Alcohol’s Effects on the Body National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

You may also experience weight gain because you crave high-fat foods. Interestingly, Princeton University scientists found that the same chemical trigger that produces high-fat food https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/10-major-physical-signs-of-alcoholism-to-watch-out-for/ cravings (galanin) may increase the desire for alcohol. Their studies also found a high correlation between the age people started drinking in their life and the development of AUD.

Seizures, hallucinations, and delirium may occur in severe cases of withdrawal. A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses. Difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals from food can cause fatigue and anemia, a condition where you have a low red blood cell count.

Potential Predictors of Alcohol Use Disorders

Those who have AUD are also more likely to contract diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Other mental concerns that can arise from AUD include anxiety, irritability, and mood disturbances. At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we want to see our community live the lives they desire. We understand the difficulties that come with stopping a substance use disorder and want to be there to offer support for both our patients and their families. Women are more prone to getting alcohol-related heart diseases than men, even if they consume less alcohol.

She may get in trouble with the law and get charged with a DUI. She may lose her job or may ruin her relationships with her family and friends. If your loved one needs help with alcohol addiction, contact us today. We are here to help you better understand your loved one and support them. Once past the detox phase, there are multiple factors involved in determining whether an inpatient or outpatient treatment program will best suit someone’s needs.

WE’RE READY TO HELP YOU BEGIN A NEW LIFE

Not all who drink have alcohol use disorder, nor does everyone who’s binge drank once or twice develop it either. Today we’re going to look at some of the symptoms and signs you can look out for when trying to help someone (including yourself) who might have AUD. Women who drink excessively can witness negative changes to their appearance. Physical signs of alcoholism are obvious in one’s facial appearance.

As brain chemistry changes, continued alcohol use complicates existing mental health issues or triggers new conditions. These are physical responses to psychological issues caused by alcohol abuse. Some women drink in the morning, claiming that it provides relief from a hangover. They may feel shaky or unstable if they don’t drink an alcoholic beverage. The reality is that these physical symptoms are not symptoms of a hangover. They are actually symptoms of having a physical dependence on alcohol.

Compassionate Addiction

They could be categorized as high-functioning alcoholics and successfully manage work, family, and social life without anyone being the wiser to their drinking habits. Their physical appearance, however, can often betray their dependence on alcohol. To highlight alcohol awareness month and help you identify the signs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse in loved ones, let’s take a look at the signs of a drinking problem. Unfortunately, rates of alcohol abuse have skyrocketed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’ve had two or three of those symptoms in the past year, that’s a mild alcohol use disorder. While it’s legal and common to drink alcohol, addiction to alcohol may be among the deadliest drug addictions there is. Its potential for abuse, withdrawal, and long-term health consequences means you have every reason to present your concerns to your loved one and offer to get them help. Research on treatments of alcoholism and other mental disorders indicate an increase in success rates for sobriety, plus lower relapse rates and overall better quality of life. Alcoholism or drug use is often connected to other mental or emotional problems, and many treatments have similar treatment components. Treatments for a substance use disorder and other mental health disorders are commonly referred to as co-occurring treatments as they treat both problems simultaneously.

Additionally, alcoholism can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. It is essential for people struggling with substance abuse to have professional support to overcome addiction. Alcohol use has toxic effects on the entire body, and some health issues reach a point where the damage is no longer reversible. Chronic systemic problems from alcoholism may lead to other serious diseases.