Sometimes it is tough to tell if a friend or loved one has a problem with alcohol.  Most people do not walk up to someone they are close and ask for help.  In fact, they will probably do everything possible to deny or hide the problem.  Alcohol problems can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, marital status, place of residence, income level or lifestyle.  There are warning signs that may indicate a friend or loved one is drinking too much alcohol.   If your friend or family member has one or more of the following signs, he or she may have a problem with alcohol:

• Getting drunk on a regular basis

• Lying about things, or the amount of alcohol they are consuming

• Avoiding you and others in order to get drunk

• Giving up activities they used to enjoy

• Believing that alcohol is necessary to have fun

• Getting into trouble with the law

• Feeling run down, hopeless, depressed or even suicidal

• Missing work or poor work performance because of drinking

• Using alcohol to escape problems

• A change in personality

Statistics of alcohol abuse in the workplace

• In the workforce, 7.5 percent of Americans employed in full-time jobs report heavy drinking, defined as five or more drinks per occasion on five or more days in the past 30 days; 6.6 percent of part-time workers; and 10.8 percent of unemployed workers. 

• Up to 40 percent of industrial fatalities and 47 percent of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism.

• Substance abuse can cost approximately $640.00 per employee.

• Substance abuse costs the United States 130 billion in lost profits and productivity during a typical year

• Absenteeism among alcoholics or problem drinkers is 3.8 to 8.2 times greater than normal

If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, please contact the CARELINE at
1 (800) 662-1002 for a free, confidential assessment and help in taking the first step to recovery.