Symptoms of Alcoholism

Drunk

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There are many signs that show someone has a problem with alcoholism. If someone is considered a progressive alcoholic this means that their addiction is and will continue to worsen over time.

If you have someone that you love dealing with any of the following signs they need help.

1) A pattern of drinking, which puts them in dangerous situations.

2) Drinking to the point of passing out or sickness.

3) A change in behavior while drinking or after drinking.

4) Missing work because of drunkenness.

5) Leaving work early to go drink with their buddies.

6) Neglecting their responsibilities at home or in other places.

7) Neglecting family members and being irritable with them.

8) Living for the next drink.

9) Signs of depression and moodiness when they have not had a drink in a while.

10) The need for more and more alcohol to reach the same stage of numbness or high.

An alcoholic will rarely acknowledge that they have a problem, never mind that they need help. There are a few things that you can do to try to help:

1) Stage an intervention with friends and family.

2) Remind the alcoholic of the consequences of alcohol.

3) Be available for them if they need help, but do not support their drinking.

4) Join a group that offers support to family members of alcoholics. They will be able to encourage you and give direction.

Until the alcoholic comes to the place where they see a problem and seek help there will be very little that you can do.

 

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Signs of an Alcohol Abuse Problem

Alcoholism is a severe form of dependence upon alcohol. Many people might have a problem with alcohol without even realizing it. This is because alcohol is a legal product many people justify that they are not doing anything wrong and therefore do not have a problem.

If you are wondering if you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol here is a look at some of the signs that there might be a problem with alcohol developing.

The Development of Tolerance. Tolerance is the first warning sign that there is a problem with alcohol. Many people will believe that they are just drinking one small drink but many times one drink can turn into two or three and quickly spiral out of control. While tolerance isn’t always a sign of alcohol problems it can be a warning sign that there could be problems.

The Withdrawal Signs. The second major warning sign that there could be a problem with alcohol is that there are withdrawal signs. These symptoms will include nausea and vomiting, insomnia, irritability, fatigued, loss of appetite, headache and shakiness. A huge warning sign that there could be a problem is if someone believes that they need to relieve the symptoms by drinking even more alcohol.

Giving Up Activities. Another warning sign that there could be a problem with alcohol is when a person starts to give up activities that they love because it does not involve alcohol. Sometimes it isn’t even the fact that the activity doesn’t involve alcohol it is because the alcohol has taken such an important role in the person’s life that they no longer have an interest in anything else. Many times this is a sign that the person is developing a reliance upon the alcohol and it could be a potential problem.

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Situations That Can Cause Alcohol Abuse Problems

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are one of those substances that many people have a difficult time with. The media will often portray a substance abuse problem as if it came out of nowhere and it becomes full blown in no time. However, there are various ways that an alcohol problem can develop. Here is a look at some of the ways that alcohol abuse problems develop over time.

Sudden Changes. Many people will develop an alcohol or substance abuse problem in response to a stressful situation. These people were likely to drink small amounts of alcohol throughout the day but when the stressful situation or sudden change occurred they turned to alcohol to sooth the problem.

Tolerance. Many times substance abuse problems develop because the addict developed a tolerance to the substance of choice. They may have started out drinking only one or two beers but because nothing was affecting them they turned to drinking more and more until it became a problem. These types of situations usually creep up on the person and an alcohol problem seems to come out of nowhere.

Drinking Daily. There have been many studies and situations that shows those that drink daily or binge drink could develop an alcohol problem over time. This is because the body becomes so accustomed to the alcohol that when the person decides to stop it can cause problems. While the person does not realize that they are developing a problem, it quickly spirals out of control and they develop a substance abuse problem.

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Low Blood Sugar Could Lead to Drug or Alcohol Cravings

There are a lot of theories about why a person suffers from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some people believe that it is an issue of genetics, while others believe that there is a chemical in the substances that alter the body. However, one of the most recent discoveries has lead many people to wonder if it has to do with the blood sugar levels of the addict.

A recent study showed that almost every person who suffered from some type of alcohol or drug addiction had extremely low blood sugar. This has caused many researched to wonder if the addiction to the substance is caused by the substance or because of the low blood sugar that the person might have had before they started with their substance of choice.

Luckily, if you believe that low blood sugar might be the cause of a specific substance abuse there are a few things that you can do to make sure that the low blood sugar does not happen and the body will not suffer from the craving for the drugs or alcohol.

Here is a look at what people can do to remedy low blood sugar and potentially help their addiction.

Avoid Sugars. It is a good idea to avoid sugars. Even though the blood sugar is low sugars will spike the blood sugar and cause it to crash. This can lead to cravings of alcohol or drugs. Sugars can include fruit juices, sugars and even corn syrups.

Avoid Refined Carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates work in the same way that sugars do. It causes the body to spike the blood sugar and drop it quickly. Try to avoid stuff such as pasta and white bread which are known as refined carbohydrates.

Intake Complex Carbohydrates. Certain carbohydrates will allow the body to have higher levels of blood sugar for a sustained amount of time. Increasing the intake of whole grains, vegetables and certain types of fruits can help keep a higher blood sugar level throughout the day and reduce the cravings for the drugs or alcohol.

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Alcoholism and the Broken Heart

Alcohol is not considered a drug even though it does behave like one. Alcohol abuse can be just as serious as any other substance abuse and can cause diseases and accidents, other than causing serious repercussions on one’s family life. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of motor accidents and domestic violence. Alcohol causes broken hearts literally as well as figuratively.

While alcohol in small quantities can be beneficial for the heart, larger quantities can adversely affect it. Small quantities of alcohol can help raise good cholesterol and prevents clots from forming by keeping platelets from clumping together.

Alcohol is classified as a food since it provides calories for the body to burn, but those calories have no nutritional value. Unlike other foods, alcohol is not digested. It goes directly into the blood stream after being ingested. Almost 80% of the absorption happens in the small intestine while about 20% happens in the stomach.

One of the effects of high levels of alcohol in the blood is blood-sludging. This is a phenomenon characterized by the clumping of red blood cells, which block the small blood vessels. This deprives tissues of oxygen, leading to starvation of tissue cells. One of the worst hit and very often unnoticed are the brain cells. This affects the muscles too, including the heart muscles. This makes the heart weak and unhealthy. As a result, Cardiomyopathy, or a sluggish heart, is rife among alcoholics. Several days of sustained drinking can cause Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. High alcohol levels can also affect the blood pressure.

In case the alcoholic is diabetic, the effect on his heart would be more detrimental. Alcohol in excess can cause sugar levels in the blood to rise, and that affects the circulation of the blood to the extremities. It also leads to poor blood supply to essential organs including the heart.

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Alcoholism and Diabetes

Alcohol is often consumed socially at gatherings and with friends and does not constitute substance abuse. The problem only happens when the consumption becomes more than just a social event and takes over the person’s life. While alcohol in excess can harm even a healthy drinker, it is much more dangerous when abused by a diabetic.

Diabetes is a disorder where the body does not produce enough insulin or is not able to process the insulin that is being produced. In some rare cases, there is no insulin being produced by the body. Insulin is responsible for controlling the amount of sugar in the body. Whenever the sugar levels in the bloodstream go up, it is insulin that tells the liver to convert the glucose into glycogen and store it for future use.

Alcohol is a fuel which enters the bloodstream rapidly and since it burns very fast, the body starts using it for energy instead of the sugar. At the same time, the liver, which considers alcohol a toxin, starts working to eliminate the alcohol from the bloodstream. As long as the consumption of alcohol is lower than the rate at which the liver is removing it, the body remains fine. However, if the rate of consumption is too fast, the liver stops all other functions to eliminate the alcohol. This includes controlling blood sugar levels. Thus, if the sugar levels are high in the bloodstream, they will remain so until all alcohol has been removed.

High sugar in the blood can cause failure of several organs due to poor circulation, including eyes, kidneys, heart and liver. Even more dangerous to a diabetic is when the blood sugar drops below normal. Since the symptoms of inebriation mimic the symptoms of hypoglycemia, the person could lose consciousness without getting treated, leading to brain damage, which can be permanent, or even coma.

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Alcohol Abuse v/s Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol is often consumed during social functions and is not looked upon as abuse. However, when the drinking goes beyond a social activity and becomes a health hazard, it becomes substance abuse. There are several factors that can make a person susceptible to alcohol addiction:

- Genetics: People with a family history of alcohol abuse
- Social Environment: People who associate with heavy and frequent drinkers
- Emotional Health: Mental problems like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder

Even though both categories consume unhealthy amounts of alcohol, there is a defined distinction between alcohol abusers and alcohol dependents. Alcohol abuse experts define alcohol abusers as those who have the ability to control their habit but choose not to. They choose the self-destructive and dangerous drinking pattern rather than being dependent on it.

Alcohol Abusers drink recklessly with little or no consideration for their own safety or of others. They might drink in situations where it could be dangerous, like before driving or operating heavy machinery. There alcohol habit is a way to relax and de-stress, but it can lead to them neglecting their responsibilities at home, work or school. Alcohol abusers can become alcoholics over a period of time.

Alcohol dependents, on the other hand, are physically dependent on alcohol and have no control over how much they drink. They develop a false tolerance to alcohol and drink more to get a similar high. If they stop drinking, they experience physical withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholics know they have a problem but are unable to stop.

A person may be considered an alcoholic if he:
- Feels guilty or ashamed about his alcohol consumption
- Feels the need to lie to conceal the habit
- Finds his family and friends worrying about the amount and frequency of his alcohol consumption
- Feels the need to drink in order to feel better emotionally
- Frequently blacks out after drinking
- Regularly consumes more than his intention

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When Alcohol Becomes an Addiction

Most people have enjoyed an occasional drink, whether it’s a beer at a ball game, a glass of wine while dining out, or a champagne toast at a wedding or other special occasion. But for some people, having a drink or two is more than just an occasional thing. Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of substance abuse, and millions of people and their families are affected by excess drinking.

There are a number of factors that determine whether or not a person is at risk for developing a drinking problem. Some of these include:

• Genetics. Many experts believe that alcoholism can in part be explained by genetics. A family history of alcoholism can be a result of learned behaviors as well as a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction.
• Mental health. People with mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or others may be at a higher risk. Often times, people turn to alcohol to help them cope with their depression or illness.

These is no definitive answer regarding diagnosis of alcoholism. As a general rule, however, many health professionals will agree that if a person’s drinking is causing problems in their relationships, jobs or school life, or their ability to function in society, they have an alcohol abuse problem.

Some of the warning signs of alcoholism include:

• Feeling guilty about your drinking or lying to others about going to bars or the frequency with which you drink.
• Feeling out of control when you drink, like you can’t stop at one drink
• Turn to drinking to help cope with stress, depression, or other problems in life
• Friends and family members express concern with your drinking
• You miss work, school, or shirk other responsibilities because of your drinking

Recognizing there is a problem with alcohol abuse is the first step to getting it under control. Fortunately, there are many programs and treatment centers available for alcohol addiction.

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Substance Abuse Warning Signs

Substance abuse is a widespread problem that affects all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. It is not limited to illegal drugs; in fact, substance abuse is categorized as using any type of substance—whether it’s a prescription drug, alcohol, or over-the-counter medication—in a way other than it is indicated for. Typically, people use drugs or alcohol to achieve a high, escape problems, or alter their moods in some way.

Sometimes, it is difficult to tell if someone has a problem with drugs or alcohol or is abusing some type of substance. If you think a loved one or friend has a problem, some of the most common warning signs include:

• Sudden decrease in performance in school or work. For example, a straight-A student begins failing classes or an otherwise dependable worker begins missing deadlines
• Sudden unexplained absences. Missing a lot of school or taking much more sick days than normal can indicate a problem.
• Acting secretly or suspiciously. This can include becoming nervous when someone enters their bedroom, excusing themselves to their car or the restroom frequently, or acting nervous for no apparent reason.
• Difference in personality. This can include severe mood swings, sudden outbursts of temper, or extreme emotions.
• Acting jittery, hyper, or overly talkative and jumpy.
• Becoming increasingly withdrawn or depressed. This is a common symptom in teens.
• Sudden need for money. If someone who was previously financially secure is suddenly asking for loans or seems to have money problems, it could indicate funds are being spent on drugs.
• Physical changes such as sudden weight loss or gain, acting impaired, or sudden changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping too much or frequent insomnia.

These are just a few symptoms. If your friend or loved one is experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s a good idea to encourage them to seek help.

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When does Drinking Become a Problem?

A wreath Kolsch Beer - LA Times of Kölsch.
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There has been a joke told among the staff at alcohol treatment centers that was presented as a litmus test for determining whether or not someone was an alcoholic. Follow the person to a bar at happy hour and drop a dead fly on top of his or her beer. If the person is a social drinker the drink will be discarded. If the person is a problem drinker the fly will be flicked out of the beer when no one else is looking. And if the person is an alcoholic he or she will finish the beer and then wring the fly out to get the last drops.

While the joke illustrates the desperation of alcoholics a proper method for determining addiction is the CAGE questionnaire, which was published inthe Journal of the American Medical Association. Answering yes to anyone of the questions indicates that there might be a problem.

C: Have you considered consuming less alcohol?

A: Have peers bothered you by suggesting to reduce your drinking?

G: Have you had negative feelings due to your drinking habits?

E: Have you started the day with a drink?

This simple test of asking people if they have ever had any problems due to drinking identifies the majority of people with an addiction. The problem with the test is getting people to answer it honestly. Denial is the common mechanism used to deflect seeking treatment. People who are truly addicted can come up with endless reasons and justification for the bad consequences of the addiction. Many also look for ways to defect the label of addict.

For people asking themselves the questions the answer is probably already know. The act of admitting the problem and sharing it with friends and family can be an embarrassing hurdle to overcome. There is also the difficult balancing act of admitting the addiction and figure out how to life without substance dependence.

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