Alcohol Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Alcoholism can greatly impact one’s life. This article will review alcohol addiction signs so you can tell if you or someone you know is in danger.
Alcohol Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Alcoholism can greatly impact one’s life. This article will review alcohol addiction signs so you can tell if you or someone you know is in danger.
Table of Contents
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 14.5 million people in the United States reported an Alcohol Use Disorder in 2019.1 If you or a loved one is suffering, there are ways to find help. The first step is determining whether you have a problem, and you can look out for several alcohol addiction signs. Here are some you should be aware of:
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking occurs when a person drinks enough to quickly raise their blood alcohol concentration to .08 or above. It usually happens when women consume four or more drinks and when men consume five or more drinks in about two hours.
Although most binge drinkers do not typically have an alcohol disorder, it could be one of the signs of alcoholism.
Alcohol Abuse
There is no set limit on when drinking becomes alcohol abuse, and it will vary from person to person. However, you will know you have a drinking problem if you begin exhibiting alcohol addiction signs such as:
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol
- Needing to drink just to feel normal
- Troubled relationships due to alcohol use
- Blackouts
- Engaging in dangerous behavior
- Lying about drinking habits
- Legal and financial difficulties
- Signs of physical issues related to alcohol such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic dementia, and more.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Short–Term Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the main alcohol addiction signs is acute alcohol withdrawal. After a dependency forms, patients will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they do not have alcohol in their system. Short–term symptoms include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Confusion
Long-Term Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Short–term withdrawal symptoms will go usually go away after alcohol detoxification but, in some cases, there may be longer–lasting symptoms that can even be permanent. This issue is common among people with a long history of alcohol dependence.
Long–term symptoms include the following.
- Delirium tremens: This severe form of withdrawal is characterized by extreme changes in the nervous system. Symptoms include shaking, confusion, and hallucination.2
- High blood pressure: Drinking causes blood vessels to constrict making the heart work harder, which leads to high blood pressure which can result in serious heart conditions.
- Hormonal imbalance: Levels of cortisol are affected by the consummation of alcohol and can become imbalanced during detox.
- Kidney disease: Alcohol and kidney disease go hand in hand. Alcohol diminishes the kidneys’ ability to filter blood and may cause kidney disease.
- Stomach ulcers: Alcohol can cause open sores in the lining of the stomach forming peptic ulcers. These ulcers are very painful and can cause nausea, bloating, and heartburn.
- Liver cirrhosis: The liver is responsible for processing alcohol. If you drink more than it can process it will lead to fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
- Compromised immune system: Drinking alcohol excessively compromises your immune making you prone to disease.
The Dangers of Alcohol Poisoning
EtOH abuse (another term for a drinking problem) can lead to alcohol poisoning. This issue occurs when a person drinks a significant amount of alcohol in a short amount of time, and it is one of the most dangerous warning signs of alcoholism.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include the following:3- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Skin that is pale or blue-tinged
- Low body temperature
- Unconsciousness/come
- Death
Alcohol Withdrawal Signs
Alcohol withdrawal is one of the main indicators that someone is suffering from alcohol addiction. It means that your body is unable to function normally without alcohol in its system. Symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol typically include both physical and psychological issues, including the following:4Physical Symptoms
- Shaky hands
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Sweating
- Fever
- High blood pressure
Psychological Symptoms
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Getting Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
If you are experiencing alcoholism symptoms, it is time to get help. Fortunately, there are many options available.
Counseling
A therapist will counsel you. He or she will allow you to open up and talk about your problems and suggest healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use.
Treating Underlying Problems
It is common for people to develop EtOH abuse problems because of an underlying issue. For example, many people turn to alcohol to treat feelings of depression or anxiety. A therapist will find determine the reason the patient is drinking so they can treat the problem at its root.
AA
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free group meeting therapy that provides people struggling with alcohol abuse the help they need to overcome this disorder. It is based on a 12–Step Program that focuses on spirituality.
Detox
Detox is typically the first step of rehab treatment. It involves ridding one’s body of alcohol. During this time, patients may experience withdrawal symptoms that make them want to go back to using but medical staff is on hand to keep them as comfortable as possible and prevent a relapse.
Medication
Several medications can treat people with signs of alcoholism. Some medications are administered to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Others reduce feelings of pleasure associated with alcohol reducing the urge to drink.
Therapies
Therapy is used to treat people suffering from EtOH abuse. various therapies can be used including cognitive–behavioral therapy,5 dialectics behavioral therapy,6 and the list goes on. Doctors will find the treatment they feel is best for each patient, so they get the most effective care possible.
Why Arrow Passage is the Best Choice for People with Signs of Alcoholism
Many rehab facilities treat people with alcohol addiction signs, but Arrow Passage provides an approach that helps us stand out from the pack.
We evaluate each patient to come up with a treatment plan that is best for them. We combine traditional and holistic therapies as well as various treatment models ensuring they get the help they need to overcome their addiction. We offer comprehensive service that includes detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare.
If you are dealing with signs of alcoholism, do not let it ruin your life. Reach out to Arrow Passage to get the help you need today. Contact us to find out how you can start on a path to happier, healthier living.
Resources
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000766.htm#:~:text=Delirium%20tremens%20is%20a%20severe,mental%20or%20nervous%20system%20changes.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386
- https://www.verywellmind.com/symptoms-of-alcohol-withdrawal-63791
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
- https://www.verywellmind.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-1067402
