Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a serious problem affecting nearly 18% of all Americans at some time in their lives. There are several factors which can make a person more susceptible to an addiction to alcohol. These include a family history of alcohol addiction, a personal history of mental illness, high levels of stress or major life changes. Peer pressure can even play a role in the development of an addiction to alcohol. Moderate drinking is defined as 1 to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. How do you know when someone has exceeded that threshold of moderate consumption? For loved ones, it can be hard to identify when a family member is one of the nearly 14 million Americans suffering from alcohol abuse or dependence. Alcoholism is a progressive disease with at least four defined stages. It is important to recognize the signs in the early stages to increase the chances of recovery and help reduce the physical side effects of prolonged excessive alcohol consumption. Knowing the signs, from the earliest stages through to the most severe cases, can put you in a better position to recognize when someone you care about may be suffering from an alcohol addiction. In the earliest stages, alcoholism exhibits as a strong need or desire to drink, along with an increasing consumption being required to feel the effects of the alcohol. You may also see that your loved one has difficulty limiting their consumption over a period of time or during an event. When alcohol intake is limited, you may begin to notice some early withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and nausea. As alcoholism progresses, you may notice your loved one sneaking drinks before a social event, seeking out additional opportunities to attend events in which alcohol is served, and unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking. The second stage can also bring about increased frequency of blackouts as alcohol consumption increases to greater amounts. If your loved one has already progressed into the third or fourth stage of alcoholism, replacement of food and other necessities with alcohol may begin. You could see an increase in excuses being made for their alcohol consumption or noticeable avoidance of family members and friends. With this isolation comes a decline in morality, increased hostilities, and a progressive loss of control. Although alcoholism has no known cure, recovery is certainly possible with the help of family, friends, and medical professionals. A thorough recovery requires a strong support system within the family, as well as counseling, medical care, and education about their dependence. Rehabilitation centers can be found which specialize in this kind of treatment. There are also programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous which allow for recovering alcoholics to attend group meetings with others who have been experiencing many of the same struggles. Often, simply knowing they are not alone can help to motivate a recovering alcoholic to stay sober. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, seek help right away.