One of the obstacles in business and success can be substance. One of the companies I started was dealing with this issue head-on. My business partner at the time was a major alcoholic. At first, I thought he was an ass hole, later realized he was struggling with alcohol addiction. Here is a list of signs if you or someone you are working with is having issues with addiction.
Memory Loss or Blackouts
My business partner couldn’t get it straight. His memory was worse than a dog, you would tell him something and it was like it never happened. I later realized consuming that much alcohol continually, would cause someone to blackout or not remember pieces of time.
Thinking About alcahol and social life revolves around drinking
This guy was a loser, and he would plan his day or night around going out and drinking. I realized being an alcoholic could be all-encompassing, and basically, run a life. When drinking over a long period of time, a person will not stop thinking about drinking, sober or not. Individuals will always be chasing that feeling of being drunk. Someone who is suffering from alcohol abuse is continuously thinking about drinking, and their whole life begins to revolve around drinking.
You are experiencing problems at work.
This is the biggest sign that a person has problems in business. An alcoholic in business can devastate the path to success. I remember this guy was such a pile of shit. He couldn’t keep it together to get work done. Some good alcoholics could at least limp thru a workday. This guy would sleep in past lunch because he stayed out partying the night before. He would charge up bar tabs and uber and lyft fees riding around drunk the night before. The booze did affect responsibilities.
Usually, alcohol will include: showing up to work late, missing work, not completing projects in a timely fashion or ever, unable to get along with co-workers, showing up to work drunk.
High Tolerance and unable to limit drinking
Someone who drinks often and a lot will eventually develop a high tolerance for alcohol. This one should be obvious; you drink enough, you can drink a lot. This can usually cost the business or individual a lot of money with bar tabs. Overconsumption is a big part of the disorder. Being unable to put limits on the amount of alcohol consumed is a pretty good sign; a guy has an issue.
Realizing there might be a problem and attempts to quit
An alcoholic, in most cases, will realize there is an issue. My business partner took a homeless guy home one night and had a come to Jesus the next day. He quit drinking for a while because he realized there was a problem. Alcoholics will try to quit, but most of the time have issues with a one and done quit. If it has ever crossed your mind that you might have a problem or if someone close to you has suggested it, it could mean there is something wrong.
Drinking in the morning or to relieve stress
Drinking should not be used to cope with issues. You need to get to the root of issues without alcohol. Alcohol should also not be regularly consumed first thing in the morning. Both of these almost certainly could be signs you have a problem. My business partner used alcohol in both of these situations.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
If you are drinking all the time like my business partner, you may have any of the following symptoms. You can experience shakes, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. These can show up after a night of drinking. (we usually call this a hangover). Alcaholics experience these symptoms for days after trying to stop drinking. This is because they are physically addicted to alcohol.
Trembling hands also happen because nerves in your body are damaged due to excess alcohol intake. This will typically occur in people who regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol; it is a serious symptom that warrants professional attention. Another physical sign of chronic consumption is flushed skin and broken capillaries on the face. Alcoholics also have depression and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. All of these issues will get in the way of success. If you are having any of these issues, google more info and ask for help.
Lying and problems with people who are close due to drinking
This issue was a significant problem in business. Not only would my business partner lie about drinking, but he would lie about getting things done. Alcoholics feel the need to drink in secret or lie to family and friends about how much alcohol is actually consumed.
Alcoholics also bring along a lot of drama. In the workplace, the lies add up. Outside of the workplace, they will need to continue the same lies. Issues with lovedones, family, and friends will start to mount.