Signs of Alcoholism: Recognizing the Red Flags and Seeking Help

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive substance abuse disorder that seriously harms a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Alcoholism can be deadly, but the signs of alcoholism are easy to identify once you know what to look for.

The good news is that alcoholism responds well to treatment, and although it cannot be cured, its progression can be stopped. With proper alcohol addiction treatment, a person with alcoholism can live a satisfying, productive life.

In this article, we’ll go into depth about recognizing the signs of alcoholism. We’ll explore alcohol addiction, its definition, and its many risk factors. We’ll also look at the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, discuss high-functioning alcoholism, hereditary influences, treatment options, and when to seek help.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcoholism, also called alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical disorder in which a person can’t stop or control their alcohol use, even though their drinking habits are harming them. An alcoholic may experience severe consequences of drinking alcohol but will remain unable to quit drinking.

Alcohol addiction is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism as “compulsive alcohol drinking regardless of the outcomes, the loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when alcohol is not available.” A person struggling with alcohol addiction will continue to drink, even when their drinking is causing them grave harm.

Visible Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

The following behavioral changes are typically the first noticeable indicator that a person has a drinking problem. A person doesn’t need to have all of the following conditions to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol addiction.

• Inability to stop or moderate drinking. A person struggling with alcoholism won’t quit drinking, even though they’ve begun to experience negative consequences of their alcohol consumption. These problems can include DUIs or other legal charges, declining performance at work or school, increasing conflicts in relationships, and declining mental health.
• Drinking for stress relief. Drinking is an alcoholic’s go-to stress reliever and eventually becomes their only means of reducing stress and anxiety.
• Binge drinking. A person suffering from alcohol addiction may be a very high-performing employee or student during the week but drink heavily on weekends. This is one characteristic of a high-functioning alcoholic.
• Defensiveness about drinking. People living with alcoholism are guarded about their drinking and may become defensive or angry if you suggest they reduce their alcohol intake. Alternatively, they may deflect or avoid discussing their drinking habits altogether.
• Increased tolerance. The person may develop a high tolerance for drinking which causes them to drink more to achieve the relief they are looking for..
• Personality changes. People suffering from alcohol use disorders sometimes experience a radical transformation in their personality when intoxicated.
• Secretiveness. A person struggling with alcohol abuse disorder will be evasive or secretive about their drinking habits.

Physical Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder harms a person’s health in many ways, but the following physical signs of alcoholism are particularly serious.

• Cravings: Intense cravings for alcohol are one of the most significant symptoms of alcoholism.
• Tolerance: Over time, a person’s body will adapt to the amount of alcohol being regularly consumed. This adaptation forces the person to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to get the same effect.
• Withdrawal: When alcohol consumption is reduced, slowed, or stopped, withdrawal symptoms like nausea, cramps, hand tremors, and anxiety can develop. When heavy drinkers stop drinking abruptly, they may experience a dangerous withdrawal condition called delirium tremens—the DTs. DTs can involve hallucinations, whole body tremors, dangerous spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, and seizures.
• Hangovers and Health Issues: Frequent hangovers are a common sign of alcohol addiction. Both binge drinking and prolonged heavy drinking contribute to health issues, including liver damage, heart problems, and compromised immune function. Redness of the skin, a flushed face, and broken blood vessels are visible indicators of alcohol’s impact.
• Weight Changes: Changes in a person’s weight and appetite are common in alcohol abuse disorder. Alcohol is full of calories and disrupts blood sugar levels, which can cause weight gain. For others, alcohol abuse will cause weight loss and a decreased appetite, as heavy drinking can ulcerate the lining of the digestive tract, making it hard for the body to absorb nutrients.
• Impaired Cognitive Function: Chronic alcohol use impairs cognitive abilities, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making. Slurred speech, poor coordination, and blackouts are signs of alcohol’s impact on the central nervous system.

Social Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcohol addiction’s impact on a person’s social life is vast, often resulting in observable changes in behavior and interactions. Recognizing the social signs and symptoms of alcoholism is vital for understanding the toll it takes on relationships and guiding individuals toward recovery.

• Social life centered on drinking. Their social life always involves alcohol. They usually avoid social activities that do not include alcohol.
• Isolation and Withdrawal: Those struggling with alcohol addiction will likely withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves from friends and family. They may become increasingly distant, avoiding gatherings and events they once enjoyed.
• Erratic Social Behavior: Alcohol can lead to unpredictable behavior in social settings. Individuals may exhibit mood swings, aggression, or inappropriate behavior, straining relationships and creating awkward situations.
• Legal and Financial Issues: Alcohol-related incidents can lead to legal troubles such as DUIs. Financial strain due to spending on alcohol can lead to further financial losses.
• Damaged relationships: Personal and professional relationships suffer as alcoholism progresses. Close relationships start to fall apart, and individuals may lose everyone they once relied on for emotional support.

What is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who appears to manage their life successfully while fighting alcohol addiction in private. A functional alcoholic may be an outstanding employee, parent, or partner, but their relationship with alcohol is toxic and will lead them to an eventual collapse.

Many high-functioning alcoholics have a high tolerance for alcohol and can temporarily live and work without the same intensity of problems other alcoholics have, building the illusion they can “naturally” drink without consequences.

However, the physical impact of alcohol remains the same, and tolerance will set in, requiring a high-functioning alcoholic to consume more alcohol to get the same effects. The progressive escalation in alcohol use will eventually destroy even high-functioning alcoholics’ coping abilities.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is affected by a person’s genetic, environmental, and social environments.

• Family history & genetics: Having a family history of substance addiction makes a person more prone to developing alcohol addiction themselves. However, no gene or set of genes is known to cause alcoholism on their own.
• Early Alcohol Use: Early, regular alcohol consumption as an adolescent makes a person vulnerable to alcohol dependency. Binge drinking in a person’s teens and young adult years is also highly associated with developing alcohol dependency.
• Environmental & social factors: Exposure to heavy drinking during a person’s early years can normalize excessive drinking habits, increasing the likelihood of alcohol addiction. Stressful environments, peer pressure, trauma, and a lack of healthy coping skills can also be contributors to developing alcoholism. People with limited social support are also more prone to alcohol addiction.
• Mental Health Concerns: Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, amplify the risk of alcohol addiction. Individuals may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication, unknowingly intensifying the problem.

When and How to Ask for Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, reaching out for help is the first step towards a healthier, happier life. One of the best ways to start is to contact a rehab center. Rehab facilities often offer a free, confidential assessment to identify what level of care you or your loved one needs, such as residential rehab, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or detox.

Effective Treatment for Alcoholism at NuLife Behavioral Health

NuLife Behavioral Health offers evidence-based therapies and comprehensive treatment programs for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health concerns. Our treatment approaches include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. We also offer a dual diagnosis program to address co-occurring mental health disorders.

Our evidence-based therapies include:

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): NuLife’s IOP allows individuals to receive structured treatment while maintaining daily responsibilities. This flexible approach includes group therapy, individual counseling, and skill-building sessions.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): A PHP provides structured behavioral therapy much like a residential rehab program, except that PHP participants go home in the evenings. Partial hospitalization programs offer a middle ground between an inpatient residential level of care and regular outpatient care.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: At NuLife, everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. Expert clinicians create personalized treatment plans that cater to specific needs, addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects of alcohol dependency. Including:
  • Dual Diagnosis Support: NuLife’s dual diagnosis program offers specialized, holistic care for co-occurring disorders.
  • Individual Counseling: One-on-one counseling provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore underlying issues, triggers, and coping mechanisms. Licensed professionals guide clients in developing strategies to manage cravings and build healthier lifestyles.
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy fosters a sense of community and belonging. Sharing experiences and insights with peers facing similar challenges helps individuals develop interpersonal skills, gain support, and learn from one another.
  • Family Therapy: NuLife understands the importance of involving loved ones in recovery. Family therapy sessions facilitate open communication, address family dynamics, and provide a supportive environment for healing.

NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana provides a compassionate and comprehensive approach to treating alcohol dependency. Our evidence-based therapies, emphasis on personalized care, and commitment to long-term recovery make us a trusted partner in the journey toward a healthier, alcohol-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Signs of Alcoholism and Treatment at NuLife Behavioral Health

Can alcohol addiction be cured?

While alcohol addiction cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed through treatment, long-term support, and lifestyle changes. A person with alcohol addiction can live as fulfilling a life as anyone else, with consistent and appropriate treatment.

How significant is family involvement in the recovery process?

Family therapy at NuLife is crucial in addressing family dynamics, rebuilding relationships, and providing a supportive environment for recovery.

What is the role of dual diagnosis in alcohol addiction treatment?

Dual diagnosis addresses co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder and depression. Dual diagnosis ensures a comprehensive approach to treatment and better long-term outcomes by supporting the recovery process and mental health process

What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment?

NuLife offers outpatient programs like the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), allowing individuals to receive structured treatment for alcohol abuse disorders while living at home and maintaining daily responsibilities.

How long does alcohol addiction treatment typically last?

Treatment duration varies based on individual needs and progress. NuLife’s programs focus on providing support and skills for long-term recovery.

Can I still work or go to school while undergoing treatment?

NuLife’s flexible treatment options, like the IOP, enable individuals to continue their daily responsibilities while receiving essential care.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders