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Symptoms of Alcoholism

Behavioral Changes

The immediate physical effects of drinking alcohol range from mild mood changes to complete loss of coordination, vision, balance, and speech -- any of which can be signals of the temporary systemic poisoning known as acute alcohol intoxication, or drunkenness. Alcoholism is insidious among young people and the elderly, in part because the symptoms are not easily recognized until the affected person becomes truly alcohol dependent. Additional behavioral changes include:

Blaming Others

The condition is complicated by denial: Alcoholics employ a range of psychological maneuvers to blame their problems on something other than drink, creating significant barriers to recovery. Historically, alcoholic behavior was blamed on a character flaw or weakness of will; many authorities now consider chronic alcoholism a disease that can afflict anyone. An alcoholic feels annoyed when criticized about drinking and will keep and hide alcohol in unlikely places in order to not be detected.

Cravings

Consumed in excess, alcohol is poisonous. Chronic alcoholism is a progressive, potentially fatal disease, characterized by an incessant craving for, increased tolerance of, physical dependence upon, and loss of control over drinking alcohol. Physical dependence on alcohol may or may not be obvious to other people. While some chronic alcoholics get very drunk, others exercise enough control to give the appearance of coping with everyday affairs in a near-normal way. The alcoholic's continual craving for alcohol makes abstinence -- an important goal of treatment -- extremely difficult.

Dangerous Behavior

Alcohol is a factor in a majority of homicides, suicides, and traffic accidents. Alcohol abuse also plays a role in many social and domestic problems, from job absenteeism and crimes against property to spousal and child abuse.

Denial

An alcoholic believes that he/she is control of the situation. Recognizing the problem is the first step to the treatment. Therefore, understanding and accepting the symptoms are crucial. Alcoholism is a serious disease and it is best cured if treated in its early stages

Family

The alcoholic will often begin to isolate him or herself both physically and emotionally in order to avoid criticism about drinking. Family and friends will notice that major social engagements will be ruined or missed entirely. Getting drunk at the exact wrong moment is another one of those clear alcoholism symptoms that may often be excused by loved ones who don't wish to face the truth. The alcoholic is often in denial about his or her situation and given enough time the surrounding family can adapt to the unhealthy behavior, accepting the abnormal as normal.

Inability To Stop Drinking

A true alcoholic will continue to consume alcohol despite physical and mental difficulties. Expressing a desire to quit and yet unable to do so is an indicator of alcohol dependency. One sign that people often miss is the increased tolerance for alcohol. Alcoholics often attribute their ability to drink excessively large amounts of alcohol to "holding their liquor".

Physical Damage

Large amounts of blood alcohol can impair brain function and eventually cause unconsciousness. Alcoholism can lead to a number of physical ailments, including hypoglycemia, brain and heart damage, enlarged blood vessels in the skin, chronic gastritis, and pancreatitis. Alcoholism can lead to impotence in men, damage to the fetus in pregnant women, and an elevated risk of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract.

Because many alcoholics cannot afford to eat properly, they are likely to have nutritional deficiencies. Heavy drinkers typically have impaired liver function and develop cirrhosis. Vitamins can not be absorbed properly. Deficiency of vitamin B12 (thiamine) causes loss of memory and abnormal co-ordination which can be fatal if it is left untreated. Anemia can occur due to iron and folic acid deficiency. Large doses of alcohol can raise blood pressure and cause heart problems.

Physical Symptoms

Alcoholism is a disease and alcoholism symptoms are indicators that the disease is present in the mind and body. Other physical symptoms may include:

Psychological Damage

Alcoholism is a disease of the mind. Alcohol is often abused to self medicate anxiety, depression, irritability and sleep disorders but these conditions are worsened by drinking. This vicious cycle increases the amount of drinking as the psychological problems become increasingly traumatic and drinking is continued to numb the pain. Alcoholics will often deny having alcoholism symptoms and may drink in secret to cover-up the problem. Dramatic mood swings and aggression also accompany alcoholic drinking.

Upbringing

Alcoholism seems to be caused by a blend of genetic, physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors that vary among individuals. Genetic factors are considered crucial: A given person's risk of becoming an alcoholic is greater if a parent is alcoholic.

Work Environment

The job is usually one of the last things to go in the progression of alcoholism. The alcohol abuser tries very hard to not drink at work but as the disease of alcoholism increases, the morning drinks to calm the shakes and the couple of drinks for lunch start to grow in number. It may start with an afternoon off here and there but pretty soon major work obligations become difficult or go unfulfilled. Ultimately, the alcohol abuser may be disciplined or fired.