Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Many people don’t realize it, but alcohol abuse still reigns as the #1 addiction in the United States. One in ten American children lives in a home with at least one alcoholic parent, and over 17 million people over the age of 18 struggle with an alcohol use disorder.
Some signs of alcoholism include: lying about or hiding the drinking, drinking to relax or feel better, being unable to stop, drinking in dangerous or risky situations, neglecting responsibilities, constant need to use antacids or acid-reducers, trouble in relationships, being able to drink more than previously (tolerance), withdrawals, trying to quit or cut down but not succeeding, drinking to “black-out”, and legal issues like DUIs
Alcohol withdrawals can start as early as a few hours after the last drink. Usually, withdrawal symptoms will peak between 24 and 48 hours after cessation.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Shaking and trembling
- Agitation
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Delirium tremens
The dangers of alcohol poisoning include: confusion, stupor, or coma, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, and bluish skin tone or paleness.
Chronic alcohol abuse puts undue stress on the liver. The liver acts as a filter, cleaning the blood of toxins or waste, and alcohol is a blood toxin. Alcohol addiction can cause three types of liver disease: Fatty Liver, Alcoholic Hepatitis, and Cirrhosis
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