Early Signs of Alcoholism
Many people live an addictive lifestyle for most or even all of their adulthood. No matter when someone is when they start abusing alcohol, these 5 early signs may signify alcoholism. If you or someone you know is displaying these signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our alcoholism treatment center to get help today.
Blackouts
People who are abusing alcohol may have blackouts. A blackout is when someone loses their ability to create short-term memories for a while. The high levels of alcohol in their system interfere with the brain’s ability to retain short-term memory. After the blackout, the individual can’t recall the things they did or said. They can’t remember what anyone else around them did or said, either.
Someone who has one blackout may not be an alcoholic. They may have drank too much and see the consequences and avoid ever drinking like that again. However, if you or someone you know is blacking out regularly, this could be a sign of alcoholism. One of the things that differentiate someone with alcoholism from an enthusiastic drinker is that is the alcoholic typically won’t stop drinking even after bad consequences. A person who is not an alcoholic will.
Lying About or Hiding Alcohol Use
Other signs of alcoholism include lying about or hiding alcohol use.
When someone abuses alcohol regularly, they may go to extreme lengths to ensure their loved ones don’t realize how much they are drinking. Some ways that a person might do this include:
- Hiding vodka in water bottles
- Avoiding phone calls or visits from loved ones
- Turning down invites to family events, so that they can go to a party instead
- Hiding alcohol bottles under the bed or in other places throughout their home
- Lying about how many alcoholic beverages they had
- Morning drinking before hanging out with family members or friends
If you or someone you know has been hiding or lying about your alcohol use, we are here to help. You don’t have to keep struggling with alcohol abuse all on your own.
Physical Changes
There are physical changes that often occur with alcoholism. Some of these changes include:
- Losing weight from not eating enough
- Gaining weight from drinking too many calories
- Bloating from the way alcohol affects the body
- Excessive tiredness from not getting enough sleep
- Excessive sweating or shaky hands from being hungover
The physical changes could become more severe and lead to additional health problems. If you or someone you know is displaying physical changes due to alcohol use, don’t hesitate to get help.
Having Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people with alcoholism will experience alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The cravings can range from mild to severe. The length of time you have been drinking may affect the severity of your cravings.
There are numerous withdrawal symptoms that people with alcohol addiction might experience. Some of these symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating and shakiness
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and stomachaches
- Irritability
- Enlarged pupils
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Hand tremors
Many people who struggle with alcoholism will experience these symptoms just 8 hours after they took their last drink. People who have more severe symptoms have a more severe alcohol addiction.
Drinking Despite Adverse Effects
Another one of the early signs of alcoholism is drinking despite adverse effects.
Addiction is a disease. People who have this disease don’t feel they can stop drinking. They feel as if they need alcohol to function or at least that is what their body believes.
Many adverse effects occur with alcohol abuse. Some of these negative effects include:
- Getting a divorce or experiencing a breakup due to the drinking
- Having family members disown them because of their drinking
- Losing a job or getting kicked out of school
- Experiencing severe depression
- Developing ulcers or other health issues
- Experiencing legal issues such as a DUI
People who have alcoholism often continue drinking despite these issues.
If you or someone you know keeps drinking, even though negative results are happening because of the alcohol abuse, reach out for help today. We know it can be tough to ask for help or to get treatment. However, it is best to get the help you need now rather than waiting for more severe consequences to occur.
Getting Treatment for Alcoholism
Alcohol is a potent substance. Most people don’t think much of alcohol because it is legal. However, alcohol can often damage a person’s life more than people would like to believe.
Are you or someone you know experiencing any of the signs of alcoholism above? If so, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today, so we can help you get into an alcoholism treatment program.