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Understanding the signs and symptoms of abusing alcohol can be difficult, but it’s important to be able to recognize potential warning signs.
Many adults report that they drink at least occasionally, frequently in social situations or when they want to unwind. Alcohol can also be used as a way to relax, and while alcohol consumption in moderation isn’t necessarily problematic, it is a substance that can increase the likelihood of adverse consequences and it can also lead to dependence and addiction. Understanding thesigns and symptoms of alcohol abuseordependency versus consumptioncan be a difficult distinction to make, but it’s important to be able to recognize potential warning signs of alcohol abuse if you think a loved one might have a problem. There can be a lot of blurred lines that come with identifying and distinguishing signs ofalcohol abuse, and it can be harder to spot a problem as compared to warning signs that someone is on drugs.
What Are the Signs of Intoxication?
For most people, there’s a significant difference between drinking a glass of wine with dinner and having several shots of liquor in terms of behavior and visible impairment, but alcohol can impact you a lot more than you’re aware of or the people around you realize. As soon as you take a sip of alcohol, it increases your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. The higher that BAC goes, the more likely you are to show outward signs of impairment.
If you’re unsure of how much someone around you has had to drink, look for symptoms, including:
- Slurred speech
- Lowered inhibitions
- Impaired coordination and motor skills
- Sense of confusion
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- General personality changes
Some of the other physical signs someone is drinking or intoxicated include glassy or bloodshot eyes, talking loudly, or increased moodiness. Unlike many other drugs, the smell of alcohol can also be a warning sign that someone is drinking. Alcohol has a strong odor that is not only present right after someone drinks, but it also tends to linger on their breath or even their clothes. The changes that can occur because of drinking may be subtle, such as someone becoming more talkative or social. That’s a big reason a lot of people drink in social situations. The signs that someone is drinking can also be severe and include aggression, violence or engaging in risky behaviors.
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There can be warning signs of alcohol abuse without addiction, but abuse can often turn into an addiction and even a physical dependency on alcohol.
Wondering If You Yourself Could Have a Drinking Problem?
Think about whether you lie to cover your drinking, or often feel guilty about it. Do you feel like you need to drink to relax, or do you often blackout while drinking? These can be representative of a potential alcohol abuse problem. Many of the symptoms and signs of alcohol abuse that are listed above may be indicative ofalcohol use disorder(AUD). In order to be diagnosed with AUD, people must meet criteria that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). People who meet two of 11 criteria during a 12-month period may have an AUD, and severity is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
You’ve Identified Some of the Common Signs, What Should You Do Next?
Along with learning more about alcohol use disorder, including the warning signs of an alcohol problem, you can start preparing for how you will broach the conversation with the person. You can also research information regarding treatment and recovery centers for alcohol addiction or contact analcohol abuse hotline.
Most individuals who have an alcohol use disorder, regardless of severity, can benefit fromalcohol rehabtreatment or online counseling services, such asteletherapy. Unfortunately, only a small amount of people receive help, which is why proactively identifying an alcohol problem can be so critical;call The Recovery Villagesupport team today to learn more about comprehensive treatment for yourself or a loved one.
