Warning Signs of Alcoholism How to spot problem drinking

Some alcoholics will consume alcohol every day while others may find themselves binge drinking when stressed out, on the weekends, or during special occasions. Alcohol abuse makes the heart work harder to pump blood around the body, which can lead to high blood pressure or an enlarged heart. As people continue to drink heavily over time, their risk of developing cardiovascular ailments increases significantly as the heart becomes more and more damaged. The importance of recognizing the early signs of alcoholism often goes beyond social issues or relationship problems caused by drinking. Concerningly, the physical health of someone with an alcohol use disorder is in jeopardy if he or she does not get the traffic or treatment he or she needs.

• The more educated and aware you are of what early alcoholism looks like, the more likely you will be able to get help before it’s too late.
• Long-term, excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon and breast cancers.
• Displaying anger when questioned about one’s drinking patterns.
• Family commitments may become irrelevant to them if they don’t include drinking.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 51.3% of individuals aged 18 years and over admitted to being current drinkers.
• Below you will find an overview of alcohol addiction signs, causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Over time though, excessive drinking can develop into alcohol use disorder , or more commonly known as alcoholism. AUD is characterized by cravings, physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, uncontrollable alcohol use, and negative emotions when not drinking.

Substance abuse

The risk of alcohol use disorder is higher for people who have a parent or other close relative who has problems with alcohol. While you certainly put your own health at risk when you consume too much alcohol, you also put others at risk. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 28 people are killed every day in drunk driving accidents. Client-centered care that’s respectful of individual needs and concerns is the foundation of our approach.

Participating in a recovery program with the help of a rehab specialist will give you the greatest chance for long-term sobriety. Treatment providers guide you through every step of the recovery process and help you set achievable sobriety goals. After rehab, your specialist will put you in touch with alcohol abuse counselors and support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. This will ensure you maintain your sobriety and allow you to meet other peers who have overcome alcohol abuse. In the last several decades, a growing number of teens have started abusing alcohol. Because adolescents’ brains are still developing, teenage drinking behaviors vary greatly compared to adult patterns. Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centers of your brain.

How to Tell If Someone Is an Alcoholic

Your digestive secretions play an essential role in healthy digestion. They are responsible for breaking down food into basic micro and macronutrients that are later absorbed and used in the body. Alcohol is known to slow down a person’s metabolism because alcohol intake levels can lead to impaired absorption and digestion of nutrients in the body. When this process occurs, the metabolism of a person’s organs is greatly affected. Especially the organs that play a vital role in weight management. Researchers say even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can affect the brain structure of a developing fetus, backing up previous research.

You may also benefit from joining a group such as Al-Anon, a free peer support group for families coping with alcoholism. Listening to others with the same challenges can serve as a tremendous source of comfort and support. For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss’ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues, rather than think about how your drinking is contributing how to recognize signs and symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol abuse to the problem. While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble. You’re spending less time on activities that used to be important to you because of your alcohol use. You have a persistent desire to cut down or stop your alcohol use, but your efforts to quit have been unsuccessful.