There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a harmless drink once in a while, but when is it too much? Here are some of the main signs you are dating an alcoholic.
Many of us enjoy the occasional beer or cocktail as part of a balanced lifestyle.
But sometimes, one becomes too many, which can become a major problem.
Do you suspect someone you love may have a problem with alcohol?
Sometimes it is hard to tell whether a person’s drinking is social—or something worse. Keep reading to find out about five signs that somebody you are dating may have an alcohol problem— plus, what you can do to help.
- Personality Changes
Often, signs of alcoholism can be physical and emotional.
If someone you are dating experiences extreme mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and denial, in the context of their drinking, this could be a big red flag.
They may additionally be unwilling to discuss their drinking problem or may dismiss your concerns as trivial.
Over time, alcohol became a physical addiction, with many featured heavy drinkers withdrawal symptoms if it has been too long since their last drink.
These can include nausea, sweating, insomnia, shaking, and headaches.
- Do They Cancel Plans Often— Or Don’t Show Up At All?
One effect of dating an alcoholic is that you get used to being let down.
People who are addicted to alcohol are unreliable. They may let you down for more opportunities to drink, they may forget they made plans, or they may oversleep drunk.
If your partner often gets you on your feet, cancels at the last minute, or makes lame excuses, they may be hiding a drinking problem.
- Drinking Has Affected Their Careers
Are you dating an alcoholic man? If your man is in trouble at work because of his alcohol use, this is a problem.
Alcoholics find it difficult to hold down a gentle job. Showing up every morning is a problem, and their mental and physical state makes it approximately impossible to be productive and focused at work.
As a result, many drinkers are fired, given formal warnings, or may find it difficult to find part-time jobs.
- Drinking Is Part of Every Social Situation
Not every event requires alcohol, but for heavy drinkers, every social event requires liquor.
You may feel uncomfortable when your other half drinks to excess at family functions, makes noise when you go out, or even makes movie night at home an excuse to drink.
- You Occasionally Lose Cash or Items of Value
Alcoholism is a form of addiction, and the addict needs to fix it. Unfortunately, this sometimes means stealing from someone they love for money to buy what they need.
If your partner lives paycheck to paycheck and you from time to time notice money missing from your wallet, they may be stealing from you.
Or, if something of value, like jewellery or electronics, goes missing, they may pawn your item for some quick cash.
Are You Dating an Alcoholic?
Based on the warning signs above, do you think you are dating an alcoholic?
While this can be a really stressful situation, try to have an honest conversation with them about their concerns. Or, try talking to family and friends about alternative ways to cope.
There are many resources to help alcoholics and their loved ones, so do not be afraid to seek help.
Remember, no matter how much you love someone, it is okay to walk away if they do not change their behavior.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please have a look at some of our additional articles.
