Alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder is excessive and chronic consumption of alcoholic drinks. Alcohol addiction encourages users to drink even when they cause significant problems, particularly in their relationships with friends and family.
Alcohol abuse can be destructive to your health and your relationships with loved ones. Alcohol use disorders can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and liver failure.
Alcohol use disorder can also increase your risk of developing mental health problems that coexist with addiction. This includes depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders is the name of this condition.
How would you tell if someone you love is consuming alcohol in a chronic manner? This article may answer your question. Here are some signs and symptoms to help you determine if you, or someone you love, is suffering from alcoholism. Continue reading to learn more.
Seek professional help immediately if you or someone close to you is suffering from alcoholism. Contact any local rehab center in your area. Plus, you may visit online resources like https://www.jacksonhouserehab.com/treatment-program/alcohol-addiction/ and others for helpful information.
Alcohol-Induced blackouts
What happens when you drink excessively? Do you have a good memory? You’re likely experiencing alcohol-induced memory loss.
Blackouts caused by alcohol are common but they’re not for chronic drinkers. These are signs of problematic alcohol consumption. These are memory gaps that relate to events you experienced while under the influence of liquor.
Blackouts can be caused by drinking alcohol at a certain level. This prevents your brain from storing acquired memories in long-term memory. Memory consolidation is a process that occurs in the hippocampus, a part of your brain.
Call 911 if you see someone intoxicated and in need of immediate assistance.
Being Unable To Reduce Alcohol Intake
You want to quit drinking alcohol but always find yourself reaching for another glass or bottle? You must understand that you are not to blame if you can’t stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol has hacked your brain and is controlling a part of it.
You’ll find that you have more and more cravings if you suffer from an alcohol abuse disorder. Chronic drinking alters your brain’s chemical functions, which makes you want to drink more.
When you drink too much alcohol, for example, your brain produces and releases dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel relaxed and happy. It is therefore more difficult to quit drinking alcohol.
You should not try to stop drinking alcohol on your own. Instead, speak with your doctor. This will also help you to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to excessive consumption (see the following section for more details).
Withdrawal syndrome
When a person abruptly stops using substances (whether it’s alcohol or drugs), withdrawal syndrome can occur. The withdrawal syndrome can cause a number of bodily reactions which are dangerous for one’s health without the supervision of a doctor.
You may have alcohol use disorder if you stop drinking alcohol immediately and begin experiencing symptoms. Why? Why is withdrawal more common in chronic drinkers than in occasional ones?
The following are some of the symptoms that you may experience when suffering from withdrawal syndrome.
- Headache;
- Insomnia;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Fever;
- Sweating;
- Confusion;
- High blood pressure and similar conditions
You can avoid withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking alcohol. You doctor can help. You may be prescribed a medication to help reduce or relieve some of the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome.
Consult your doctor for help to safely overcome alcohol abuse disorder.
Inability to fulfill responsibilities
You may find it hard to perform your duties as a student or employee if you are a heavy drinker. This is because you are under the influence or preoccupied by thoughts of another round of drinks.
You are not at fault for drinking alcohol. Alcohol alters and controls your brain, encouraging you to drink even more.
Alcohol abuse can affect your hobbies as well. You may find that you are unable to do the things you used to enjoy because you want another drink or bottle of wine.
Seek professional help as quickly as you can if you notice any of these changes. Your doctor can help you regain your life so that you can once again do what you want and need.
Alcohol in Unsafe Situations
Chronic alcohol users often drink even in most life-threatening situations. They may drink even when they are driving, despite knowing that it is dangerous. Alcohol can prevent you from making the right decisions.
These situations could persist and put you at risk. It’s best to get help as quickly as possible in order to avoid serious injury.
Developing Mental Health Illnesses
Alcohol use disorders are more susceptible to mental illness because of their vulnerability. Chronic drinkers, for example, may be more susceptible to depression or trauma after a traumatic or devastating event.
It is harder to treat alcoholism and mental illness simultaneously. It can often be more expensive to treat addiction alone than with an integrated treatment plan. Don’t wait until you experience co-occurring disorders before seeking treatment.
Summary
Alcohol abuse disorder is a chronic and problematic drinking of alcohol. Alcohol abuse can be very damaging to your physical and mental well-being.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention when you are dealing with an alcohol use disorder. You can reduce the symptoms and signs discussed above, and you will be freed from addiction.
