, it is not easy to stop. Even if the addict had a strong urge to stop, it is often harder than imagined. This isn't to say that it is impossible, however.
The reasons drinking adopts this new purpose tend to revolve around confronting. Whether it's an avoidance of confronting mush of the stress which accompanies day-to-day living or to shed inhibitions to allow the individual to confront things which he usually fails at i.e. in social situations, alcohol often rushed to assist. It doesn't stop there though as his dependency grows so that he then requires larger consumptions to achieve the same effects.
The addict is typically unaware of his condition and fails to see it getting worse. He is completely oblivious to his increasing consumption of alcohol having any negative effect on him whatsoever. He may even brag about the amount of alcohol he is drinking.
The things that used to matter to him are no longer that. He becomes aggressive towards those around him and some, even violent. His communication level with his friends and family. His level of physical performance will decrease as his nutrition will no longer receive the appropriate attention and he will be getting minimal sleep at best. Whole areas of life such as work and relationships will become adversely affected as his attention paid to them will no longer be suffice.
Essentially, drinking becomes a priority over everything else in his life. To the point where his physical failings worsen and his dependency becomes so bad that he develops tremors if he goes too long without a drink. Rock bottom is often the only destination when the addiction becomes this severe. This is also often the stage where he realises what is happening to him and begins to seek help. If his desire is genuine and strong enough, there is hope for recovery afoot.