Addiction to Alcohol Symptoms

Are you or a loved one experiencing addiction to alcohol symptoms? Learn about detox and rehab options.

Alcohol abuse and addiction can have a very negative impact on your health and life, and while it may temporarily seem to make your problems disappear, you will eventually have new problems to contend with. The adverse effects of alcohol addiction may take time to surface for you to be aware of them. There are over sixty different diseases that are directly linked to alcohol abuse and addiction, and some damage to the brain and body may be permanent. If you are an alcoholic you can receive recovery treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction. You can also learn how to help an alcoholic friend or relative get the proper help they need to recover.

Some of the many problems that alcohol addiction brings are family problems, work or school related problems, financial loss, accidents, and legal and social problems. Alcohol is toxic to the cells of the body, and it can create havoc on the alcoholic’s health. It is important to know and recognize the symptoms of alcohol addiction before permanent damage occurs in the body. Some addiction to alcohol symptoms include:

• Delayed reflexes
• Blackouts or loss of consciousness
• Stumbling and poor balance
• Slurred speech
• Redness of the face
• Unable to stop drinking or reduce intake
• Binge drinking
• Neglectful of duties and responsibilities
• Dangerous or risky behavior
• Violent outbursts

Addiction to alcohol symptoms also includes hangovers, and the addict will need longer periods of time to recuperate as his drinking problem increases. If the alcoholic’s body builds up a tolerance to alcohol, he will need to drink more to get the same effects as before. If you, or a loved one, are increasing your intake of alcohol, you may have a tolerance problem. As the alcohol problem progresses the alcoholic may have trouble thinking clearly, concentrating and performing tasks, and be unable to make a distinction between subjects to make correct choices. These problems will interfere with many activities he has to perform, and can cause dangerous accidents.

Addiction to alcohol is considered a physical and psychological disorder, and there are different levels of severity depending on how much a person drinks and how often. Some of the physical and psychological symptoms of alcohol addiction are:

• The alcoholic may become depressed because alcohol is a depressant.
• Liver disease is a major problem of alcohol addiction
• Pancreatitis is another serious problem caused by chronic drinking
• Dementia may occur from chronic drinking because alcohol shrinks the brain. The addict can experience memory loss and executive functions of the brain can be impaired
• Cardiovascular disease can be caused by heavy or binge drinking. Problems include heart attack, blood clots, stroke, cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.
• Nerve damage, also known as alcoholic neuropathy, can result in muscle weakness, constipations, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and numbness in the extremities.

Treatment for alcohol abuse should be taken seriously and withdrawal should never be attempted alone. Withdrawal symptoms can cause serious complications that can be life threatening, and detox should only be done at a drug rehab center. The treatment for alcohol abuse should include a supervised medical detox process performed by addiction specialists who are knowledgeable and experienced in alcohol withdrawal. The patient will be monitored and kept safe throughout the procedure and medications can be administered to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Some of the withdrawal effects of alcohol addiction are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Tremors or convulsions
• Agitation and anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) lists different medications that can assist in the treatment of alcohol addiction, such as: Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram. Along with psychological counseling, behavioral therapies and relapse prevention, the recovering alcoholic can be equipped to lead a sober and fulfilling life. If you need recovery treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction, you should contact a drug rehab center and begin treatment immediately.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.