Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Ever wonder what an alcohol addict is like? In this article, we will talk about the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction.
People who suffer from alcohol addiction will frequently put alcohol drinking above all of their other responsibilities. It includes family, friends, hobbies, and work. Plus, this desire towards drinking might build up a physical tolerance. You may encounter withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop. It can be very uncomfortable, and in some cases, life-threatening.
There is also something called harmful drinking. It is different from alcohol addiction. Harmful drinking is an irregular pattern of drinking, which can still cause damage to your well-being. One example of harmful drinking is boozing too much at a party and putting yourself at risk of getting in a fight or an accident. And this drinking practice may evolve into alcohol addiction, particularly if harmful drinking begins to be more regular.
Related article: Effects and Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Here are a few of the common signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction.
Denial that You have Drinking Problems
Denial is one of the most significant barriers to getting help for alcohol addiction. The urge to drink is uncontrollable once you’re addicted. Your brain finds a lot of ways to make excuses for your drinking. Denial stops you from looking honestly at your actions and its effects. Here are some of the ways that you may be denying that you have drinking problems.
- Blaming others for your drinking problems
- Greatly miscalculating how much alcohol you drink
- Downplaying the harmful effects of your drinking
- Expressing a particular annoyance that friends and family are amplifying the drinking problem
Substance abuse specialists make a distinction between alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse. Unlike people suffering from alcohol addiction, alcohol abusers possess some capacity to set boundaries on their boozing. On the other hand, their alcohol intake is still dangerous and harmful to themselves and others, as well.
Continually Drinking Despite Consequences
When you continue to consume alcohol even if you are experiencing complications in your relationships, then you have a drinking problem. For example, you are still grabbing a drink with friends, though you are aware that your wife or husband will become very upset. Or getting mad with your family because they don’t like your behaviour when you drink.
If you are frequently neglecting your duties at school, home, or work due to alcohol drinking, then there’s a problem. For example, missing classes, performing poorly at work, disregarding your children, or missing out on responsibilities because you are hungover.
If you are experiencing recurred legal dilemmas because of your constant drinking, then it is a serious matter. For instance, you get caught driving under the influence of alcohol or getting arrested for drunken and unruly behaviour.
You may also be consuming alcohol in physically dangerous situations. For example, you drink alcohol while driving, operating a machine while drunk, or mixing prescription medications with alcohol against the orders of the doctor. All these are dangerous and should be appropriately addressed.
You Drink to Relax
Several drinking problems commence when people consume alcohol to relieve stress or relax. For instance, you are looking for an alcoholic drink every after an exhausting day. Or you may also be consuming at least a bottle of alcohol whenever you argue with your boss or spouse. Drinking to relax is not a good way to deal with problems. It only allows you to escape your issues momentarily. However, it will not be able to help you solve your problems.
Tolerance Buildup to Alcohol
When you have an alcohol addiction, it means that you are physically dependent on alcohol. If you count on alcohol to function or feel an irresistible urge to drink all the time, then you have a drinking problem. Alcohol tolerance implies that over time, your body demands more and more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
The first significant warning sign of alcohol addiction is tolerance. Do you need to drink a lot more than you used to so that you can feel relaxed? Are you capable of consuming more alcohol than others without getting extremely drunk? These are questions that you need to ask yourself so that you can determine if you have to build up alcohol tolerance.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
The second significant warning sign of alcohol addiction is withdrawal. Do you want a drink to calm yourself first thing in the morning? Consuming alcohol to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms is an indication of alcohol addiction. When you drink alcohol in larger volumes, your body gets accustomed to the effects of alcohol. Your body will experience the symptoms of withdrawal if you stop drinking.
Signs of withdrawal include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Depression
Signs of severe withdrawal include:
- Fever
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
The indications of withdrawal can be life-threatening. It is best to talk to your physician if you’re a massive drinker and planning to quit.
Related article: What’s Stopping People from Seeking Addiction Treatment?
Other Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
- You want to stop drinking but just can’t. You possess a persistent urge to slash down or cease your alcohol intake, but your attempts to quit are unsuccessful.
- You neglect other meaningful activities due to alcohol.
- You are not spending time on activities that were once meaningful to you anymore. These activities include hanging out with friends and family or pursuing your hobbies. Because of alcohol dependence, you are incapable of accomplishing such activities.
- Alcohol consumes a huge deal of your focus and energy.
- You waste a lot of your time drinking, thinking about alcohol, or healing from its impacts. Social engagements do not stir your interest anymore because it does not involve drinking.
- You continue drinking despite knowing that it is causing problems. For instance, you are aware that your alcohol consumption is harming your marriage, worsening your loneliness, or causing particular health concerns. Even though you are aware of what is happening, you proceed to drink alcohol anyway.
What to Do?
Alcohol addiction is no laughing matter. We have seen countless lives, families and households destroyed because of this. But dealing with alcohol addiction is now made easier. Thanks to the help of addict rehab centres and recovery programs, getting out of alcoholism is just a matter of saying yes to change.
If you or your loved one is in need of intervention, if they are showing signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction, then Addiction Rehab Centers is here to help you. Call us today and learn how we can stop alcohol addiction together.
