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Nearly 17.6 million adults in the United States are alcoholics or, at the very least, struggle with alcohol abuse.
People who abuse alcohol may have many of the same signs and symptoms as people who have full-blown alcoholism. However, people who abuse alcohol are not completely addicted to it, and they may not feel as much of a compulsion to drink. While there may not be physical withdrawal symptoms present when they do not drink, alcohol abuse can still cause serious problems. As with alcoholism, the person may not be able to quit drinking without help.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to people’s health; thankfully, there are usually warning signs that indicate both alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
• Physical indications ( red, flushed cheeks or face), intense appetite, and periods of hyperactivity, elation, uncontrolled behavior, high energy, or sleep disturbances
• Behavioral changes such as uninhibited talking, abusive or inappropriate language, hostile or uncooperative attitude, acting deceitful and secretive, being socially withdrawn, depressed, and emotionally unstable, practicing poor hygiene, lacking motivation, and becoming lethargic, driving recklessly, or acting loud and obnoxious
• Change in personal habits such as a refusal to shoulder responsibilities at home, poor performance in school or workplace, returning home late at night, and smelling of alcohol and chewing gum to mask the smell
• Change in external circumstances such as financial problems cropping up; a person may sell items of value just to buy alcohol
Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism and alcoholism is a serious, life-threatening disease.
When alcohol abuse progresses to alcoholism, the person may frequently vomit, sweat, and get headaches and stomach aches. Their health continues to deteriorate and, in serious cases, they may develop frequent “sicknesses”, feeling nauseous, always having colds or “allergies”, sores in the mouth, and may even have seizures and/or convulsions.
• Irresistible craving for more and more drinks
• Loss of control – not being able to stop once drinking has begun and unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed when drinking
• Physical dependence – feeling a strong need or compulsion to drink and experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, sweating, or shakiness after stopping drinking
• Increased tolerance – drinking greater amounts in order to experience the same pleasure or high
• Blacking out, in other words, not remembering conversations or commitments
• Making a ritual of having drinks at certain times and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
• Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure
• Irritability when the usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol is not available
• Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in your car
• Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal"
These symptoms may be worse in the morning and an alcoholic may resort to drinking first thing in the morning in an effort to manage their symptoms. This behavior certainly indicates a physical dependence on alcohol. Gradually, due to the compulsion to drink, there may be increasing problems at home and in the work place.
An alcoholic typically becomes defensive when advised to control their drinking and sometimes resorts to drinking in secret. Forgetfulness and blackouts may become the norm and interfere with daily life. The alcoholic seeks pleasure only in drinking rather than in family activities, hobbies, or work. The alcoholic may stockpile alcohol at home or carry a drink into the car to ensure being able to drink frequently and in a continued effort to get the desired feelings and satisfaction.
• Find a calm moment and communicate to the person about the effects of their drinking on daily life for everyone
• Discover whether or not the drinker is motivated to give up on alcohol; emphasizing the harm of drinking is not only for the alcoholic but also for everyone else in the drinker’s life
• Confirm that the alcoholic wants to quit drinking
• If the drinker is willing, accompany them to visit a health care professional or to attend a counseling session
• Outline the family’s plans to cooperate and support them in their recovery because family and friends also have work to do as part of recovery
• Encourage the drinker to participate in group and community activities and ask for help
Exercise has numerous benefits as well because it builds positive thinking and helps to combat the desire for alcohol. The drinker should avoid becoming isolated and may want to attend a twelve-step group like Alcoholics Anonymous for help and support. If someone is closer to full-fledged alcoholic level, it may be necessary to check him or her into a rehabilitation center to help with the physical withdrawal and to prepare him or her to a life without drinking alcohol.
Relapse is unfortunately a common part of alcoholism. It sometimes requires multiple visits to rehabilitation clinics before an alcoholic can abstain from drinking. It is important to offer encouragement, not criticism, so the alcoholic can get back on track in case of a relapse.
Treatment and Recovery
Anyone who is preoccupied by thoughts of drinking, feeling concerned about their inability to quit drinking, or who has been warned about the amount of alcohol they consume and/or frequency of their drinking, needs to seek help as soon as possible. The first step may be to talk to a trusted friend or family member. Next, the person should share the problem honestly with a health care provider. A health care provider or doctor may be able to help because not only because they can educate the alcoholic about alcohol’s effects on their health, but they may also provide useful tips about how to quit drinking.
A health care professional can guide the drinker as far as cutting down the number of drinks consumed or they can help create a plan to stop all together. Stopping suddenly may be harmful and nonrealistic so it is important to make a specific plan. The drinker may be referred to a community alcohol service.
Outlook
Alcoholism is a serious illness that can lead to death. Long-term consumption of alcohol can cause long-term chronic health effects. For instance, excessive drinking of alcohol has been linked to stomach and bowel cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, liver failure and many other conditions. Drinking alcohol excessively also brings a rapid decline to a person’s mental health and thinking.
There are several self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and groups like Al-Anon and Alateen Family Groups that offer help to the families of alcoholics. Joining one of these groups can help the alcoholic, as well as their friends and family, to meet others who have been successful in quitting drinking.
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