11 Warning Signs of Alcoholism

03/23/2021

11 Warning Signs of Alcoholism

How Can You Tell if Someone Is Addicted to Alcohol? Even though every case of alcoholism is unique, there are some universal warning signs that may signify an addiction to alcohol. If you or a loved one is showing/experiencing the symptoms or behaviors listed below, an alcohol addiction may be developing.

Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

The use of alcohol becomes addiction, or abuse, when the user continues to drink despite negative consequences such as doing regrettable things while intoxicated, experiencing severe hangovers, or having alcohol-induced incidents. Abuse typically forms in one’s early 20s. Physical and mental symptoms of alcohol abuse or addiction may include:

Depression
Anxiety
Trouble breathing
Headaches
Nausea
Hand tremors
Sexual issues
High blood pressure

These are some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse. If these problems and the alcohol abuse issues are not handled as soon as possible, worse conditions may begin to form later on.

How to Recognize An Addiction to Alcohol

But it’s not as simple as it sounds to spot an addiction. Many individuals who abuse alcohol continue living their daily lives until the issue becomes out-of-hand. Here are some ways to recognize if someone you know might be addicted to alcohol. If someone has or is developing an addiction, they may…

Drink heavily & frequently
Drink alone regularly
Store alcohol in hidden spots
Keep drinking despite consequences
Prefer drinking over hobbies or activities
Black-out from drinking frequently
Spend a lot of time obtaining alcohol
Have uncontrollable cravings
Want to cut down but can’t
Have an increasingly high tolerance
Need to drink to feel normal

If someone you love is displaying these behaviors, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. If alcohol addiction is untreated, it may lead to severe health conditions.

The Dangers of Alcoholism

If alcoholism is left untreated or if an individual with the disorder continues to drink after treatment, the disease may cause serious health complications. These health concerns may include:

Brain damage
Nerve damage
Liver damage
Cancer of the mouth & throat
Alcohol poisoning
Psoriasis
Malnutrition

Thankfully, these issues are not guaranteed. If alcoholism is caught and turned around, anyone with the disease can move on to live a healthy life. However, it requires hard work to fully achieve recovery. A person who chooses to become sober must be committed to their journey.

Starting the Journey Toward Sobriety

Unfortunately, many individuals may be hesitant to take the big step toward sobriety on their own. If your friend or family member is suffering from alcoholism but is refusing help, it may be time to consider talking to their doctor or staging an intervention. Sobriety isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. For those who are struggling to stay sober, there are many groups and networks to assist them along the way.

Detox & Alcoholism Treatment

The first step toward sobriety is detox. This should be administered by a professional in a medical setting or at a rehab facility. Once someone has completed the detox process, they are able to continue with recovery. Recovery options for individuals with alcohol addictions may include support groups (AA), one-on-one therapy, medication, and more. To learn about more warning signs of alcohol addiction, contact our team of substance abuse professionals. Give us a call at 267.209.7313 or visit here for additional information.