The Symptoms of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

It is easy to judge a person who seems to spend more time at the bar than they do at work or with their family. But they were not always that way. There was a trigger to their addiction. Maybe they have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism because one of their close family members is also an alcoholic. Or they learned to use alcohol as a way to cope with their underlying depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. What started as just a couple of drinks to calm their nerves turned into six or more, and after a while, even that wasn’t enough.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?

Has someone you love begun to drink excessively? If so, you need to know if it is time to get them into an addiction treatment center.

Read on for a list of the symptoms of alcoholism and how alcohol impacts a person’s life.  This information will help you determine whether it is time for your loved one to enter a rehab facility.

Legal Issues

While under the influence of alcohol, a person’s ability to make good decisions is impaired. Alcoholics often do or say things when they are drinking that they would not usually do while sober. And when their actions pose a risk to the safety of themselves or others, this can lead to serious legal issues. Perhaps they were arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct in a public place,  Or they caused a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. These issues are often a telltale sign that their drinking problem has gotten far out of control.

Embarrassing Social Situations

Alcoholics have a difficult time being in social situations without drinking. They frequently drink to the point of “blacking out” or fainting, which is embarrassing to family or friends who are with them at events or parties. If your loved one gets this intoxicated regularly, it is undoubtedly time to convince him or her to seek treatment.

Relationship Problems

Alcoholism is often referred to as a “family disease” because of the devastating impact it has on an alcoholic’s loved ones. Children of alcoholics often feel isolated and depressed. They have a difficult time making friends. Their schoolwork and grades suffer. The spouse or partner of an alcoholic is often the most deeply wounded by the situation though, because they are the ones who have to carry the weight of responsibility that the alcoholic overlooks.

Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism include:

• • • Frequent arguments about the amount of beer or liquor that they consume.
    • Inability to trust the person to care for children or pets.
    • Broken promises that they will stop drinking.

Furthermore, alcohol is involved in many thousands of domestic violence cases, child abuse, divorces, murders, and suicides yearly, worldwide.

Financial Strain

If a loved one is an alcoholic, there will always be enough money for liquor or beer.  But financial responsibilities are ignored. Bills go unpaid because the person misses so much work or spends all of their income on liquor or beer. This behavior often leads to shut-off notices from utility companies and overdrawn checking accounts. Little income is ever left over for essentials, such as food, rent,  children’s diapers, clothing, or medications.

The effects of alcoholism expand to society as well.  Alcohol-related crimes touch millions of victims yearly.  Our government and communities face an enormous financial burden resulting from incarcerations, hospitalization, and treatment for alcoholics.

Health Problems

Drinking alcohol in moderation can have beneficial effects on a person’s health.  But excessive consumption can lead to numerous physical illnesses such as:

• • • High blood pressure
    • Heart disease
    • Stroke
    • Cirrhosis of the liver
    • Mental confusion or memory loss
    • Stomach ailments
    • Inflammation of the pancreas.

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to life-threatening health problems such as heart attack, organ failure, cancer, alcohol poisoning, coma, and death.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

If your loved one shows any of these symptoms of alcoholism, it is crucial that they get treatment at a licensed addiction treatment center right away. The longer they wait, the worse their condition will get. Also, consider getting counseling for yourself and any others who have been affected by the alcoholic’s drinking and behavior.

Please contact us at our toll-free number today if you or a loved one needs treatment for alcoholism.  One of our representatives will be happy to answer your questions and help you choose a treatment plan that suits your needs.