Identifying the early signs of alcohol addiction is crucial for intervening before the addiction becomes severe. Here are several early warning signs that might indicate someone is developing an alcohol addiction:

1. Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel its effects, which can lead to consuming larger quantities over time.
2. Preoccupation with Alcohol: Spending a lot of time thinking about drinking, planning when to drink next, and recovering from alcohol's effects.
3. Drinking Alone or Secretively: Starting to drink alone or secretly and feeling the need to hide alcohol consumption from friends and family.
4. Drinking to Cope or Relax: Using alcohol as a primary method to handle stress, relax, or self-soothe, especially in difficult situations. 5. Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet professional, academic, or domestic obligations because of drinking or its aftereffects.
5. **Changes in Social Circle: Preferring to spend time with other heavy drinkers or changing friends based on their drinking habits.
6. Neglecting Hobbies and Activities: Losing interest in hobbies and activities that used to be important, in favor of drinking.
7. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms**: Feeling physical symptoms like tremors, sweating, nausea, or emotional symptoms such as irritability when not drinking.
8. Defensive About Drinking: Becoming defensive or aggressive when confronted about the increasing amount of alcohol consumption.
9. Continuing Despite Negative Consequences: Continuing to drink even when it causes problems, such as arguments with loved ones, health issues, or legal problems. Recognizing these signs can help in addressing the issue before it progresses to more severe stages of alcohol dependence or addiction. Early intervention, whether through medical help, therapy, or support groups, can be significantly beneficial.