Alcoholism: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment

Reserve your spot now and take the first step toward freedom from alcohol. Tired of battling alcohol with sheer willpower, only to fall back into the same cycle? You’re not alone—95% of people who try this approach struggle to succeed.

Potential Predictors of Alcohol Use Disorders

• If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, please know that help is available.
• Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide support for people who are recovering.
• You should also see a professional before quitting alcohol if you have other health conditions.
• Additionally, poor personal hygiene, unkempt appearance, and neglecting overall health are common indicators of alcoholism.
• This sobering statistic underscores the importance of early intervention and comprehensive treatment.

Too much alcohol can be toxic to liver cells, causing dehydration and permanent scarring—which ultimately affects the blood flow. With excessive alcohol consumption, this important organ can’t metabolize Vitamin D, which could develop into a deficiency. Some common signs and symptoms of cirrhosis include fatigue, itchy skin, weight loss, nausea, yellow eyes and skin, abdominal pain and swelling or bruising. In conclusion, recognizing the physical features of alcoholism is crucial for early intervention and treatment.

Seek Treatment

This can lead to prioritizing drinking over other interests and neglecting responsibilities. Chronic and compulsive consumption of alcohol often leads to devastating consequences, including liver disease, cognitive impairments, severe psychological disorders and other symptoms. In addition to liver damage, alcoholism can also have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system.

• It often drives people with alcoholism to keep drinking in order to limit these symptoms.
• But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions.
• Unexplained mood swings, sudden outbursts of anger, or emotional instability can all point to a problem with alcohol.
• These are questions that require you to be honest about your drinking in the past 12 months.
• Alcohol can also lead to excessive sweating – known as alcohol sweats or night sweats.

Treating Alcohol Addiction

• In 2021, 29.5 million Americans aged 12 or older met the diagnostic criteria for an AUD.
• Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a common medical condition.
• Once it takes hold, it can be hard to shake loose—without the right help.

Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Dr. Harrison serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Eleanor Health with more than 15 years experience practicing medicine. She is a double-board certified physician with specialties in general adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Harrison has spent her career as a physician treating individuals from marginalized communities with substance use and other psychiatric disorders. As a physician executive, she has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer roles committed to creating and improving systems-based delivery of psychiatric and substance abuse care.

Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem. An intervention from loved ones can help some people physical signs of alcoholism recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.

The physical signs of alcoholism explained

In a previous post, we discussed whether an alcoholic drinks every day or not. Like almost all types of mental disorders, there are common signs and symptoms, but no two alcoholics demonstrate the exact same drinking behaviors. Long-term, excessive Halfway house alcohol consumption can lead to distinct physical changes in facial features.

Poor Blood Circulation

While people with this condition may start drinking again, studies show that with treatment, most people are able to reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely. In this disorder, people can’t stop drinking, even when drinking affects their health, puts their safety at risk and damages their personal relationships. Studies show most people can reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely. If you or a loved one is experiencing these biological changes due to alcohol addiction, it is crucial to seek professional help. Recognizing the physical signs of alcoholism at each stage can be the first step towards recovery. The journey to sobriety can be difficult, but seeking help is never too late.

This puffiness is often accompanied by https://ecosoberhouse.com/ weight fluctuations and a general unkempt appearance due to neglect of personal hygiene and self-care. Drinking can weaken the immune system and increase a person’s risk of developing various forms of cancer. Excessive drinking can also trigger neurological issues ranging from numbness and pain in the hands and feet to dementia and short-term memory loss.

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

If you suddenly stop drinking, this can lead to a number of uncomfortable alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It often drives people with alcoholism to keep drinking in order to limit these symptoms. People with severe or moderate alcohol use disorder who suddenly stop drinking could develop delirium tremens (DT). It can be life-threatening, causing serious medical issues like seizures and hallucinations that require immediate medical care. Our highly credentialed staff members offer afull range of progressive treatmentoptions based on each patient’s individual needs, includingteletherapy.