How to Tell If Someone Is Addicted to Alcohol

Clinically Reviewed by Claire Pinelli LADC, ICAADC, CCS, MCAP, Written by Karen Hadley

ON THIS PAGE

If someone you care about is addicted to alcohol, immediate help is essential. Alcoholism can devastate families, careers, and communities. It damages physical health and often leads to accidents, legal or financial trouble, and even domestic or child abuse. Many people have lost their jobs, businesses, and homes to alcohol addiction. With the right treatment and support, however, recovery and a fulfilling life are possible.

It is important to know that the longer the condition and the problems are allowed to continue, the more difficult the recovery can be. Convince the person as soon as you can that they should seek help so they can stop drinking.

How Many Americans Struggle with Alcohol?

Alcohol addiction affects people across the nation, from Florida to Alaska. No state is untouched. In 2024, an estimated 58 million Americans engaged in binge drinking, and 14.5 million were heavy drinkers—many of whom likely suffered harm as a result.

More than 28 million people met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This condition goes beyond heavy drinking. According to the SAMHSA definitions, signs of AUD include:

• Drinking more or for longer than intended
• Repeated failed attempts to cut back
• Strong cravings or urges to drink
• Continued drinking despite social, work, or family problems
• Drinking in hazardous situations, like before driving
• Increased tolerance, requiring more alcohol to feel intoxicated
• Giving up social, recreational, or professional activities

Withdrawal: Another Sign of Alcohol Addiction

When someone dependent on alcohol tries to stop drinking, withdrawal symptoms can appear. These may range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the duration and intensity of drinking.

• Milder symptoms: tremors, sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, nausea, vomiting, headache
• Moderate symptoms: increased heart rate, high blood pressure, confusion, depression
• Severe symptoms: hallucinations, high fever, seizures, sudden severe confusion

Severe withdrawal can be fatal without medical care. A supervised detox under medical guidance, when needed, is the safest option. Before the person quits drinking, it’s vital to have a full medical evaluation to determine the safest approach.

Identifying Alcohol Addiction in Someone You Care About

Recognizing alcohol addiction can be difficult, especially when you’re close to the person. However, addiction always leaves traces in a person’s behavior, relationships, and health. Family members or friends might notice:

• A growing preoccupation with drinking
• Feeling the need to cut back on drinking, but unable to
• A need to have a drink at the beginning of the day as an “eye opener,” a feeling they can’t get through the day without that early morning drink
• Neglect of family, work, or school responsibilities
• Declining performance in school or at work
• Irregular schedules or morning recovery periods after drinking
• Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotional pain
• Increasing depression, irritability, anger, anxiety, or even guilt
• Emerging health, financial, or legal issues
• Job loss or abandoning school
• Weight loss or a physically worn-down look
• Dishonesty about drinking habits
• Hidden bottles around the home, car, or workplace

When these warning signs appear, it’s time to take action. Early recognition and compassionate support can make the difference between continued harm and lasting recovery.

How Rehab Can Help a Person Addicted to Alcohol

A long-term, residential drug rehab gets a person out of their normal environment and into a safe, alcohol-free facility. Any pressures to continue drinking are absent. They have 24-hour support as they learn a new, alcohol-free way of dealing with life.

A medical detox is the right first step for many people addicted to alcohol, as they will need medical support to get through their initial alcohol withdrawal without harm. A medical doctor should make this assessment before rehab.

The Narconon Approach

At Narconon, we know that alcoholism does not need to be a lifelong disease or burden. Over six decades Narconon has helped tens of thousands get off drugs without substitute medications.

Lasting sobriety results from relieving the cravings, guilt, and depression a person suffers after years or even decades of alcoholism and teaching a person the skills they need to get and stay sober.

The Origins of the Narconon Program

For tens of thousands of people, the Narconon drug and alcohol rehab program has been the path to lasting sobriety. The program began in 1966, based on research and discoveries by L. Ron Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard, an author and humanitarian, also founded the Scientology religion. However, the Narconon program itself is completely secular and does not teach any religious principles.

His research and techniques have provided the foundation for each step of the Narconon program since its inception. The program is entirely drug-free and does not use substitute medications to treat dependence.

An Original and Effective Approach to Recovery

Narconon stands apart from conventional drug rehab programs from day one. Unlike many facilities, it does not subscribe to the disease model of addiction or the idea that a person is an addict for life. It is not a 12 Step based program with group meetings, and there is no reliance on substitute medications.

Instead, the program follows a structured, step-by-step process to address the physical and emotional damage caused by years of addiction. The program personnel are highly trained in the Narconon methods, and they are overseen by licensed professionals with credentials from the state in which they operate.

Participants build personal strength and take control of their lives and futures.

Before beginning the Narconon Withdrawal Unit, every individual must undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical doctor. If a physician decides that it is necessary, the person is referred to a medically supervised detoxification as a prerequisite to starting the Narconon rehab program. Because many people addicted to alcohol may require medical detox first, this will be done at a separate medical detoxification facility.

Starting on a New Path to Sobriety

The first days at a Narconon rehab are spent in the Withdrawal Unit. During this time, highly trained Withdrawal specialists are on call around the clock to provide any care needed. Support in the Withdrawal Unit includes:

• Nutritional supplements to ease any withdrawal symptoms and begin to rebuild health
• Gentle physical assists to calm discomfort
• Orientation exercises with staff to improve awareness and clarity
• Monitoring of vital signs to keep each person safe

This time spent in the Withdrawal Unit offers a positive, well-supported start to recovery.

How Cravings Can Be Overcome or Minimized

Intense cravings are one of the biggest obstacles to getting sober. Those in early recovery are often plagued by constant thoughts of drinking. Those who have done the New Life Detoxification often say this was a way to reduce or eliminate their cravings.

This step of the Narconon program is based on L. Ron Hubbard’s discovery that drug and alcohol abuse leaves toxic residues trapped in the body’s fatty tissues. Even years later, these toxins can be reactivated, triggering strong desires to drink or use drugs again. This step flushes out old residues with a combination of sweating in a low-heat sauna, a carefully controlled regimen of nutritional supplements, and moderate exercise.

Many people describe these improvements when this step is done:

• Their cravings are reduced or gone.
• Their thinking is clearer.
• Their outlook on life without alcohol or drugs is brighter and more positive.

A Clearer Perception of the World and Life

Long-term alcohol addiction can create a dull, disconnected feeling. Regaining a fresher perception of life is the goal of the Objectives. This step consists of a structured, guided set of exercises designed to help individuals re-engage with their environment. As awareness returns, the senses can become clearer and sharper. Confidence in one’s self-control can grow. Finally, a person can gain the upper hand over their thoughts and choices.

Forging Strong Life Skills for a Safe Future

Finally, it’s essential to give each person the tools to stay safe and sober in the future. Three life skills training courses complete the Narconon program:

• Overcoming Ups & Downs in Life: Know how to identify safe associates and differentiate them from those who might wish you harm. This is vital for long-term stability.
• Personal Values: Regain self-respect by learning how integrity is lost and how it can be restored, along with gaining relief from past guilt.
• Changing Conditions in Life: Learn the formulas to repair situations and resolve problems at home, at work, or in life.

Setting the Pattern for a Sober Future

Once the steps of the program are done, a careful, detailed plan is devised with the help of the Narconon Graduate Officer. This plan addresses where a person will live, whether they will get a new job or go back to school, and which relationships need to be repaired. This plan will act as a graduate’s guide, making their return home much easier. Routine follow-up from the Graduate Officer provides support and encouragement as the plan is followed. This steady after-care is a big reason that the Narconon program is successful for so many graduates.

We're here. We're ready to help you.
Call us at 1-800-737-5250 or Get Help Now.

Help Someone Take Their First Step Today

If someone you care about needs help to stop drinking, you don’t have to wait for them to hit “rock bottom.” All too often, rock bottom means jail, hospitalization, or worse. The Narconon program provides a path to lasting sobriety and a more stable, fulfilling life.

In the past six decades, tens of thousands of people have successfully completed this path—and many have helped friends take the same first step. If you’re unsure how to encourage someone to enter rehab, we can guide you.

Get answers to all your questions about this drug-free, residential program by calling Narconon today.