Spotting the Signs of Alcoholism

Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from alcohol use disorder—the clinical term for what is commonly referred to as “alcoholism” or alcohol addiction. Whatever you call it, alcoholism is a serious disease that can cause great mental and physical suffering.

Addiction to alcohol can devastate the body, weaken the mind, destroy relationships, and undermine a person’s quality of life. It can also burden family members, causing unnecessary stress, fear, pain, and worry. Over time, patience wears thin, and alienation sets in. In the long run, that can prove dangerous since a strong support network is often the only thing standing between an alcoholic and certain ruin.

How can you tell a loved one is addicted? Use this article as a guide to help you sort through the possible signs of alcoholism, and remember: Everyone is unique, every situation is different. No list can replace a personal evaluation made by a qualified addiction specialist or another medical professional.

Early Signs of Alcoholism

Many people abuse alcohol long before they become physically dependent on it. They may not drink from morning until night; they may not suffer withdrawal symptoms, but frequent use has already set down the path toward addiction.

Early warning signs of alcoholism may include:

• Diminished performance at work or school
• Habitual tardiness
• Frequent blackouts
• Legal troubles
• Risky behavior (e.g., drunk driving, fighting, operating machinery, etc.)
• Disregard for consequences (e.g., negative social, financial, and health effects)

Behavioral Signs of Alcoholism

Addiction causes people to do strange things. Friends and family often complain that their loved one no longer acts like himself or herself. They may feel as if they’re losing someone they care about. In many cases, family members serve as the first line of defense, sounding the warning long before the alcoholic becomes aware of his or her own condition.

Signals to watch for include:

• Inability to control drinking
• Feelings of guilt
• Neglect of other activities
• Lying, making excuses, or hiding to cover alcohol use
• Drinking to mask unwanted feelings (stress, loneliness, fear, disappointment, etc.)
• Indifference to personal, social, and professional consequences
• Frequent drunkenness, particularly at irregular times (e.g., morning)

Physical Signs

Alcohol use disorder changes the body in profound ways. Most alcoholics suffer from some form of physical dependency, which can make quitting painful, dangerous, and even deadly. In addition, long-term abuse may cause chronic health conditions, such as liver disease.

Regardless of the severity of the condition, alcoholism often causes physical symptoms such as:

• Tolerance (a need to drink more to feel the same effects)
• Cravings
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Intestinal problems
• Redness of the nose and cheeks
• Liver problems
• Repeated infections or illnesses

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

Physical dependency occurs when the body becomes habituated to a drug and develops a tolerance to it. When someone with a physical dependency stops drinking, they experience a number of discomforting symptoms, which can range from the mild to life-threatening, depending on the individual’s health, the extent of alcohol abuse, the treatment provided, and other factors.

 

Withdrawals primarily affect the central and autonomic nervous systems and can be separated into three categories, or “stages,” according to onset and severity. Stage 1 withdrawals start relatively early and are typically mild. From there, the physical effects get progressively worse with Stage 2 and Stage 3 symptoms.

Stage 1 (Mild) Symptoms

Early and/or withdrawal symptoms can start as early as six hours after the last drink. They may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Heart palpitations
• Stomach problems

Stage 2 (Moderate) Symptoms

More serious symptoms may begin to develop about 12 hours to one day after the last drink. Someone with stage 2 withdrawals may experience:

• Sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Increased blood pressure
• Fast heart rate
• Confusion
• Mild hyperthermia

Stage 3 (Delirium Tremens) Symptoms

The most serious cases experience what is known as delirium tremens, which can lead to major health concerns, including death, if not treated properly. Delirium tremens may manifest in the following ways:

• Disorientation
• Impaired focus
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Irregular heart rate

How You Can Help

If you suspect that a friend or loved one may suffer from alcoholism or has placed themselves on the road to addiction, then it’s time to take action. Intervening before alcohol use disorder causes irreparable harm may not be easy, but it’s crucial.

The process often starts with an intervention, a well-planned, supervised meeting in which relatives and close friends try to make the individual aware of their condition, and try to convince them to seek help. Done right, an intervention can lead to treatment, which can eventually lead to recovery.

Treatment

Alcoholism is a disease that requires specialized treatment in a dedicated addiction facility. The rehab center should offer monitored withdrawals and long-term, comprehensive treatment options. Registered CCAPP counselors and on-staff psychiatrists should oversee the recovery process

Recovery takes time, dedication, and persistence, not to mention support, professional help, and a safe environment. At Yellowstone Recovery, we provide everything individuals need to overcome their past and lay a strong foundation for a sober future. Contact us to learn more about our effective yet affordable alcohol treatment programs in southern California.

Sources

1. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1101/p589.html