Alcoholism is a serious disorder that affects millions of people around the world. In addition to excessive alcohol consumption, alcoholic people often present characteristic behavioral patterns. These behaviors can have a significant impact on the life of the affected person and their relationships with others. In this article, we will explore the 9 characteristics of the behavior of the alcoholic person.
1. Denial and minimization
One of the most common characteristics of the behavior of the alcoholic person is the denial and minimization of their problem. Frequently, the affected person denies the seriousness of their alcohol consumption and its negative consequences. You may try to justify your behavior or minimize the detrimental effects it has on your life and the lives of those around you.
Impact on mental health
Denial and minimization of alcoholism can have a significant impact on the mental health of the affected person. By not recognizing the seriousness of their problem, the alcoholic person may experience feelings of guilt, shame and isolation. This can make it difficult to seek help and receive appropriate treatment.
2. Changes in social behavior
Alcoholic people often experience changes in their social behavior as a result of their alcohol consumption. They may become more impulsive, aggressive, or uninhibited in social situations. Additionally, it is common for them to reduce their participation in social activities that do not involve alcohol consumption.
Impact on interpersonal relationships
These changes in social behavior can have a negative impact on the interpersonal relationships of the alcoholic person. Aggressiveness, impulsivity and lack of inhibitions can cause conflicts with family, friends and colleagues. Additionally, decreased participation in social activities can lead to social and emotional isolation.
3. Loss of control over alcohol consumption
Another characteristic of the behavior of the alcoholic person is the loss of control over their alcohol consumption. Despite their attempts to moderate or control the amount of alcohol they consume, the alcoholic person tends to drink excessively on a recurring basis.
Impact on physical health
The loss of control over alcohol consumption can have serious consequences for the physical health of the affected person. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to organs such as the liver, heart and brain. Additionally, it increases the risk of alcohol-related accidents and injuries.
4. Emotional dependence on alcohol
Alcoholic people may develop emotional dependence on alcohol as a way of coping with stressful or traumatic situations. Alcohol becomes a coping mechanism that allows them to temporarily escape their emotional problems.
Impact on emotional health
Emotional dependence on alcohol can have a devastating impact on the emotional health of the alcoholic person. Instead of dealing with difficult situations in a healthy way, the person turns to alcohol as an escape route. This can lead to a deterioration in mental health and an increased risk of developing disorders such as depression and anxiety.
5. Neglecting responsibilities and obligations
Another characteristic of the behavior of the alcoholic person is the neglect of their responsibilities and obligations in different areas of their life. You may neglect your work, your studies, your family relationships and your social commitments due to your alcohol consumption.
Impact on daily functioning
Neglect of responsibilities and obligations can significantly affect the daily functioning of the alcoholic person. You may experience difficulty maintaining a stable job, meeting your family and social commitments, and taking care of your physical and emotional health. This can lead to legal, financial and health problems.
6. Tendency to manipulate and lie
Alcoholic people often resort to manipulation and lying to hide the seriousness of their alcohol consumption and its consequences. They may mislead family, friends, and health professionals about the amount of alcohol they consume, their alcohol-related problems, and their willingness to seek help.
Impact on trust and intimacy
The tendency to manipulate and lie can erode trust and intimacy in the alcoholic person's relationships. Lack of sincerity and transparency can create communication barriers and generate distrust in those close to you. This can make it difficult to build strong, healthy relationships.
7. Changes in mood and personality
Alcohol consumption can cause significant changes in the mood and personality of the alcoholic person. You may experience intense emotional fluctuations, sudden mood swings, and alterations in your way of being and acting in different situations.
Impact on psychological well-being
These changes in mood and personality can have a negative impact on the psychological well-being of the alcoholic person. You may experience episodes of depression, anxiety, irritability, and aggression as a result of alcohol consumption. This can interfere with your ability to function properly in your daily life.
8. Neglect of physical and emotional health
Alcoholic people tend to neglect their physical and emotional health as a result of their alcohol consumption. They may ignore physical and emotional symptoms that require medical attention, postpone visits to the doctor, and neglect healthy lifestyle habits.
Impact on quality of life
Neglect of physical and emotional health can affect the quality of life of the alcoholic person. Deterioration in physical health can lead to chronic diseases, disabilities and serious complications. Furthermore, lack of attention to emotional health can hinder recovery and comprehensive well-being.
9. Resistance to seeking help and treatment
Finally, a common characteristic of the behavior of the alcoholic person is the resistance to seeking help and treatment for their problem. Due to denial, shame, fear of stigma, and other emotional and social barriers, many alcoholics avoid or postpone seeking professional help.
Impact on recovery
The Resistance to seeking help and treatment can hinder the alcoholic person's recovery process. Without adequate support and specialized intervention, a person is less likely to be able to overcome their alcohol addiction and regain a full, healthy life. It is essential to overcome this resistance to begin the path to recovery.
In conclusion, the behavior of the alcoholic person is characterized by a series of traits and behaviors that reflect the devastating impact of alcoholism on their life. Recognizing and understanding these characteristics is essential to effectively address the problem of alcoholism and provide the necessary support to those who suffer from it. With awareness, compassion, and specialized treatment, it is possible to help alcoholics overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives.