How to Notice Alcohol Addiction Symptoms

Do you find you have to drink a lot more than you used to in order to feel good? Does it take a lot more alcohol than it used to to get you drunk? Both of these symptoms suggest that you have developed at least some measure of tolerance. It is a warning sign that you need to get help.

Exhibiting signs of withdrawal is another physical symptom of alcohol addiction. When an alcohol addict goes without drinking for an extended amount of time, certain things start to happen in his/her body. For example, many alcohol addicts experience the shakes first thing in the morning. The shakes are a common symptom of withdrawal. Other withdrawal symptoms include things such as anxiety, irritability, headaches, sweating, loss of appetite and fatigue.

And the Psychological Alcohol Addiction Symptoms?

The second category of alcohol addiction symptoms is psychological in nature. We begin with how the drinker views alcohol and his or her own drinking habits.

An alcohol addict needs alcohol to feel relaxed. He or she also tends to lie about drinking habits as a result of feeling guilty or ashamed about what’s going on. Despite family members and friends expressing concern, the alcohol addict continues to drink anyway. This may be accompanied by claims of being able to quit any time.

Another important psychological symptom is repeatedly neglecting responsibilities at home, work, and school. These problems may eventually lead to financial difficulties and relationship problems with spouses and partners. Legal problems are also a very real possibility.

Are there alcohol addiction symptoms family members can look for?

The alcohol addiction symptoms listed above are intended to help the alcoholic understand his or her problem. As a family member or close friend, you can look for those symptoms as well. But you can look for additional symptoms the alcoholic is unable to recognise.

One of the most common such symptoms is the tendency of the alcohol addict to hide alcohol in various locations around the home or at work. You might open the bottom drawer of your desk to find a bottle of spirits. You might be up in the loft where you find several bottles hidden away in boxes in the corner. Hiding alcohol is a tell-tale sign of addiction.

Another symptom to look for is a loss of social interaction. Alcohol addicts tend to become gradually more isolated due to their own shame and fear. They withdraw from family events, they stop spending time with friends, and they begin drinking alone more frequently.

What do I do if I recognise any of the symptoms?

Alcohol addiction symptoms are not unlike the symptoms of any other medical condition or disease. They are reason to step back, take an honest look at what is going on, and seek professional help. If you notice any of the above signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is time to stop and be honest with yourself.

Being willing to admit an alcohol problem exists is the first step toward healing. Displaying a significant number of the above symptoms is a strong indicator that a person has a drinking problem. Accept that fact and begin taking the steps necessary to address it.

We recommend you reach out to us and speak with one of our trained counsellors. We can help you go through the complete list of recognised symptoms and more clearly define how serious the alcohol problem you are dealing with actually is. We can help you understand the kinds of treatments that you or your loved one would most benefit from. We can even refer you to a treatment centre in your local area.

How are symptoms addressed in treatment?

Alcohol addiction treatment exists as a three-part exercise consisting of detox, therapy, and aftercare. The physical symptoms of alcohol addiction are addressed in detox. Keep in mind that detox begins the healing process by helping the alcoholic separate him or herself from alcohol. This inevitably leads to withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms in a medically supervised setting can be addressed by making the alcoholic as comfortable as possible. Doctors and/or nurses remain on hand to monitor the individual just in case any sort of medical emergency arises. When appropriate, prescription medications may be used to better manage withdrawal.

The psychological symptoms of alcohol addiction are addressed through alcohol rehab therapies. Both outpatient and residential treatment clinics can use a variety of therapies tailored to each individual. The point of these therapies is to get to the root of the addictive behaviour. It is to uncover why the alcohol addict behaves the way he or she does, followed by developing strategies for overcoming addictive behaviour.

Let’s Talk about Your Symptoms

As previously stated, this article is not intended to be a substitute for sound medical advice. Having said that, you may have recognised some of the symptoms in yourself or someone you care about. We are here to help you if that is the case. Reach out to us so we can spend some time talking with you about your symptoms.

If you or your loved one exhibits several of the alcohol addiction symptoms listed above, it is entirely possible that professional treatment and support will be necessary to heal. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Addiction is a medical problem requiring medical treatment. We hope you make the decision to contact us so that we can help you find and access the medical treatment you need. We do what we do because we want you to get well. Would you let us help?