In the past, alcoholics who wanted to hide the fact that they had a problem would hide their alcohol in various places that were difficult for others to get to. This was done in the hopes that no one would find out about their drinking problem. A good example of this would be the tank of toilet. If there is reason to suspect that alcohol or drugs are present in a person’s house, the search for these items should focus on areas that are least likely to contain them. This is because these areas are more likely to conceal other items.
An individual’s erratic behavior, an inability to pay attention at work or school, a lack of interest in activities that the individual formerly enjoyed, the introduction of a new questionable entourage, sadness, bewilderment, and a desire for privacy are all indicators that an alcohol addiction may be present.
An addiction specialist will give the individual who is suspected of having problems related to alcohol addiction the following questionnaire to fill out:
- Do you have something to drink in the morning before you get ready to go to work or school?
- Is it essential for you to consume a beverage at the same time each day?
- When you first open your eyes in the morning, one of the first things you do is get something to drink.
- Does your drinking have an effect on the way you interact with members of your family?
- Do you ever get the feeling that you should be ashamed or guilty when you drink?
- Do you find that drinking alcohol provides you with the necessary bravery to complete the task at hand?
- Do you forget vital matters?
- Do you find yourself trying to justify having more than one drink at a time?
- Do you ever have a drink without anyone else around?
- Have you been drinking and driving?
- Did you experience legal problems?
- Does it seem like your drinking causes problems for the places of business where your relatives work?
- Do you imbibe alcohol because you find yourself to be lonely?
- Does drinking alcohol have any effect on the quality of sleep you get?
- Have you ever had trouble with your memory in the short term?
- Did drinking have an effect on your appearance?
- Are you interested in having a drink after the party?
- Is drinking causing you to be less ambitious or productive than you once were?
Even a single positive response indicates an increased risk, but anything above three should prompt you to seek medical attention at once. Even a single positive response indicates an increased risk. There is a wide range of diagnostic testing available, such as breath tests, blood tests for alcohol, alcohol screenings of urine samples, and testing of both hair and urine. These can all be used to make a diagnosis. It is imperative that you seek the assistance of a trained professional as soon as possible if you have any grounds for suspecting that a person you know may be abusing alcohol.
