ALCOHOL REHAB
Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction: A Critical Health Threat
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a pervasive condition that infiltrates every aspect of an individual’s and their family’s life, posing significant risks to both physical health and psychological well-being. Chronic and compulsive consumption of alcohol often leads to devastating consequences, including liver disease, cognitive impairments, severe psychological disorders and other symptoms.
For families and friends of people struggling with alcoholism, recognising the signs and symptoms is the first step towards seeking help and regaining control over life.
The psychological, physical, and behavioural symptoms of alcohol addiction always leave an imprint on the life of the addict and their family.
Psychological Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse - its Effect on Brain
The psychological impact of alcoholism is profound and multifaceted. Chronic alcohol consumption affects the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly those related to dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for regulating mood, emotions, and cognition.
Alcohol disrupts the brain’s reward system by causing an exaggerated release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain becomes less responsive to dopamine, leading to increased alcohol consumption to achieve the same pleasurable effects. This process can result in chronic addiction and significant changes in brain chemistry, making recovery more difficult.
Also, it’s important to note that alcohol is a neurotoxin causing damage to neurons through prolonged exposure to certain neurotransmitters. This results in a significant brain shrinkage – in other words reduction in brain matter, particularly in regions associated with memory and higher cognitive functions, leading to long-term cognitive impairments. This damage can become severe enough to contribute to conditions like alcohol-related dementia, which accounts for approximately 10% of all dementia cases.
This disruption can lead to a range of psychological symptoms that progressively worsen with continued alcohol use.
Psychological Signs of Alcohol Addiction
- Depression - Alcohol is a depressant, and chronic use can lead to or exacerbate depressive symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, prolonged sadness, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Anxiety - Paradoxically, while some may initially use alcohol to alleviate anxiety, long-term use can heighten anxiety levels, leading to panic attacks and constant feelings of dread.
- Cognitive Impairment - Alcohol abuse can impair cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and decision-making abilities, often leading to confusion and difficulty concentrating..
- Irritability and Mood Swings - The emotional instability caused by alcohol addiction can lead to unpredictable mood swings and increased irritability, often straining relationships with loved ones.
- Paranoia and Delusions - In severe cases, alcohol-induced psychosis can occur, characterised by delusions and paranoia, where the individual may believe they are being persecuted or watched.
Physical Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholism takes a severe toll on the body, manifesting in a range of physical symptoms that can indicate chronic alcohol abuse. These symptoms of alcohol addiction not only signal the presence of an alcohol use disorder but also highlight the potential for severe and life-threatening health issues.
- Liver Damage - One of the most well-known consequences of alcohol abuse is liver damage, which can progress from fatty liver disease to alcoholic hepatitis and ultimately cirrhosis, a life-threatening condition.
- Cardiovascular Issues - Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Gastrointestinal Problems - Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, leading to gastritis, ulcers, and an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Neuropathy - Long-term alcohol use can damage the peripheral nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness, a condition known as alcoholic neuropathy.
- Weakened Immune System - Alcohol suppresses the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Weight Fluctuations - Alcohol abuse can lead to significant weight gain or loss due to poor nutrition and metabolic changes.
Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Behavioural changes are often among the first indicators of alcohol abuse, as the compulsion to drink begins to dominate the individual’s life.
These behaviours can be subtle at first but often become more pronounced as the addiction deepens.
- Increased Tolerance - Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects is a key behavioural sign of developing addiction.
- Neglect of Responsibilities - Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home due to drinking or recovering from its effects.
- Secretive Drinking - Hiding alcohol consumption or lying about the quantity consumed is a common behaviour among those struggling with addiction.
- Social Withdrawal - Gradual withdrawal from social activities, often due to prioritising drinking over social interactions.
- Legal and Financial Problems - Alcohol addiction can lead to financial difficulties due to excessive spending on alcohol, as well as legal issues such as DUI arrests.
- Risky Behaviours - Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence, such as driving, operating machinery, or having unprotected sex.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Alcohol Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best alcohol treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
When an individual with alcohol dependence abruptly stops drinking, their body, which has become accustomed to the presence of alcohol, reacts negatively. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening without proper medical supervision.
During alcohol withdrawal, the brain, which has adapted to the constant presence of alcohol, undergoes significant stress. This can lead to the over-activation of neurotransmitters, resulting in symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs). These severe withdrawal symptoms highlight the dangerous signs of physiological dependence that alcohol can create. Other withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors - Shaking, particularly in the hands, is one of the most common signs of alcohol withdrawal.
- Sweating - Profuse sweating without any apparent cause is another symptom of withdrawal.
- Anxiety and Agitation - Intense anxiety and agitation are common during withdrawal as the brain attempts to adjust to the absence of alcohol.
- Nausea and Vomiting - Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, often accompanies withdrawal.
- Seizures - In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures, which require immediate medical attention.
- Delirium Tremens (DTs) - This is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, characterised by confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and fever. It is a medical emergency that requires hospitalisation.
Treating Alcohol Addiction
Treatment for alcohol addiction involves a comprehensive approach, often requiring medical and psychological interventions. Key treatment strategies include:
- Detoxification - Medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Therapy - Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other counselling methods to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
- Support Groups - Participation in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for peer support.
- Medication - In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Lifestyle Changes - Encouraging healthy habits, such as regular exercise and nutrition, to support recovery.
- Aftercare - Ongoing support to prevent relapse, including continued therapy and support group attendance.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
