How Many of These Early Warning Signs of Alcoholism Do You Recognize?
Alcohol use is widely viewed as acceptable in many social settings. For some people, what starts as occasional drinking can quietly become something more serious. Recognizing the early signs of alcoholism is a crucial first step toward protecting your mental and physical health or that of someone you care about.
Here are 7 early warning signs of alcoholism. How many of these feel familiar?
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS EXPERIENCING IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, PLEASE CALL THE CRISIS HOTLINE NUMBER FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU’RE LOCATED.
Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties: 1.800.567.4673
Hancock County: 1.888.936.7116
1: Drinking To Cope
Do you turn to alcohol when you’re stressed, anxious, or feeling low? Using alcohol as a way to escape emotional discomfort is one of the most common early signs of alcohol dependence.
2: INCREASED TOLERANCE
If you find that you need to drink more than you used to in order to feel the same effects, that’s a red flag. Increased tolerance often means your body is adapting, and not in a good way.
3: DRINKING ALONE OR IN SECRET
You might catch yourself drinking before an event “just to take the edge off,” or hiding how much you’ve had from family and friends around you. If so, you might be growing more concerned or feeling some shame about your drinking habits.
4: Neglecting Responsibilities
Missed deadlines at work, skipped appointments, or difficulty keeping up with other personal responsibilities can all stem from alcohol use getting in the way.
5: Failed Attempts To Cut Back
Have you ever tried to cut back or stop drinking, only to find it harder than you expected? That struggle is more common than you think, and it’s a sign you may need some professional support.
6: Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities
If drinking starts to replace activities you once enjoyed, or if it becomes the only way you’re comfortable in a social setting, it’s time to pause and reflect.
7: Worry from friends and family
Sometimes the people around us notice things before we do. If someone you care about has expressed concern about your drinking, it’s worth listening.
why this matters, especially in Ohio
According to the Ohio Department of Health, Alcohol-related deaths in Ohio have increased by more than 50% in the past decade, and binge drinking rates remain among the highest in the Midwest. In rural and underserved areas, access to help can be limited. That’s why it’s so important to recognize a problem early and take action quickly.
You don’t have to do this alone
Help is available, and recovery is absolutely possible. At Family Resource Center, we understand how complex a relationship with alcohol can be. Many of our Peer Support Specialists have lived through their own dependence on alcohol, and they know what it’s like to work each day on maintaining sobriety. Whether you’re ready to take action, or just want to talk through your concerns, our team is here to help with compassion and not judgment.
Many people struggle in silence, unsure of whether their drinking is “bad enough” to ask for help. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. The earlier you act, the better your chances at recovery.
Family Resource Center offers several services to help you recover from dependence on alcohol or other substances:
PREVENTION/EDUCATION SERVICES
SUBSTANCE USE EDUCATION SERVICES (ADULTS) We focus on providing information to educate, assist, and support our community members in their abstinence from drug and alcohol use. Our Living in Balance model utilizes therapeutic strategies in a comprehensive eight-week group education program.
INDIVIDUAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Outpatient services are one-on-one counseling sessions delivered by providers with strong credentials and clinical expertise in alcohol and drug-related therapy. Individual counseling helps participants to develop their own relapse prevention plans and strategies. We utilize specialized skills to assist an individual in achieving their treatment objectives through the exploration of alcohol and other drug problems and/or addictions and their ramifications.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (ALL AGES) – We provide psychiatric/medical intervention and Medication Management to reduce and/or eliminate psychiatric symptoms with the goal of improved functioning, including management and reduction of symptoms.
GROUP SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Our organizatoin provides a variety of groups for youth or adults to participate in. These groups are lead by counselors as well as peers. Peer support services are led by individuals who have experienced a mental health and/or substance use disorder and are actively in recovery. To find a group session that is right for you, reach out to our call center and connect with a counselor to discuss options with you. Some of the groups you can inquire about include: STOP, Passage Program, and Challenge.
RECOVERY
Family Resource Center believes that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. We are about helping people find their path forward and seeing life through a hopeful lens. When you are ready to take the next step towards recovery please reach out to our call center to find the best fit of services for your individual needs.
3 ways to enroll in substance abuse Services
ONLINE SCREENING
Answer a few short questions to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This screening is completely anonymous and confidential.
OPEN ACCESS HOURS
We have services available at in-person sites in four Ohio different counties, including Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, and Hardin counties.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To get connected with a counselor and enroll in services please call our call-center. They will walk you through the enrollment process and connect you with the right services and counselors.