How to Figure Out if You’re Dating an Alcoholic

People like to believe that love conquers all. However, this isn’t the case if you’re dating an alcoholic. It’s not always easy to tell if someone has a drinking problem. You have to know the signs of alcohol addiction. Fortunately, the team at Beaches Recovery has extensive experience treating the disease of addiction and can guide you through what to look for and how to find the support needed.

What Are the Warning Signs That You Are Dating an Alcoholic?

Let’s say that you start dating an alcoholic. Although you may really like the person, alcohol addiction can affect how they interact with you and how you interact with them. The person seems charming and smart. However, you start to pick up on warning signs.

Maybe the person always plans dates at bars. Perhaps your date consumes a lot of alcohol during dates. Are these signs that you’re dating an alcoholic? Some signs that your date may have a drinking problem include:

• Your date always finds an excuse to drink. Whether the news is bad or good doesn’t matter. If there’s some news, an alcoholic will drink to it.
• Your date only wants to go out if drinking is an option. Alcoholics usually enjoy going to parties, friends’ houses, or bars. They don’t typically like going for hikes or to the movies. They avoid these situations because it’s harder to drink.
• Does your date have a high tolerance for alcohol? Can the person drink a lot without appearing drunk? This is often a warning sign among people who drink often and a lot.
• The smell of alcohol could mean that your date drank before your meeting. If this is an ongoing theme, your date may be an alcoholic.

Things to Know About Dating an Alcoholic

When people start dating alcoholics, they like to think that they can change them. It’s important to understand that addiction is a disease. It puts a strain on relationships and finances. You can’t simply will people to get better. They need expert help.

Addiction is a chronic disease that has a high relapse rate. Even when people say that they’re seeking help, addiction is an ongoing problem. It’s often stressful for people to stand by them through the good times but especially the bad times. This is why it’s important that individuals dating someone with an alcohol addiction find support services for themselves. You can’t help someone heal from the disease of addiction if you yourself are struggling with emotional issues or mood disorders like depression or anxiety due to the ancillary effects of their alcohol use disorder.

Does this mean that people shouldn’t date alcoholics? No, but it does mean that it will take a big commitment and a lot of understanding should they choose to get treatment. Alcoholics count on their significant others for support. At the same time, they have to want to help themselves.

Look for Alcohol Addiction Rehab at Beaches Recovery

Sometimes the right help can make all the difference. At Beaches Recovery, we put a focus on helping people overcome all kinds of addictions. This includes not only alcohol addiction but also meth, cocaine, and opiate addiction. Some of the programs that we offer at Beaches Recovery include:

• Outpatient
• Family Therapy
• Extended Care
• Sober Living
• Group Therapy

We are JCAHO-accredited and have 30 beds at our facility. We work with top insurance companies to ensure that you or your loved one gets help. Our experts know the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and will work with you to name and address them.

Contact Beaches Recovery today to find out more information about alcohol addiction. Get the support, care, and treatment that someone you’re dating needs. Exit the cycle of addiction by calling 866.605.0532, or contact us online.