Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholism

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease. It can be a serious and fatal disease, if left untreated. But like most diseases it does have warning signs and symptoms that can help one to recognize that a problem is developing.

Of course, the most obvious sign is that the person is drinking too much. This person may begin drinking to help cope with a problem or problems in his/her life. This person will generally object that his/her drinking isn't serious. He/she will say that it is recreational and he/she can stop whenever he/she wishes. Yet, the drinking continues.

The drinking will slowly begin to affect this person's life. It may interfere with his/her job performance. It may interfere with his/her social relationships. It may even begin affecting his/her health.

Some of the physical signs that a person will develop that can be indicating signs of alcoholism are:

An increased tolerance to alcoholic. This means the person can drink more or has to drink more to actually become drunk.
The continued use of alcohol even though the person becomes sick (vomiting, headache, etc.)
Frequent abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Puffy or red eyes
Puffiness of face
Feeling numbness in arms or legs
Swelling of the liver
Blackouts (not remember what he/she did or say while drinking)

There are also emotional signs that a person will develop that can be indicating signs of alcoholism such as:

Depression
Irritability
Sleep disorders
Mood swings
Aggression
Shame and Guilt
Nervousness
Hallucinations
Impaired judgment

A person who is suffering from alcoholism will try to deny that he/she has a problem. If confronted with this problem, he/she may try to cover up his/her drinking, even to the point of trying to hide the alcohol and to by drinking it in secret.

A person who is suffering from alcoholism may also isolate him/herself from friends and family members, especially those who try to confront him/her about the serious of his/her drinking and its effects. This isolation can take place both physically and emotionally.

A person who is suffering from alcoholism may also miss or ruin many social or family events because of his/her drinking.

A person who is suffering from alcoholism will slowly begin drinking more and drinking more frequently. A nightly drink, will also become a morning drink, to help calm the shakes and to calm the nerves. Soon a drink or two will be added to lunch. As time goes on, more and more alcohol will be needed to quench his/her thirst.

Left untreated the signs of alcoholism will only worsen as will the effects of it to the person's body. Over time the body will begin breaking down and showing effects of the continued drinking such as:

Weight Loss
Insomnia
Shaking
Ulcers
Intestinal Problems
Kidney Failure
Liver Failure

And even:

Death

Alcoholism is a disease that will slowly affect one's entire life.

It can impair one's job performance. It can cause one to be late for work. It can cause one to miss work. It can cause one to do poorly on the days they do show up for work.

Alcoholism can affect one's personal relationships. It can cause one to act more aggressive than usual. It can cause one to act like they do not care about those around them. It can cause them to be mean, bitter and hateful.

Alcoholism can cause one to act in ways they would not normally do. It can cause one to cheat. It can cause one to steal. It can cause one to drive recklessly.

Alcoholism can also create havoc on one's personal hygiene. It can cause one's breath to smell. It can keep one from caring about cleanliness such as bathing, wearing clean clothes or even brushing one's teeth.

Without seeking treatment, alcoholics may soon find themselves truly as alone as they feel. They may lose their jobs. Their friends and family may slowly fade from their lives. Even their romantic partners, may soon get fed up and discouraged from the hardships and difficulties they face having to live with them.

Seeking treatment as early as possible is the best thing for any person who is showing signs of alcoholism. Yet, most people will deny they have a problem and will refuse to face it.

If you recognize these signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you know, please try to seek help while you still can. Contact your local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous today and learn more about the signs of alcoholism and the treatment of it.

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