Alcoholism is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain. It is characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using alcohol. Alcoholism can lead to health problems, social problems, and death. If you or someone you know experiences problems with alcohol, there are some signs of severe alcoholism to be aware of. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of severe alcoholism.
Physical and Psychological Dependence
Alcoholism can cause physical and psychological dependence. When a person is physically dependent on alcohol, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking abruptly. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. In more severe cases, an alcoholic could experience DTs or delirium tremens if they stop drinking. DTs alcohol withdrawal is a sign of severe physical dependence on alcohol and is a condition that can cause confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. It can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. A person who is psychologically dependent on alcohol may feel like they need to drink in order to relax or calm down. They may also feel like they cannot cope with life without alcohol.
Isolation
Pushing people away is a sign of severe alcoholism. People who are severely addicted to alcohol often become very isolated and will push away anyone who gets too close. They may also start to withdraw from activities they used to enjoy and become more reclusive. This behavior is usually an attempt to protect themselves from the judgment and criticism of others, which they feel they deserve due to their alcoholism.
Blacking Out and Memory Loss
Blacking out and memory loss are two of the most common and dangerous signs of alcoholism. When a person drinks too much alcohol, they can blackout and forget what happened during that time. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to accidents or injuries. Additionally, memory loss is a common side effect of alcoholism. This can make it difficult to remember important things, like appointments or deadlines. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to get help as soon as possible.
Depression
Depression is one of the signs of severe alcoholism. Alcoholics may seem happy and outgoing when they are drinking, but when they are sober, they may become withdrawn and depressed. This is because many alcoholics are not able to cope with life without drinking. They may have trouble keeping a job, maintaining relationships, and taking care of their responsibilities. As a result, they may turn to alcohol to help them cope.
Drinking alcohol can help people feel better for a short period of time, but it is not a long-term solution. In fact, it can make things worse. Alcoholics who drink heavily may find that their depression gets worse over time. They may also experience hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia.
Physical Health Problems
As a result of severe alcoholism, many people will eventually experience physical health problems as a consequence. Alcoholism can cause a wide range of physical health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and pancreatitis. Alcoholism can also lead to an increased risk of cancer. In addition to the physical health problems caused by alcoholism, there are also mental health problems that can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. These include depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Many of the health problems that result from alcoholism can be life-threatening if left untreated. Individuals with severe alcoholism often require hospitalization for treatment. This is because their alcohol abuse has caused them significant health problems, and they are no longer able to take care of themselves.
Overall, the signs of severe alcoholism are important to be aware of, as they can indicate a serious problem with alcohol abuse. Ignoring these signs can have serious consequences for the individual’s health and well-being. If someone is displaying any of these signs, it is important to get them help as soon as possible. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating alcoholism, as the best treatment depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. However, there are a number of common treatment approaches that can be used to help a person recover from alcohol addiction.
