Signs of Alcoholism
Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Over 88,000 people die from alcohol related causes annually. In 2014, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for over 31 percent of overall driving fatalities.
At Huntington Beach Detox, we treat individuals who suffer from alcoholism and alcohol-use disorder. We have put together some symptoms and signs of alcoholism that may help you recognize if you or a loved one have a problem with alcohol and would benefit from and or/need a medically-assisted detox or an inpatient treatment program.
What is Alcoholism or Alcohol-Use Disorder?
Alcoholism is a progressive Brain Disease. It is the most serious form of problem drinking. Alcoholism describes an uncontrollable desire to drink. Individuals who suffer from alcoholism will place drinking above every other responsibility and obligation in their life, including work, family, and their social life. Overtime, individuals who are addicted to alcohol will build up a physical tolerance to alcoholism and will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking.
Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol-use disorder. Often times people drink alcohol on a spectrum – some people will have a drink every now and again, while others may exhibit forms of harmful drinking. Harmful drinking is an occasional pattern of drinking which can still damage your health. Harmful drinkers may binge drink, or drink too much one or two nights a week. In many instances, this pattern can develop into alcoholism.
Signs of Alcoholism or Alcohol-Use Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) – the medical definition of an alcohol-use disorder is listed in the below criteria. It is used as a guideline in order for an individual to identify with these symptoms and see if they do fall on the spectrum of alcohol-use disorder. A person with a mild alcohol-use disorder may identify with two or three of the 11 symptoms listed below, while a person with severe alcohol-use disorder will identify with six or more of the symptoms.
Below is a list of the 11 criteria’s that will help a person in identifying an issue with their alcohol-use :
Having cravings for alcohol
Continuing to drink even though it hurt relationships with friends and family
Cutting back on, or giving up, hobbies to consume more alcohol
Repeatedly being in situations where alcohol put one at risk of harm
Drinking more alcohol, or for longer, than intended
Trying to cut down or stop drinking but being unsuccessful
Having cravings for alcohol
Continuing to drink even though it hurt relationships with friends and family
Cutting back on, or giving up, hobbies to consume more alcohol
Repeatedly being in situations where alcohol put one at risk of harm
Drinking more alcohol, or for longer, than intended
Trying to cut down or stop drinking but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time drinking or feeling sick from a hangover or other aftereffects
Experiencing interference in daily life and relationships because of drinking or being sick from drinking too much
Having to consume more alcohol to experience the desired effects
Continuing to consume alcohol even though it worsens a health condition, including anxiety or depression
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol’s effects began to wear off
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Other Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism may Include:
- Drinking alone and hiding it from others
- Legal issues such as DUI’s or public intoxication
- Issues with relationships – including family, friendships, and romantic partnerships
- Missing work or other important events and/or showing up late on a consistent basis
- Not being able to manage the consumption of alcohol
- Not being able to have just “one” drink.
- Trying to practice moderation and failing
- Feeling irritable, depressed, or anxious when unable to drink or while drinking
- Sweating and nausea, even when not drinking
Many of the signs of alcoholism are difficult to pinpoint. Hopefully the above list will help you answer the question of “Am I an Alcoholic?.” However, many times, individuals are in denial about their alcohol use. They may not believe they have a true problem. The last person to realize that they have a problem with alcohol is someone with severe alcohol-use disorder. The individual may deny the existence of a problem or rationalize their drinking.
If you or a person you love exhibits the above signs of alcoholism – it is important for them to get treatment in order to address and heal their alcohol addiction.
Huntington Beach Detox consists of a team of experts who have been treating alcohol addiction for many years. If you or a loved one have questions about alcoholism or identify with the signs of alcoholism, please call us at (855) 790-7418 so we can help you heal from alcohol-use.