Knowing the Signs of Alcohol Abuse

The abuse of alcohol is a serious condition, as the person struggling becomes dependent on it to get through everyday life, and as the issue becomes more serious, the side effects get worse. Serious side effects of alcohol abuse are slurred speech, memory loss, blackouts, breathing issues, coma and even death. According to the CDC, “about 178,000 people die from excessive drinking each year.” Individuals must understand the signs of alcohol abuse so they can successfully spot it in themselves and others before it is too late. The first step to treating alcohol abuse is to spot it. Doing so could save a life.

Physical Signs

Alcohol is hard on the human body, and physical signs show up quickly if you or someone you know is abusing alcohol. A person dealing with alcohol abuse is more likely to experience frequent hangovers or withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating or nausea. Slurred speech and smelling of alcohol, especially at inappropriate times, is also a telltale sign of alcohol abuse. Finally, as a dependency on alcohol worsens, a person may begin to lose weight and stop doing basic hygiene.

Change in Behavior

Alcohol abuse brings out the worst in a person, and the behavior they exhibit while drunk is night and day from when they are sober. A person who abuses alcohol will often put themselves in compromising situations, such as drinking before driving or neglecting responsibilities they have at home, work or school. They may drink for long periods or hide their drinking habits from their friends and loved ones. Finally, these behavioral issues often lead to financial problems as they lose their job or start spending more and more on alcohol.

Over time, you will see noticeable changes in their personality. They may become angry when not drinking or anxious and depressed when they do drink. The mounting issues in their life caused by alcohol might cause them to be stressed and drink more as a coping mechanism.

Alcohol abuse will eventually begin to strain social relationships. They may start to withdraw from friends and family. Conflicts because of alcohol use will become more frequent and there may be a loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy.

If you or a loved one starts to see a noticeable shift in personality along with an increase in alcohol consumption, it can be a sign of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse is an issue that affects over 28 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Catching the signs of alcohol abuse in yourself or your loved one early can save lives. FBN

By Roy DuPrez

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Back2Basics is adventure recovery, up to six months, for adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. Our clients are exposed to a weekly combination of outdoor activities and residential programming. For more information, visit https://back2basics-soberliving.com, call 928-814-2220, or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.