© Shutterstock

It rages around the world -

Alcoholism has a staggering impact on the population of the US and remains a significant global contributor to fatalities.

© Shutterstock

It's not about frequency or volume -

An important distinction is that there is no frequency or volume included in the definition of alcoholism.

© Shutterstock

It's more about it being used to cope -

The issue mainly revolves around specific aspects of alcohol that can cause difficulties in your life, such as dependency on drinking.

© Shutterstock

Drink sickness affecting work -

A notable characteristic of this issue arises when it starts adversely affecting crucial aspects of your life.

© Shutterstock

Putting yourself in dangerous situations -

Excessive alcohol consumption leads individuals to lose their inhibitions, resulting in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving.

© Shutterstock

Drinking more or for longer than intended -

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.

© Shutterstock

Tried to quit, but couldn't -

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.

© Shutterstock

The after-affects -

An indication of alcohol misuse is that an individual's life is impacted while recovering from alcohol consumption.

© Shutterstock

Giving up important and enjoyable areas of life to drink -

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.

© Shutterstock

Depression and anxiety -

Consuming excessive alcohol harms the brain, so it's not unexpected that individuals who drink heavily will encounter mental health problems.

© Shutterstock

Blackouts -

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.

© Shutterstock

Narrow focus -

Another sign is when alcohol completely consumes a person's thoughts, similar to how nicotine affects a tobacco smoker.

© Shutterstock

Relationships and home life -

Excessive alcohol consumption greatly harms individuals' home lives and relationships as it hinders their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

© Shutterstock

Sleep disturbances -

Individuals who undergo both physical and psychological withdrawals from alcohol often struggle with sleep disturbances.

© Shutterstock

Shaking -

A typical sign of alcohol misuse is the occurrence of tremors in a person's hands.

© Shutterstock

Withdrawals -

Additional symptoms experienced by individuals who misuse alcohol include anxiety, perspiration, respiratory difficulties, and cravings.

© Shutterstock

Coordination -

Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to lasting issues with coordination in individuals over time.

© Shutterstock

Slurred speech -

Slurred speech is not limited to moments of intoxication for chronic alcohol users; it can persist even during their regular daily activities.

© Shutterstock

Memory -

Individuals who abuse alcohol are gradually harming their brain, consequently leading to long-term impairment of their short-term memory.

© Shutterstock

Becoming secretive -

Individuals who abuse alcohol often display secretive behavior in order to conceal their dependency.

© Shutterstock

Self-loathing -

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.

© Shutterstock

Emotional fluctuations -

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.

© Shutterstock

Loneliness -

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.

© Shutterstock

Chronic alcohol misuse -

The signs of chronic alcohol abuse are well-known, encompassing physical ailments like liver failure and social consequences such as homelessness.

© Shutterstock

Why people misuse alcohol: escaping reality -

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.

© Shutterstock

Why people misuse alcohol: experimenting -

Trying out alcohol is a simple way to develop a habit of misusing it or depending on it for social purposes.

© Shutterstock

Why people misuse alcohol: social pressure -

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)

See also: Reasons why people refuse to go to therapy

© Shutterstock