Alcohol abusers may deny the problem as well as cover it up to avoid any confrontations. As a psychotherapist I have had clients come in with gum or mints that thought I wouldn’t notice the odor on their breath from drinking. For some people alcoholism began from just drinking a couple of beers after work to relax. For others it’s due to a crisis situation, weekend partying with friends or a way to suppress emotional pain.
Some people do drink a glass of wine with dinner over the years and can keep it at that level. However, if you notice a spouse or loved one turning to drinking as the main stress reliever, increasing their amount daily or weekly significantly or having other symptoms that are uncharacteristic, a problem may be developing.
Some signs of alcohol abuse include