What Are Common Signs of Alcoholism?

Some cases are so serious that alcohol takes priority over more important things in life. Such people are referred to as being alcoholics or alcohol dependent. Alcoholics don't have control over their drinking and usually depend on alcohol to "function". Alcohol abusers on the other hand are usually unable to limit their drinking but consume too much alcohol that it poses a health risk. If you know someone who takes alcohol and would like to know whether they have become alcoholics, look out for these signs of alcoholism.

Tolerance

Just like with drugs, the body has the ability to handle more alcohol with time. If you drink more than you used to get the same effect or, drink more than other people without feeling intoxicated, it's likely that you've become an alcoholic. Alcohol tolerance is easy to identify because even your drinking buddies will most likely comment on your excessive drinking.

Management of withdrawal symptoms

For non alcoholics, management of withdrawal symptoms usually involves taking lots of water, fruits or other management practices not involving alcohol. The alcoholic however takes alcohol to get rid of withdrawal symptoms. In any case, withdrawal symptoms in an alcoholic are more severe and they include lethargy, lack of appetite, anxiety, body tremors, nausea, vomiting and hallucinations. Only alcohol intake seems to help manage these symptoms.

Inability to quit

If you're an alcoholic, chances are that you know that alcohol is negatively affecting your health and relationships. You're trying hard to quit the habit but can't. You seem trapped in an endless cycle of alcohol consumption that seems to be out of your control. The desperation only makes matters worse since you are likely to rely on alcohol to calm your nerves. However, the calming effects of alcohol are only short lived as you end up feeling guilty after drinking. Another sign of inability to quit is changing types of alcoholic drinks. In most cases, you'll change to stronger drinks believing that you'll drink less to get intoxicated.

Neglect

As an alcoholic, everything else has been given secondary priority to drinking. As such, you tend to neglect yourself and your duties in life. Alcoholics will usually neglect simple tasks such as taking a shower or eating regularly. Serious responsibilities such as taking care of their families, going to work and even pursuing dreams are also neglected.

Social withdrawal

As you fall deeper into the pit of alcoholism, you will most likely try to solve the problem alone. Most of your relationships are most likely broken and you desire to redeem yourself. This usually leads to social withdrawal where you'll drink alone and for long hours. You'll also try to hide your habit by changing pubs to avoid getting noticed.

Physical signs

Alcoholism can also lead to changes in how you look. Some of the identifiable signs include a change in the skin color around the cheeks, weight loss, noticeable slur when speaking and, susceptibility to sickness.

These are the most common signs of alcoholism. It's important to look out for these in anyone you suspect has a drinking problem. Once identified, try to help the person find a solution to stop drinking.