicate that someone may have been suffering from alcohol addiction:

1. They often drink more than they planned to, or keep drinking for longer than they intended.

2. They feel a strong urge or craving to drink.

3. They have tried to cut back or stop drinking more than once, but haven’t been able to.

4. They spend a lot of time getting alcohol, drinking or recovering from hangovers.

5. Excessive alcohol consumption is getting in the way of responsibilities at work, school or home.

6. They have stopped or cut back on hobbies, social events or activities they used to enjoy earlier.

7. They continue to drink even though it is causing problems in their relationships.

8. They consume alcohol even in risky situations, like before driving or operating machinery.

9. They are unable to give up alcohol even though they know it is harming their physical or mental health.

10. They have developed a tolerance to alcohol, so they need to drink more than they used to in order to feel the effects.

11. They might experience withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, nausea, shaking and trouble sleeping, when they stop drinking. As a result, they may start drinking again just to make those symptoms go away.

In addition to these, some physical and mental signs that may appear with heavy or long-term alcohol use include:

• Balance and coordination issues

• Eye and movement problems

• Cognitive and memory issues

• Digestive problems

• Heart and nervous system symptoms

• Liver-related issues

• Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness

Conclusion

If you notice someone drinking more often, trying to stop but not being able to, missing work or important events or acting differently, it could be a sign of a problem. Catching these signs early can help the person get the support they need, and that can make a big difference.

Alcohol addiction can take a serious toll on a person’s health over time. So, along with offering support and encouragement, it’s also a good idea to make sure your loved one has a health insurance policy and critical illness insurance coverage. If a medical emergency or serious illness comes up, having the right insurance can help cover medical bills and ease stress during the difficult time.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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