Is Your Loved One Showing Signs of Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a disease of the body and mind. Approximately 100,000 people die every year as a result of drinking and driving, suicides, homicides, falls, fires, and other accidents and crimes related to alcohol consumption.
The signs of alcohol addiction are not always recognizable. Some warning signs may be more difficult to identify, especially in those that hide their drinking problem. This type of behavior makes it difficult for friends and family members to intervene and help their suffering loved one properly.
Despite how minor one’s alcohol abuse disorder may be, it can still turn dangerous rather quickly. If you’ve ever noticed the early warning signs of alcohol addiction in a loved one, or perhaps experienced it yourself, then it should not be ignored. Seeking treatment is essential for your health in both your body and in mind.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs of alcohol addiction so that you can be better educated and prepared when trying to help a loved one, or yourself.
Early Signs of Alcohol Addiction
The best chance of treating alcohol addiction is to seek professional addiction treatment. Before long, someone living with addiction will experience detrimental consequences in their life, along with the lives of those that care most about them.
Recognizing the early signs of alcohol addiction and getting proper treatment can make a significant difference in one’s recovery process. There is no exact formula for determining whether or not someone has a drinking problem; the signs can still co-occur. Like a domino-effect, symptoms can develop a chain reaction, setting off additional issues one-by-one.
Some of the most common signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Experiencing temporary short-term memory loss or blackouts
- Changing appearance or group of friends
- Drinking alone or isolating
- Choosing to drink instead of handling responsibilities or obligations
- Exhibiting signs of irritability or mood swings
- Becoming unable to participate in social situations or hobbies
- Using alcohol in unsafe conditions, like driving or swimming
- Feeling hungover or long periods even after discontinued drinking
- Making excuses to drink, such as to feel normal or for stress-relief
Impact of Alcohol Addiction On Your Health
Alcohol addiction can lead to health problems. Although alcohol is a legally-obtained substance, it’s still very dangerous when not consumed responsibly. Drinking excessively can cause several health problems. Over time, a drinking problem may become a life-threatening disease rather than a minor issue.
Some of the significant health problems associated with alcohol addiction include:
- Liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis, steatosis, or cirrhosis)
- Digestive issues (pancreatitis)
- Sexual function problems
- Menstruation complications
- Bone damage (osteoporosis)
- Weakened immune system
- Vision impairment (nystagmus or thiamin)
- Diabetes complications (hypoglycemia)
- Heart failure or stroke
- Birth defects
- Increased risk of cancer
Get the Help That You Need
Living with alcohol addiction doesn’t have to be the life you live in. The pain and heartache that an individual suffering from alcoholism can feel unbearable and difficult.
If you or your loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, then you should know that you’re not alone. The addiction treatment specialists at Discovery Point Retreat can help you discover a new way of life through addiction recovery. Break the cycle of addiction and start to live a life worth living.
If you or your loved one is caught in the grips of addiction, then there is help available. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight. Win the fight once and for all by getting the treatment that you need. We’ll connect you with a specialist that will help you on your journey towards recovery and the start of a positive new beginning. Discover yourself at Discovery Point Retreat today at 855-306-8054.