The silent killer continues to claim lives
Alcoholism has a staggering impact on the population of the US and remains a significant global contributor to fatalities.
An important distinction is that there is no frequency or volume included in the definition of alcoholism.
The issue mainly revolves around specific aspects of alcohol that can cause difficulties in your life, such as dependency on drinking.
A notable characteristic of this issue arises when it starts adversely affecting crucial aspects of your life.
Excessive alcohol consumption leads individuals to lose their inhibitions, resulting in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving.
This is a common issue among individuals who enjoy consuming alcohol. The risk lies in the negative impact it can have on various aspects of their lives, including their overall well-being.
One of the most common signs of alcohol addiction or misuse is the avoidance of acknowledging the issue, which is frequently seen in individuals experiencing this condition.
An indication of alcohol misuse is that an individual's life is impacted while recovering from alcohol consumption.
This is a significant issue for individuals starting to develop alcohol dependence. Those who are falling into addiction to alcohol often gradually neglect other aspects of their lives that are positive and enjoyable.
Consuming excessive alcohol harms the brain, so it's not unexpected that individuals who drink heavily will encounter mental health problems.
Losing consciousness due to alcohol consumption or experiencing memory loss afterward is a significant red flag. Beyond being highly risky, it signals that the individual is strongly controlled by alcohol's influence.
Another sign is when alcohol completely consumes a person's thoughts, similar to how nicotine affects a tobacco smoker.
Excessive alcohol consumption greatly harms individuals' home lives and relationships as it hinders their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
Individuals who undergo both physical and psychological withdrawals from alcohol often struggle with sleep disturbances.
A typical sign of alcohol misuse is the occurrence of tremors in a person's hands.
Additional symptoms experienced by individuals who misuse alcohol include anxiety, perspiration, respiratory difficulties, and cravings.
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to lasting issues with coordination in individuals over time.
Slurred speech is not limited to moments of intoxication for chronic alcohol users; it can persist even during their regular daily activities.
Individuals who abuse alcohol are gradually harming their brain, consequently leading to long-term impairment of their short-term memory.
Individuals who abuse alcohol often display secretive behavior in order to conceal their dependency.
This is a common occurrence among individuals trapped in a pattern of alcohol misuse. The consumption of alcohol leads them to act unintentionally, resulting in feelings of self-hatred due to their inability to quit.
Individuals who abuse alcohol are typically those who derive immense pleasure from its consumption, despite the accompanying negative effects. This perpetual cycle of either being intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal manifests as fluctuations in mood.
Alcohol misuse often starts as a social endeavor, such as binge drinking at a nightclub. However, it eventually leads to isolation as excessive drinking pushes loved ones away.
The signs of chronic alcohol abuse are well-known, encompassing physical ailments like liver failure and social consequences such as homelessness.
Life, including adulthood, can be challenging as we encounter and carry our own share of trauma. Some individuals resort to misusing alcohol as a means to evade the harshness of reality.
Alcohol plays a significant role in socializing in the Western world, so it can feel like you need to drink in order to make friends and be part of a group. This can sometimes include pressure to binge drink in many cultures.
Sources: (American Addiction Centers)(Michigan Health)
Trying out alcohol is a simple way to develop a habit of misusing it or depending on it for social purposes.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2012 approximately 7.2% of individuals in the United States were suffering from alcoholism. The prevalence of alcoholism is higher in men compared to women, with a ratio of about two to one. Nonetheless, it is important to note that each case of alcohol abuse is unique. A healthy person and a problem drink might consume the same amount of alcohol, but the impact it has on their lives is completely different.
This raises the question: do you know the indicators of alcoholism? The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) outlines important symptoms, although there are additional signs that are widely recognized but not included.
To familiarize yourself with the signs of alcoholism, click through the gallery.
Do you know the signs of alcohol addiction?
Some are more subtle than you might expect
HEALTH Alcoholism
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2012 approximately 7.2% of individuals in the United States were suffering from alcoholism. The prevalence of alcoholism is higher in men compared to women, with a ratio of about two to one. Nonetheless, it is important to note that each case of alcohol abuse is unique. A healthy person and a problem drink might consume the same amount of alcohol, but the impact it has on their lives is completely different.
This raises the question: do you know the indicators of alcoholism? The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) outlines important symptoms, although there are additional signs that are widely recognized but not included.
To familiarize yourself with the signs of alcoholism, click through the gallery.