Primary Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Since it is legal, alcohol is frequently harmless. However, this does not necessarily make it safer than illegal substances. Alcohol dependence can lead to a risky and occasionally fatal habit, similar to other types of drug addiction: a person’s wellness, mental well-being, and way of life are affected by excessive alcohol usage. Understanding the symptoms of alcohol is crucial.
Heavy drinking, which is consuming over 4 or 5 drinks in two hours for women and more than five for men, is another aspect of alcoholism.
It’s vital to watch out for warning signs if you think a close one is misusing alcohol.
Alcoholism’s Physical Signs
When an individual is firmly alcohol dependent, it will likely take substantially more alcohol to exhibit the classic symptoms of alcoholism, even though it is usually simple to determine when somebody has been drinking. People with a history of addiction may be capable of consuming several alcoholic beverages before becoming inebriated.
Short-term physical indicators of alcoholism include:
- Cloudy vision
- Sluggish response times
- Inability to walk properly
- Slurred speech
- Headaches
- Alcohol poisoning
Long-term physical indicators of alcoholism include:
- Malnourishment
- High blood pressure
- Increase risk of heart diseases
- Alzheimer disease
- Poor hygiene
- Liver damage
- Brain damage
- Relationship problems
- Anaemia
- Seizures
- Immunologic compromise
- Osteoporosis
Alcoholism’s Behavioural Signs
Alcohol addicts exhibit particular behaviour while under the impact of alcohol. In general, alcohol consumption is not the only cause of these immediate symptoms. It’s crucial to keep this in mind when eradicating other possible causes, such as mental health issues like bipolar disorder. While periodic alcohol consumption is publicly reasonable, alcoholism is not. As they try to suppress their consumption from family members, people with alcohol dependence display diverse behaviours.
Alcoholism’s short-term behavioural warning indicators include:
- Risk-taking
- Aggressive or combative behaviour
- Risky sexual activities
- Reckless driving
Long-term behavioural indicators of alcoholism include:
- Isolated drinking
- Consuming alcohol before socialising
- Denial
- Secrecy
- Neglecting close friends and family
- Not being active
- Relationship, employment, or academic issues
- Consuming alcohol at odd hours
- Legal issues brought on by public drunkenness, violence, driving while intoxicated, or other offences frequently committed while drinking
Alcoholism’s psychological and emotional effects
Numerous brain regions, including the dopamine receptors, are altered and harmed by alcohol consumption (or feel-good chemicals). Children of alcoholics are much more likely to develop alcoholism as a result of the harm it can do. The likelihood of inheriting an alcoholic father reduces with each age. It demonstrates the debilitating nature of alcohol addiction’s permanent effects.
Alcoholism’s immediate psychological and emotional warning symptoms include:
- Unhappiness and rage
- Blackouts
- Weak memory
- Poor decision-making
Alcoholism’s long-term psychological and emotional indicators include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Weakened focus
If a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, you can reach out to us, as we offer multiple programs for our patients. Akasha Recovery aims to offer personalised treatment options to each client, ensuring a positive experience for you and your loved ones. Get in touch with us now for a free consultation.