Odds are, a very clear image comes to mind when you think of an alcoholic. But not every alcoholic fits the stereotype so often portrayed in entertainment media or DARE classes. They’re famous, they’re talented, they’re wealthy – and they’ve also all struggled with alcoholism.

Is Alcoholism Genetic or Hereditary?

Alcoholism can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s professional and personal relationships. Frequent absences from work, decreased productivity, and poor performance are common signs of alcoholism. Furthermore, strained relationships, conflicts with family and friends, and a withdrawal from social activities may all indicate a person’s struggle with alcohol addiction. If the above signs present themselves, it may mean that the individual is suffering from alcohol addiction. Other signs can include worsening depression or anxiety in alcoholism. Many people who drink as a coping mechanism do so to deal with symptoms of these mental illnesses.

Functional alcoholics still face these risks despite appearing to maintain their lives. Unexplained bruises and scrapes may be observed more frequently, and alcoholics can have reduced platelet counts and other clotting factors, making them more likely to bruise. This is especially true when you consider the increased likelihood of them falling. Either way, fluctuations in a person’s appetite, as a result of alcohol consumption, can lead to changes in their weight. Alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates you every time you have a drink. Losing valuable fluid and nutrients from your body can lead to wrinkled, dry, puffy or just generally unhealthy-looking skin.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Before the DTs

• Alcohol can have a damaging effect on many aspects of our lives, even if we only consume it in small amounts.
• Inpatient treatment simply means that the patient lives within the rehab facility during their recovery.
• This person is unable to control how much they drink or how often they drink.
• While alcoholism is a complex disease and diagnosing it isn’t an exact science, several signs and symptoms can indicate when your drinking has crossed the line into addiction.

There are different stages of alcoholism and different ways that excessive use of alcohol can make itself apparent in someone’s life. This inconsistent misuse of alcohol was plenty dangerous, despite Joel lacking the “traditional” signs of alcoholism. Like many people, Joel used alcohol as a coping mechanism for hard events in his life. Although not purely physical, it’s important to mention environmental factors. Stress, trauma, and the availability of alcohol can interact with biological predispositions to influence the risk of developing alcohol addiction.

How Many Times in the Past Year Have You …

Alcoholism is a chronic health concern just like heart disease or high blood pressure. It can be caused by multiple factors including genetic, social, psychological, and environmental risks. While it can’t be cured, AUD can be managed with proper treatment, including detox, counseling, medication, and support groups. Seeking treatment can help a person recover from the physical effects of heavy drinking and can A Guide To Sober House Rules: What You Need To Know even save their life. Alcoholism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Poor Blood Circulation

• Recognizing them and seeking the right treatment can make a world of difference on your path to recovery.
• Another one of the clearest characteristics of an alcoholic is the inability to stop drinking.
• Alcoholism is a term that is sometimes used to describe what is known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• They may not realize this is a concern until someone points it out.
• Jada Pinkett Smith, quoted above, is a prime example of this behavior.

You will likely need therapy to help you understand your addiction and to help you avoid relapsing in the future. While alcohol detox addresses your body’s physical dependence on alcohol, alcohol rehab addresses your mind’s psychological dependence. When someone reaches this third stage, they will likely show most of the signs of alcohol addiction. They will probably have developed health problems related to their drinking. During this time, the person will maintain their alcohol consumption and may drink heavily.

An Alcoholic Is Someone Who Has a Physical and Mental Dependence on Alcohol.

People with severe liver disease have a yellowish color to their skin and eyes. They typically have stomach pain, itchy skin, dark urine, swelling in the legs, nausea and lethargy. Alcoholics can become inattentive to personal hygiene and have a disheveled appearance when abusing substances. They may not realize this is a concern until someone points it out. Poor physical care and an unkempt appearance are serious problems if this issue affects the workplace, social circles or family life. They may lose feelings of hunger or no longer have a desire for food, as their focus shifts to alcohol.

When you do go out together, they may seem anxious to begin drinking. It is likely they may also show signs of irritability when their access to alcohol is delayed. Once they can consume alcohol, an alcoholic will seem much more at ease.

Personalized and holistic treatment

If you are worried that your or a loved one’s drinking has become out of control, then contact a treatment provider today. One of the most visible physical characteristics of alcoholism is a persistently red or flushed facial complexion, often concentrated on the nose and cheeks. This condition, known as alcoholic redness or “alcoholic nose”, results from the enlargement of blood vessels and increased blood flow caused by excessive alcohol consumption over time. If all these physical symptoms are not enough for any alcoholic to deal with, there are still more. Alcoholics have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, all of which are helped along by chronic, heavy alcohol use. Epilepsy, seizures, nerve damage and a tingling https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ sensation in the extremities are other hazards.

While an alcoholic nose may seem like a superficial concern, it serves as a visible warning sign of the damaging effects of alcohol abuse on the body. The long-term health risks of alcoholism are severe, including an increased risk of liver disease, heart problems, certain cancers, and brain function deterioration. Even “functional” alcoholics cannot escape the physical toll over time. Seeking professional treatment through comprehensive detox and rehabilitation programs is crucial to regain control and prevent irreversible damage. If you or a loved one exhibit these characteristics, know that help is available.