Signs of an alcoholic parent, what you need to know and how to tell if the parents abuse alcohol? Childhood can be a difficult time. It is often marked by transitions and a lack of autonomy, along with the pressures of school and relationships with peers.
For some children both within and outside of the court system, childhood may also be marred by having an alcoholic parent in their lives. There have been many studies conducted to understand the effects this can have on a child’s psychological well-being — but understanding how to identify whether a person might actually suffer from alcoholism or other similar addictions requires different assessments altogether.
In this blog post, we will look at several signs that could indicate an individual has been affected by alcohol misuse or addiction — what these signs mean for courtroom proceedings, and which approaches may work best when addressing issues pertaining to alcoholism as it relates to children’s custodial arrangements in family law courts.
And please do not underestimate these signs of an alcoholic parent, it can cause you several consequences when it comes to living with an alcoholic spouse.
The Earliest Signs of an Alcoholic Parent
By identifying the initial indicators of an alcoholic parent, such as signs of an alcoholic parent, you may have the opportunity to provide them with assistance and treatment early on before things become worse.
Some of the most conspicuous warning signs that may signal alcoholism include:
- Sudden mood changes and anger
- Memory loss due to drinking
- Justifying one’s heavy drinking by citing work stress might all be red flags that a parent has an alcoholism problem
- Rather than engage in other activities, opting to drink can be the start of a downward spiral
- When someone begins drinking alone or developing secretive habits related to alcohol consumption, they may also begin isolating themselves from their loved ones
- Developing a habit of dealing with the symptoms of hangovers or sickness even on days when not drinking
- A person has a tolerance for drinking and needs larger amounts to feel the effects or become intoxicated
Alcoholism is classified as a steadily intensifying illness, so when someone continues to drink, the evidence for how to tell if the parents abuse alcohol will become progressively more obvious and serious.
Examining the Evolution of Symptoms Over Time
As alcoholism advances, its signs of an alcoholic parent become increasingly obvious. This often leads to the middle stage of addiction being observed by friends and family members alike, signaling that a grave issue is present.
At this point coworkers may also notice these symptoms, leading to further understanding of the severity of the situation.
During the middle stage of alcoholism, individuals may exhibit some of these tell-tale signs:
- Consuming alcohol in inappropriate or hazardous circumstances—like when caring for young children–is a dangerous habit.
- As alcoholism takes its toll, an individual’s behavior may drastically change. In particular, they can become aggressive and hostile when confronted about their drinking habits.
- An alcoholic family member’s physical state may become evident as the addiction progresses, presenting recognizable symptoms such as a red face, bloating in the abdomen and an abrupt shift in weight.
Obvious Signs of An Alcoholic Parent Indicate The Last Stage
When an alcoholic reaches the late stage of their addiction, it is impossible for people to not recognize the changes. Their physical appearance and health will be detrimentally affected by the substance abuse. These serious issues are a clear indication that someone’s alcoholism has reached its most severe state.
With excessive alcohol consumption comes the potential for dire health consequences, including liver cirrhosis and early onset dementia. Late-stage alcoholics are also prone to developing paranoia and other forms of mental distress.
When someone in late-stage alcoholism attempts to stop drinking without professional help, they may experience hallucinations or tremors. Though it can be alarming and overwhelming at first, these signs of alcohol dependency are still treatable with the right kind of support.
That’s why it is an urgent thing to figure out some early signs of an alcoholic parent before it’s getting late.
What To Do With An Alcoholic Parent?
If you have noticed signs of an alcoholic parent, it is essential to get help as soon as possible. You can start by speaking with your family member directly and expressing your concern over their behavior in a kind yet firm way. Offer them support and encourage them to seek professional assistance from a licensed alcohol counselor or treatment center.
It is also important to remember that recovery requires time and patience. Don’t expect the signs of alcoholism to go away immediately just because your parent is seeking help. It may take months or even years before they are able to make a full recovery, so remain patient with them throughout the process.
Addiction can be devastating for families, but getting support and assistance is the key to helping your alcoholic parent get back on their feet.
However, if he/she puts you and your children in danger because of your addiction, it’s time for you to think of your safety first. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from a friend or family member you can trust, or even a local custody attorney to consider divorcing an alcoholic as the final solution.
That’s all we have for how to tell if the parents abuse alcohol. Here comes the last part of our post – FAQs.
FAQs
How can alcohol effect our brain?
The consumption of alcohol has a detrimentally adverse effect on the brain, reducing its ability to control balance, memory, speech, and judgment – all leading to an increased risk of harm. Furthermore, it has been proven that long-term heavy drinking causes neurons to shrink in size as time progresses. It is for this reason that people should be aware of their limits when consuming alcohol.
How can alcohol affect the eyes?
Habitual drinking of alcohol may also cause dry eyes, as well as myokymia: a condition consisting of eyelid twitching. This result in temporary inflammation and double vision that can irritate the eyes, producing burning or itching sensations. In addition to this discomfort, regular consumption can lead to migraines and light sensitivity.
How can alcohol change a person’s behavior?
Sipping on some alcohol can make you feel more relaxed, less anxious and more self-assured. However this feeling is only temporary as the chemical changes in your brain soon cause negative emotions to surface; leaving you with extreme anger, depression or anxiety – regardless of how positive your mood was prior to consumption.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a condition that should never be taken lightly, as it has the potential to drastically change an individual’s lifestyle and health. It is important to recognize signs of an alcoholic parent in order to provide them with the proper help they need. The signs of an alcoholic parent can range from physical changes like weight gain or loss, to behavioral changes like aggression or difficulty in communication. As soon as these signs are noticed, it is best to reach out for help and guidance from a professional source. With the right kind of support, an alcoholic can still lead a healthy and productive life.
Disclaimer:
This article is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. If you or a loved one are exhibiting signs of an alcoholic parent, seek professional help immediately.
