Alcoholism is a serious problem, and it can have a huge impact on a person’s life. When you recognize some of the symptoms, it can help you to determine whether you or a loved one is suffering from this disorder. There are several physical and psychological aspects of the disorder, and it’s important to learn how to recognize them.
Drinking can have a negative impact on the brain, and it can lead to problems with memory, judgment, motor coordination, and impulse control. People who have a drink too often are at a greater risk of experiencing these types of symptoms.
There are different stages of alcohol use disorder, and it can develop at any age. Generally, the symptoms of early-stage alcohol use disorder occur when you think about alcohol too much, or you have blackouts when you are drunk. Some of the most common signs of alcohol abuse include slurred speech, frequent falls, and reduced inhibitions. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may benefit from treatment.
If you suspect you have an alcohol use disorder, you need to get help. Untreated alcoholism can be very dangerous. It can cause permanent damage to a person’s health. The condition is sometimes fatal.
You can have alcohol withdrawal when you stop drinking. Withdrawal symptoms may include sweating, restlessness, anxiety, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and hand tremors. A severe form of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens, which can be fatal.
There are two main stages in treatment for alcoholism: detoxification and rehabilitation. If you are dependent on alcohol, you can experience withdrawal symptoms within four to five days of stopping drinking. A long-term dependence on alcohol can lead to medical complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, central pontine myelinolysis, and Korsakoff’s dementia.
The process of detoxification and rehabilitation can be difficult. You’ll need to see a health care professional for supervision during the process. You may be prescribed medications that will reduce your cravings for alcohol. These treatments can be effective, but they also require a significant amount of time. In the case of chronic alcohol abuse, you could need to take medications for as long as a year or more.
If you have a history of mental illness, depression, or substance abuse, you are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder. You should talk to a psychiatrist or a mental health professional to help you assess your situation. Those who have co-occurring disorders are more likely to have poorer outcomes when they are treated. Likewise, men are more likely to engage in heavy drinking and sex with six or more partners.
Many people are in denial when they have an alcohol use disorder. This is because the symptoms of alcoholism are often hidden from family members and health professionals. You should consider talking to someone who has stopped drinking, your friend, or your co-worker. The sooner you identify alcoholism, the better your chances of getting help.
Alcohol is a common drink, and it can be tempting to reach for it when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. It’s not uncommon for people to drink at sports games or other social gatherings to relax. But these activities can quickly lead to abuse.
