Signs of Alcoholism
Alcohol Addiction, also known as Alcoholism, is a serious medical disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking of alcohol. The signs of alcoholism and subsequent symptoms may vary from one person to another, depending on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption.
What are the main physical signs of alcoholism in adults?
Of course, the signs may differ, but the most common symptoms can usually be seen in almost any person who is addicted to alcohol:
- Poor balance and clumsiness
- Slurred and incoherent speech
- Delayed reflexes
- Loss of consciousness and black-outs
- Stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting
- Redness of the face
In certain conditions, the person can even reach a level of intoxication that is life-threatening. This case is also known as alcohol poisoning, and when it happens, the respiratory system of the person becomes depressed, which will cause the person to stop breathing.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
As a person begins to progressively increase the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, more serious medical symptoms related to alcoholism appear. A person who abuses alcohol begins making drinking a central activity, displacing healthy activity and relationships, which has negative consequences. The signs which depict alcohol abuse are:
- Loss of control over the amount of alcohol consumed once a person begins drinking
- Frequent inattention to family and professional obligations
- Development of dangerous behaviors which can determine risks of legal, financial, and health consequences for the person abusing alcohol, as well as for those around the addicted one
- Insomnia, which is often followed by oversleeping
- Increase in emotions like anger
Alcoholism can and needs to be treated, otherwise, it can develop into an addiction. Alcohol addiction is a physical dependency on alcohol. The main signs of alcohol addiction are:
- Increased amount of alcohol consumed due to the increased tolerance
- Increased time needed to recover from the after-effects caused by alcohol use
- Reduced attention to personal, familiar, and professional responsibilities
- Unsuccessful efforts to reduce the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption
- Apparition of withdrawal symptoms when the person does not drink alcohol
If a person is addicted to alcohol or displaying signs of alcoholism, there are specific treatment centers where the person can get the help they need. There are no medications to help a person stop abusing alcohol, but with specialized help, the person in cause can get the treatment and support needed in order to stop abusing alcohol.