RSS Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
A brief overview of alcoholism
The term “alcoholism” is widely used to describe numerous problems that are associated with alcohol. It is typically used to define or describe the compulsive and uncontrollable consumption of alcohol. This is oftentimes detrimental to the individual’s health, relationships, and social status. The healthcare and medical community consider alcohol abuse, addiction, and dependency as a neurological disorder or disease that is treatable.
It is also viewed as a “dual disease” because it is typically comprised of both mental and physical elements. Although the biological mechanisms that cause the disorder are not well understood, the risk of becoming an alcoholic is usually influenced by a number of different factors such as:
- age
- ethnicity
- family history
- gender
- mental health
- social environment
- stress
Finally, alcohol damages the brain and nearly every other organ in the human body. Additionally, alcohol abuse involves an accumulation of toxic effects and will cause mental as well as physical problems for the individual.
Short-term and long-term effects of alcoholism
Along with the warning signs of alcohol abuse, there are the side effects that occur. Alcohol abuse side effects are usually classified into three categories – short-term and long-term physical effects, and long-term psychological effects. Here is the breakdown of those:
Short-term physical effects – flushed appearance, impaired judgment, impaired muscle coordination, improved mood, increased self-confidence, increased sociability, possible euphoria, and a shortened attention span
Long-term physical effects – alcoholic dementia, cirrhosis of the liver, epilepsy, heart disease, pancreatitis, and sexual dysfunction
Long-term psychological effects – ADHD, anxiety and depression, anti-social/narcissistic disorder, bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, confusion and dementia, damage to the brain and its normal function, panic disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, and schizophrenia
Healthcare and medical professionals have oftentimes said that the amount of alcohol consumed and the circumstances or situations behind alcohol abuse play a significant role in the level of intoxication that is attained.
Recognizing the warning signs
There is a tendency of certain experts or professionals to confuse alcohol abuse with alcohol addiction or dependency. The primary differences between them is that alcohol abuse does not usually include loss of control, physical, dependence, and strong cravings. There is also less of a likelihood that tolerance build-up is an issue where alcohol abuse is concerned whereas it is a consideration with alcohol addiction or dependency.
It is defined as a specific drinking pattern that is accompanied by one or more of the following warning signs of alcohol abuse:
- continued drinking despite the fact that you are having problems in your relationships that are caused by the effects of alcohol or worsened by them
- drinking in situations that could be extremely dangerous or unsafe, such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy duty equipment or machinery
- failure to fulfill major responsibilities at home, school, or work
- recurring legal problems that are associated with alcohol abuse, such as being arrested for DUI-reckless endangerment or for hurting someone physically while you are intoxicated
Although alcohol abuse is different from addiction or dependency, there are a number of side effects that alcoholics experience that are characteristic of abuse.
Getting professional help
If you or a loved one is suffering with the warning signs of alcohol abuse, it is time to get professional help. The Freedom drug rehab facility can help you overcome and recover from your problems with alcohol by customizing a program that will effectively target your specific clinical and personal needs. We have one of the highest recovery success rates in the US and can help you. For more information regarding our addiction treatment and recovery facility and programs, please contact us today at the toll-free phone number listed above.
