Alcoholism is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences. With the right treatment and support, an individual living with alcoholism can find recovery. But in order to get help, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of alcoholism. In this blog post, we’ll cover some common indicators of alcoholism as well as how to seek out help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse.
Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism
Physical signs and symptoms of alcoholism can range from minor to severe depending on how much and how often a person drinks. Some physical signs include red, bloodshot eyes, a flushed face, slurred speech, impaired coordination, nausea, vomiting, or shaking, changes in appetite, fatigue and insomnia. Long-term alcohol use can cause more serious physical symptoms such as cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, heart problems, cancer, and immune system disorders.
Alcoholism is a serious condition that affects a person’s physical health and can have lasting effects. Additionally, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, arrhythmia, heightened risk for stroke and other cardiovascular problems. If you notice any of these physical signs or symptoms of alcoholism in yourself or someone else you care about it is essential to take immediate action and seek professional help as soon as possible.
Behavioral Signs
Alcoholism can manifest in subtle ways and often be difficult to identify. There are, however, certain behavioral signs and symptoms of alcoholism that can provide clues as when it’s time to get help. Someone who is suffering from this disease may become argumentative when drinking, hide alcohol in unusual places like their car or desk drawer at work, neglect responsibilities such as paying bills or going to work on time due to drinking-related activities, engage in risky behavior while under the influence (such as driving while intoxicated), and experience blackouts where they have no recollection of what happened while they were drinking. Identifying these behaviors early on provides opportunities for intervention and subsequent recovery from this deadly disease.
Psychological Symptoms
Alcoholism can also have psychological effects on an individual’s life. People with an addiction to alcohol may experience depression, anxiety, paranoia, mood swings (especially when not drinking), difficulty concentrating or remembering things clearly (blackouts are a common symptoms of alcoholism), irritability or aggression when confronted about their drinking habits and feelings of guilt for their behavior while under the influence. In severe cases of alcoholism there may be hallucinations due to extreme withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with this disease may also struggle with impaired relationships with family members or friends due to their addiction. Recognizing the psychological signs and symptoms of alcoholism is important so that individuals can obtain appropriate treatment in order to start their recovery journey.
If You’re Experiencing Symptoms of Alcoholism, Get Help at Innovo Detox Today
Though alcohol is widely available and socially acceptable in many cultures around the world it is still a drug that needs to be consumed responsibly. Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism can help people identify potential problems before they become too severe.
At Innovo Detox, our addiction treatment specialists can help you address the signs and symptoms of alcoholism quickly before any long-term damage occurs both physically and psychologically.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction or co-occurring disorders, please give us a call. Innovo Detox offers the latest in evidence-based medical, psychiatric, and clinical care for those in need of detox and medical stabilization in Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or a loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a detox, rehab, treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (717) 931-7277 or email our team at info@innovodetox.com. For more information on our company or services, please visit our website at www.innovodetox.com.