If you suspect someone may be struggling with alcohol addiction, encourage them to reach out to a healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or support group. Remember, early intervention is key to helping individuals overcome alcoholism and reclaim their lives. Alcoholism takes a significant toll on the body, affecting various organs and systems. One physical signs of alcoholism of the most well-known health complications of alcoholism is liver damage. Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver, ultimately resulting in conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. These conditions can have severe consequences, including liver failure and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Signs of Alcoholism: Stages & Symptoms
Support groups can be a highly effective form of help at this stage. There are factors that pop up again and again when determining who might have an issue with alcoholism. If you’re in the “at-risk” population, it doesn’t take much to become dependent on alcohol or other drugs. Many people who seek treatment are able to overcome the addiction. A strong support system is helpful for making a complete recovery.
Lifestyle Changes
As you recover from AUD, you may find it helpful to see a psychotherapist who uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. CBT helps you modify your thoughts and actions, while also learning alternative coping mechanisms. Very high concentrations of alcohol in the blood can cause breathing problems, coma, or death. AUD refers to what is colloquially known as alcoholism, which is a term that the DSM-5 no longer uses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking is typically defined as two drinks or fewer for men per day, or one drink or less for women.
- Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences.
- Additionally, diminished physical performance, such as a decline in strength, endurance, and overall fitness, can also be attributed to the negative impact of alcohol on the body.
- This redness is often accompanied by puffiness, giving the face a swollen and bloated appearance.
- Alcohol use disorder is considered a progressive disease, meaning that the effects of drinking alcohol become increasingly more severe over time.
- Cirrhosis of the liverOur liver filters out harmful substances, cleans our blood, stores energy and aids in digestion.
Alcohol’s physical effects on the body
At Compassion Behavioral Health, we understand the challenges and complexities of dealing with alcoholism. Our dedicated team of professionals offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to recovery. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction.
- According to the CDC, more than one million people die yearly of cirrhosis, including over 40,000 people in the United States.
- Some people with mental health concerns may self-medicate with alcohol.
- Learn more about the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol.
Others may notice an individual becoming defensive or secretive about their drinking habits. Furthermore, alcoholism can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Chronic alcohol abuse can impair the body’s ability to fight off pathogens, leaving individuals more prone to illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and various types of infections. This weakened immune system can also slow down the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times for injuries and wounds. One of the key aspects of alcoholism is the inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences.
Causing issues with family and friends
Maybe you’ve been concerned enough that you’ve already thought about or actually tried to cut down on your drinking — and it didn’t happen. Alcohol masks unhappy emotions, so those feelings may come back when you quit drinking, making it harder to stick to your goal. If you try to abstain, but then obsess over alcohol or switch to another drug or behavior, that’s a red flag.
The symptoms, genetics, and brain structure related to mental health conditions can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Some people with mental health concerns may self-medicate with alcohol. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism is essential for individuals and their loved ones to seek professional help and support.
- When alcoholism is severe, an individual may develop a physical dependence on the drug.
- Mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and inpatient rehabilitation are common treatments for alcohol problems.
- AA is a 12-step program that provides peer support and applies 12 spirituality-based principles.
- Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group.
- At Castle Craig, we are committed to helping you find the most suitable and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.