Sometimes, it can be difficult to notice the signs of an alcoholic partner. Even when it's someone you spend a significant amount of time with, the warning signs can slip by. Or it may be you've been busy at work yourself, or your partner has, and you haven’t seen as much of each other as you'd like. It could even be that your partner has become adept at hiding the signs of addiction, and is hiding alcohol from their spouse, concealing the frequency and volume of their drinking. Although they may find it hard to admit, they may feel ashamed of their drinking, and this can lead to secretive behaviour. However, you can learn how to spot an alcoholic and get help for alcoholic tendencies.
Below we look at the signs and symptoms you need to look out for, as well as offering examples of how alcoholism may affect your partner's behaviour.
What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol addictions?
It's important to familiarise yourself with the broader signs and symptoms of addiction. By doing this, you can begin to gauge whether your partner is exhibiting one or more of the signs.
Join our expert psychiatrist, Priory's Dr Renju Joseph, as he discusses the key signs and symptoms of alcoholism - informed by years of experience treating people with addiction issues.
Symptoms of alcohol addiction to look out for include:
- Mood swings
- Withdrawal from responsibility
- Less concern with appearance/hygiene
- A defensive attitude
- Paranoia or overreaction to criticism
- Frequent small accidents or mistakes
- Fatigue
- Secretive or dishonest behaviour
- Distraction
- Sudden weight loss
The above symptoms can manifest in various ways. There are noticeable physical signs, but each on their own may not add up to a problem with alcohol. When someone develops an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, it will change their behaviour and affect their life in a negative way. Alcoholism can cause someone to behave in a way that's erratic, dangerous and damaging to both themselves and those around them. Alcoholic behaviours tend to be secretive and dishonest, and may involve your partner hiding alcohol or their empty bottles around the house, even in unusual places, to ensure you don't discover the extent of their drinking.
If your partner is beginning to have problems at work - perhaps they are frequently late (possibly due to hangovers), or their performance in work is suffering because they're distracted and agitated, the reason behind these issues may be a problem with alcohol.
They may also drink as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress, anxiety or depression, so turning to alcohol when they’ve had a bad day, when they're feeling low or under pressure, can be an indicator.
However, spotting if your partner has a drinking problem can simply involve noticing the gradual increase in their consumption and their tolerance to alcohol. For many people, it may start as a glass of wine in the evening after a stressful day at work. This then becomes two glasses, then a bottle, on several nights a week and at weekends. While the inherent drinking culture in the UK can lead people to rationalise their drinking, it's important to recognise the very real health risks, both physical and mental, associated with heavy alcohol consumption.
Is my partner suffering from withdrawal symptoms?
Another sign your partner is addicted to alcohol is if they begin to show signs of withdrawal. Due to their physical dependency on alcohol, when your partner is trying to not drink, or is unable to procure alcohol, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Shaking and shivering
- Irregular heart rate
- Higher body temperature
- Anxiety
Once the body has become used to heavy alcohol intake, any extended breaks can have an effect on the system. Being watchful for these signs can help you to recognise whether your partner has a problem with alcohol.
