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Signs of Alcoholism
Different warning signs of alcoholism can help you recognize when someone is struggling with alcohol use. Some of these signs are easy to spot, while others can be much harder to notice. It often depends on how severe the drinking problem is. For example, a person might go out of their way to hide their drinking, maybe by choosing to drink alone or by pulling away from family and friends. That kind of secrecy can make it really difficult for the people around them to step in and offer support.
Mild alcohol abuse, in particular, can fly under the radar. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but even small warning signs can point to something more serious down the line. Reaching out to Inspire Recovery for help early on can make a huge difference and give you a chance to reconnect with the people and activities that matter most to you.
How Much Alcohol is Too Much Alcohol?
We have all heard people say they can “hold their liquor.” Some folks seem able to drink quite a bit without showing the usual signs, like slurring their words, throwing up, or even appearing drunk. However, being able to tolerate alcohol does not mean it is not causing harm.
Alcoholism is more than just heavy drinking. It is an addiction. Alcoholism is an ongoing, often obsessive relationship with alcohol that makes it hard to control how much you drink or when to stop. Over time, it starts to interfere with other parts of life, like work, health, and relationships. When someone with alcohol dependence stops drinking suddenly, they may go through withdrawal symptoms, which can be intense and even dangerous.
Another sign of unhealthy alcohol use is binge drinking, i.e., when someone drinks a large amount in a short period, typically five or more drinks within two hours for males or four or more for females. Even if it does not happen every day, binge drinking puts your health and safety at serious risk.
Common Signs of Alcoholism
When left unaddressed, alcohol abuse can escalate quickly. Once drinking starts to interfere with daily life and causes harm, it may be diagnosed as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Spotting the signs early and seeking support can make a real difference in someone’s path to recovery.
There is no single checklist that confirms someone is struggling with alcohol use. However, some symptoms tend to show up together. One sign often leads to another, and things can snowball faster than expected.
Here are some of the more common signs of alcoholism to watch out for:
- Temporary blackouts or trouble remembering things
- Irritability and intense mood swings
- Justifying drinking as a way to relax, cope with stress, or feel “normal.”
- Prioritizing alcohol over work, school, or family responsibilities
- Pulling away from loved ones and becoming more distant
- Drinking alone or trying to hide how much you’re drinking
- Feeling sick or hungover even when not drinking
- Noticeable changes in appearance or friend groups
Even if the problem seems small, these symptoms shouldn’t be brushed aside. Alcohol abuse doesn’t have to hit rock bottom before you ask for help. If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is available. Reach out to a treatment provider to find local options and take the first step toward healing.
What Are the Complications of Alcoholism?
People often associate alcohol use disorder with hangovers and withdrawal symptoms, but the impact can go much deeper than that. Alcohol is actually a chemical carcinogen, which means it can increase the risk of certain cancers, including esophageal cancer, especially with heavy or long-term use.
Over time, drinking heavily can take a serious toll on the body and lead to a range of health complications, such as:
- Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy – a condition that weakens the heart muscle and affects how well it pumps blood
- Alcohol-induced hepatitis – inflammation of the liver caused by alcohol
- Alcohol poisoning – a potentially life-threatening reaction to drinking too much in a short time
- Cerebellar degeneration – damage to the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance
- Cirrhosis of the liver – scarring of the liver that can lead to liver failure
- Delirium tremens (DTs) – a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal that can include shaking, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures
Inspire Recovery will Help You Overcome Alcoholism.
LGBTQ people have an even more difficult relationship with alcohol than the general population. Due to the stigma, discrimination, and rejection they face on a day-to-day basis, they often turn to alcohol to cope. However, heavy and consistent alcohol use can end up damaging their lives.
If you or someone you love is LGBTQ and needs a place to find healing, Inspire Recovery is here. We offer LGBTQ-affirming alcohol addiction treatment that will give you the best chance at lasting sobriety and a fulfilling life. Call us today at 561-763-9837 to get assistance.
How Is Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosed?
Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed through history taking and a physical exam. This helps the health professional identify any signs of health conditions that may be linked to heavy drinking. But diagnosis goes beyond just physical symptoms. It also involves a closer look at behavior and patterns over time. Providers use guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to figure out whether someone meets the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Based on how many symptoms are present, the condition is classified into mild, moderate and severe.
What are the CAGE screening questions for signs of alcoholism?
The CAGE questionnaire is used to measure how bad a person’s drinking habit is. It consists of four straightforward questions, and if you answer “yes” to two or more, it is a strong indicator that you should seek professional medical advice. The CAGE questions ask whether you have ever felt you should cut down on your drinking, whether people have annoyed you by criticizing your drinking, whether you’ve felt bad or guilty about your drinking, and whether you have ever had a drink first thing in the morning to calm your nerves or get over a hangover. While simple, these questions can be incredibly telling, and healthcare professionals often use them as a first step in identifying alcohol use disorder.
Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?
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