Signs of Alcoholism in Other People (or Yourself)
Medically reviewed by Jordana Haber Hazan, MD
Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic mental illness that impacts judgment, behaviors, and a person's physical health. Recognizing the difference between non-harmful alcohol consumption and alcohol addiction can be difficult. However, certain physical and behavioral traits may indicate that alcohol adversely affects someone's health.
This article will explain the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction and outline the steps to take if you or someone you know may have an alcohol use disorder.
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Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a chronic illness characterized by periods of sobriety and relapse. People often experience:
Withdrawals
Difficulty regulating alcohol consumption
Tolerance development (it takes more alcohol to feel the effects)
Difficulty making sound judgments or controlling behaviors
Other signs of alcohol use disorder are related to drinking frequency, habits, and its impact on relationships, which we'll explore below.
Age of Most People With Alcohol Disorders
Although it's common for young people to consume alcohol, alcohol use disorder doesn't usually occur until after age 30.
Frequency of Drinking
Though alcohol consumption can vary among people, alcohol addiction is characterized by drinking large amounts of alcohol over long periods. For some people, this might look like consuming several drinks in a short period, a few days a week. For others, it may mean drinking a few drinks every night for extended periods.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) provides the following guidelines about alcohol abuse:
For men, alcohol abuse is defined as consuming more than four drinks on a given day or more than 14 drinks per week.
For women, alcohol abuse is defined as consuming more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks in two hours for men.
Drinking Habits
Drinking habits may differ from person to person. In general, people who are at risk of or who have alcohol use disorder drink alcohol regularly and experience cravings when they don't. They often spend time and money trying to obtain alcohol and continue to drink despite experiencing adverse health effects. There is usually a transition that occurs at some point from choosing to drink alcohol to drinking compulsively.
Despite recurring attempts to find and consume alcohol, those with alcohol use disorder might also go through periods over which they attempt to reduce or give up alcohol. It's common for people to know they want to quit but be overcome by their addiction and find they're unable to stop drinking.
Relationships and Work
Most people with an alcohol use disorder will experience a negative impact on their relationships. They will likely experience deteriorating relationships with family and friends and might have difficulty at work. Those with alcohol use disorder will continue to drink despite increased isolation and separation from loved ones. People with alcohol use disorder might reduce their participation in social events and become withdrawn over time.
Reasons for Drinking
People consume alcohol for various reasons. Some people might use it to cope with a difficult situation, such as a mental or medical illness. For others, drinking alcohol is learned from family culture or is genetic. Alcohol dependence can also develop from low self-esteem or a desire to be socially accepted. Though it has many possible causes, the physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal can be enough for some people to continue drinking heavily and start a dangerous cycle.
Takeaway
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Symptoms: How Does Alcohol Make You Feel?
Alcohol is often associated with euphoria, leading people to drink recreationally. However, heavy alcohol consumption can significantly impact a person's health and safety. Common symptoms associated with alcohol consumption include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Thirst
Headaches
Dizziness
Sweating
There is also an increased risk of injuries from drowning, violent acts, and motor vehicle accidents.
Over the long term, alcohol abuse can lead to physical illnesses that affect the liver, such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. These are serious illnesses that can lead to disability or death. Research also shows a connection between heavy alcohol use and heart disease, respiratory disease, and cancer.
Alcohol Abuse Correlates to Mental Illness
Alcohol abuse is strongly associated with mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, impaired cognition performance, and drug addiction.
Steps to Take for Signs in Others
Most people with alcohol use disorder do not seek treatment on their own. Given the high mortality rate associated with alcohol use disorder, friends and family members can be an important source of support and connection to treatment options for those with the disease.
Here are some steps you can take if you think someone you know may have an alcohol use disorder:
Approach them with compassion, not judgment.
Use "I" statements whenever possible. For example, "I feel scared for your health when you drink every night," rather than, "You always drink, and you're killing yourself."
Provide practical help, such as locating mental health professionals or treatment facilities.
Be prepared for the person to reject your concern or offers of support.
Seek out support for yourself through support groups or a mental health professional.
Most People Don't Seek Treatment
Fewer people seek out treatment for alcohol addiction than for any other mental illness. This means family and friends can play a significant role in helping people access the treatment they need.
Steps to Take if You're Abusing Alcohol
If you notice signs of alcohol use disorder in yourself based on the amount of alcohol you consume daily or weekly, or if you're drinking alcohol as a coping mechanism for life's challenges, talk to a healthcare provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional or help you develop a plan to begin treatment. Seeking mental health and medical advice offers a holistic approach to reducing or eliminating alcohol use.
Contact a Mental Health Professional
A mental health professional can help you recognize whether your habits are cause for concern. If you are abusing alcohol, a mental health professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan that includes an effective approach to treating alcoholism, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Seeking therapy can also keep you on track in your treatment goals and provide a supportive outlet and opportunity to learn healthy coping mechanisms that replace alcohol.
Contact a Medical Professional
A medical professional will monitor your physical health as you work through treatment plans. A medical professional can also prescribe you medications to help reduce your alcohol consumption. These medications might include:
Antabuse (disulfiram)
Vivitrol (naltrexone)
Campral (acamprosate)
These medicines work by reducing cravings, decreasing the impact of symptoms, and causing intolerable side effects upon alcohol consumption.
Find a Support Group
There are many group support options for those with alcohol use disorder. Attending a group can provide community and accountability and offer resources, tools, and coping techniques. Here are a few options to consider:
Alcoholics Anonymous: Offers nationwide daily support groups for people with alcohol use disorder.
Al-Anon: Offers support groups for family members of those with alcohol use disorder.
Herren Project: Offers free daily online support groups.
Summary
Alcohol addiction, clinically referred to as "alcohol use disorder," is a chronic illness in which people experience alcohol withdrawal, difficulty regulating consumption, tolerance development, and difficulty making sound judgments or controlling behaviors. It often affects a person's health, relationships, and work, yet they continue drinking heavily despite these negative impacts. If you or someone you know might be suffering from alcohol use disorder, seek mental and medical professional help to discuss resources and treatment plan options.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
