The Symptoms and Signs of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease that produces harsh consequences physically, mentally, and emotionally. These results are so extreme and common that the symptoms are not hard to spot. However, it is also common for a person to develop a tolerance to the effects of the substance being abused, which may make them seem normal even though they may be under the influence. Someone who has developed an alcohol dependency, or most drugs, very often becomes disorientated causing them to go to extremes in order to maintain their addiction. Part of this change in behavior is going to great lengths to hide their problem from others. So even though someone may be drunk, their ability to adapt to the feelings can sometimes make it seem as though they have been drinking much less than they actually have, if at all. On the flip side, a person is also susceptible to drinking much more as their addiction progresses in order to receive the same feelings of euphoria, which can also lead to belligerent behavior.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Alcohol Abuse
There are many signs that the addicted person may become aware of: feeling guilty and shameful, lying to hide their alcoholism, acting irrationally towards family and friends, drinking to feel relaxed or normal, forgetting occurrences and “blacking out” while drinking, and drinking an increasing amount –possibly more than intended. The consequences of drinking include neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, family, and finances, drinking under circumstances that could lead to death such as drinking and driving, getting into legal trouble, deteriorating social skills, being unable to stop drinking when desired, and continuous drinking despite negative outcomes.
Denial is a recurrent behavior associated with alcoholism. A person may not be ready to admit the nature of his/her problem or that they have a problem at all. Alcoholism can cause the underestimation of alcohol consumption, downplaying the problems associated with drinking, and blaming others.
Family and friends often play a vital part in helping the addicted person. Though the suffering person may be aware of his/her problem it is likely that the alcohol has made them unable to physically or psychologically cease. This aspect of addiction constitutes it as a disease.
Tolerance and withdrawal can establish noticeable signs of alcohol abuse. Tolerance is developed over time and occurs when a person must continually consume more alcohol in order to receive that same euphoria. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms varies depending on tolerance. The more a person has been drinking the worse the withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawals are often very uncomfortable and can consist of anxiety, trembling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, depression, agitation, fatigue, lack of appetite, and headaches.
There are certain behavioral symptoms that can indicate alcohol abuse. These can include, but are not limited to aggression, self-destructive behavior, agitation, and inability to control one’s actions and emotions.
The physical symptoms can also be easily identified. These signs consist of slurred speech, dizziness, sweating, and shakiness. These can result from the body’s craving for alcohol as well. There have been many cases in which a person’s skin tone can appear to have a yellow tone.
The mood of a person who is addicted to alcohol can very often be an indication of dependency issues. Some of these are anxiety, discontent, guilt, or a tendency to isolate.
Help for Alcoholism at Better Recovery Rehabilitation Center
Better Recovery Rehabilitation Center treats alcohol addiction with the most effective approaches and methodology in mental health. Initial treatment begins with a medically assisted and monitored detox. This alleviates the body of the alcohol safely and minimizes withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol is one of two drugs that you could die from during withdrawal, so this phase is vital. After the body has been rid of alcohol, clients are then able to experience various forms of therapy conducted by our licensed professional therapists. Clients participate in group and individual therapy as well as advanced practices such as music and art therapy. Transitional living and intense outpatient treatment are also available. Continuous treatment after rehab increases the likelihood for one to experience long term sobriety.
Please do not allow the guilt and shame of alcohol abuse to keep you from getting the help you need and the life you deserve. Many have suffered from the same disease, sought treatment, and found lives they could never have imagined while being shackled by the grips of alcoholism. You can too! Help is a phone call away.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, please do not wait any longer. Help is here. Call Better Recovery Rehabilitation Center now at (520) 288-8484.
