Did you know in 2019, 25.8% of adults aged 18 and older admitted to binge drinking in that previous month? Many of these individuals seek the help they need and sober up.
The unfortunate truth is that alcohol consumption can lead to adverse health consequences. Alcohol addiction can destroy an individual’s personal life and negatively affect their professional achievements.
Given all of these unfortunate realities, you must know the signs of alcoholism. Keep reading to learn more about the most common indications of alcoholism and understand what to watch for yourself or someone you know.
A Strong Craving for Alcohol
There are different types of substance abuse, but alcoholism is one of the most common. Alcoholism is a strong craving for alcohol that can lead to dependence and addiction.
A greater need for alcohol can be accompanied by a solid urge, even when it is not convenient or safe to drink. This can manifest itself in several ways, a feeling of being unable to enjoy life and irritability when alcohol is not around.
Change in Appearance
One of the most noticeable changes associated with alcoholism is a decrease in personal hygiene and an overall change in appearance. Alcoholics may neglect their appearance, letting their hair and clothes become disheveled. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their usual grooming habits, such as shaving or washing their hair.
Change in Drinking Habits
A change in drinking habits can indicate itself in several ways, such as drinking more often, more heavily, or at times of day when alcohol is not typically consumed. This change in drinking habits can be a sign that someone is trying to self-medicate or cope with a problem or losing control of their drinking.
Neglect Their Responsibilities
Starting to neglect their responsibilities in favor of drinking may be a sign of alcoholism. This can show in many ways, such as not showing up for work or appointments, not completing assignments, or neglecting their appearance. Additionally, they may start to withdraw from friends and family and stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not consumed can be a sign of alcoholism. This is a sign that your body has become dependent on alcohol and is experiencing withdrawal symptoms without it. Symptoms may include:
- anxiety
- irritability
- shaking
- sweating
- nausea
- vomiting
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last several hours or days.
Unable to Stop Drinking Once Started
People who suffer from getting sober will often begin drinking in the morning or earlier in the day than they used to get a buzz going, and they will consume throughout the day and into the night. This is because alcoholics often have the compulsion to drink and can’t control their impulses.
Watch Out for These Signs of Alcoholism
Early signs of alcoholism may be easy to overlook, but there are some telltale signs that someone may be an alcoholic. These include a strong craving for alcohol, a change in appearance, and neglecting their responsibilities. Also, other signs are experiencing withdrawal symptoms and being unable to stop drinking once started.
If you or someone you know is displaying these signs of a drinking problem, it’s crucial to seek help from a professional before the disease progresses.
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