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Alcoholism Symptoms

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Important Information For "Problem Drinkers" About Alcoholism Symptoms

 

As increasing numbers of individuals experience various symptoms of alcoholism, more and more people are asking how they can better cope with or significantly reduce these symptoms.  Regarding symptoms of alcoholism, it is important to point out that psychological, social, and spiritual symptoms of alcoholism can be just as painful and problematic as the better-known physical symptoms.

Psychological Symptoms of Alcoholism

When the topic of "symptoms of alcoholism" is discussed, many people focus on the physical symptoms of alcoholism and exclude many of the other kinds of alcoholism symptoms. 

As a result, it is important to emphasize the point that other alcoholism symptoms such as spiritual, social, and psychological symptoms of alcoholism exist and can be just as debilitating and agonizing as physical alcoholism symptoms.

The following represents some of the psychological symptoms of alcoholism:

· Loss of interests
· Obsession with drinking
· Loss of control
· Depression
· Sleep problems
· Anxiety
· The collapse of the alibi system
· Aggression
· Poor concentration

Social Symptoms of Alcoholism

The following characterizes some of the social symptoms of alcoholism:

· Withdrawal from social activities
· Legal problems
· Withdrawal from family and friends
· Serious relationship and work-related problems
· Unemployment
· Difficulties and arguments with family or friends

Spiritual Symptoms of Alcoholism

Some of the main spiritual symptoms of alcoholism are as follows:

· Self-centeredness
· Feeling useless
· Self-pity
· Restlessness
· Discontentment

 Physical Symptoms of Alcoholim

In addition to the above listed psychological, social, and spiritual symptoms of alcoholoism, there are the better-known physical symptoms of alcoholism.

Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism- First Stage

The following represents some of the physical symptoms of alcoholism and behaviors in the first stage of alcoholism:

· Boasting and a "big shot" complex
· An ability to drink great amounts of alcohol without any apparent impairment
· Increasing tolerance

Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism - Second Stage

The following represents some of the alcoholism symptoms and behaviors in the second stage of alcoholism:

· Physical problems increase
· Gulping the first few drinks to feel the "buzz" faster
· Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking
· Chronic hangovers
· Drinking because of dependence rather than for stress relief
· More frequent blackouts

Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism - Third Stage

The following represents some of the alcoholism symptoms and behaviors in the third stage of alcoholism:

· The start of physical deterioration
· Loss of control has become a pattern
· Eye-openers
· A decrease in alcohol tolerance
· Half-hearted attempts at seeking medical aid
· Frequent violent or destructive behavior
· Problems with the law (e.g, DUIs)

Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism - Fourth Stage

The following represents some of the alcoholism symptoms and behaviors in the fourth stage of alcoholism:

· Benders, or lengthy intoxications
· Continual loss of control
· Unreasonable resentments and hostility toward others
· "The shakes"
· Loss of tolerance for alcohol
· The "DTs"

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a group of symptoms exhibited by people who quit drinking alcohol after a pattern of excessive and continuous consumption.  These symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe and include both psychological and behavioral aspects.

Mild to Moderate Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The following represents mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms that usually take place within 6 to 48 hours after the last alcoholic drink:

· Rapid heart rate
· Sweating (especially on the face or the palms of the hands)
· Headaches (especially those that pulsate)
· Loss of appetite
· Vomiting
· Tremor of the hands
· Clammy skin
· Nausea

Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The following represents severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms that usually take place within 48 to 96 hours after the last alcoholic drink:

· Severe autonomic nervous system over-activity
· Delirium tremens (DTs)
· Visual hallucinations
· Fever
· Seizures
· Black outs

Symptoms of Alcoholism:  Conclusion

The symptoms of alcoholism affect people when they drink, when they try to quit drinking, and when they go through the recovery process and, regrettably, experience withdrawal symptoms.  When suffering from alcoholism symptoms, keep the following in mind.

First, alcoholism leads to a series of damaging and painful spiritual, social, emotional, and physical symptoms that will get progressively worse unless the individual stops drinking. 

Second, an essential step in the recovery process is acknowledging that drinking has become a problem AND also having the desire and the will to stop drinking. 

Third, once the alcoholic reaches this point, the next problem to solve is how to best handle the withdrawal symptoms that commonly follow. 

Fourth, the most effective and logical way to cope with and overcome alcohol withdrawal symptoms is to immediately see a doctor or a healthcare professional so that he or she can assess the severity of the problem and develop the most effective and appropriate form of treatment.

Alcoholism Symptoms and Other Alcoholism-Related Quick Facts 

Did you know...

"Numerous studies have demonstrated that roughly half of alcoholics who have successfully undergone detoxification will relapse within 6-12 months. The point: remaining alcohol-free is a very difficult task for most alcoholics and for most chronic alcohol abusers."

"According to the substance abuse research literature, people who have been drinking are at greater risk of being the victim of violent crime and are also more likely to be involved in accidents, fires, and to engage in self-harm."

"During the last stage of alcoholism, benders are typical. The unattainable goal for the alcoholic at this time is to find the feeling of euphoria they once experienced."

"According to a report published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, the entertainment industry has glamorized alcohol and rarely shows its damaging and unhealthy effects."

"In a study of more than 450 American alcoholics and 80 heroin addicts, it was found that the absent father is a very typical occurrence. In fact, according to this study, it is the rule rather than the exception."

"As shown by the U.S. research literature, nearly all alcoholics have a co-morbid psychiatric disorder, most commonly anxiety and mood disorders in women and drug abuse and antisocial personality disorders in men."

"Through a non-judgmental, non-critical, systematic process, intervention specialists help the drug or alcohol abuser confront the impact of their alcohol or drug abuse on themselves and others."

"According to a 2007 Science Daily report, research shows that drinking patterns established during adolescence are likely to continue through adulthood."

"The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the 21-year-old minimum drinking age laws have saved 21,887 lives since the mid-1970s."

where it is estimated that roughly one-third of all deaths are related, either directly or indirectly, to alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, attempts by the Russian government to control drinking by closing distilleries, breweries, and bars, have boomeranged and have instead created a widespread black market for alcohol, as well as a nation of people who have become skilled at hiding their alcohol problems."

"According to a 2007 Science Daily report, it is important to know why high school seniors drink so parents, teachers and high school counselors can pay special attention to the needs of the small but high-risk group of seniors who offer multiple reasons for drinking and who also have anger or frustration issues."

"Research has demonstrated that American young people are over-represented in driving accidents involving alcohol. For instance, in a recent year, people from the age of 16 to 24 were involved in 28% of all alcohol-related driving accidents, even though they make up only 14% of the U.S. population. Young people are also over-represented in drinking driver injuries and deaths."

"Research demonstrates that drug addiction results from excessive or continued use of physiologically habit-forming drugs in an attempt to resolve the underlying symptoms of discomfort, pain, or unhappiness."

"According to U.S. research, individuals with alcoholism and drug abusers are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS, as well as other infectious diseases like hepatitis and tuberculosis."

"U.S. alcohol abuse researchers have discovered that children learn their attitudes about drinking from those around them, especially from their friends, their parents, and from other adults."

"In 2006, an estimated 13.3 percent of U.S. persons aged 12 or older drove under the influence of an illicit drug or alcohol at least once in the past year. This percentage has dropped since 2005, when it was 14.1 percent. The 2006 estimate corresponds to 31.7 million persons."

"Research demonstrates that even intelligence is no ally regarding alcoholics and sobriety, for the over-agitated brain will use all its powers of rationalization to persuade the patient to return to drinking. According to a 1999 study, having a high or low IQ has little effect on quitting."

"It is estimated that more than 3 million teenagers in the U.S. between the ages of 14 to 17 are problem drinkers."

"In the U.S., alcohol withdrawal is treated by oral or IV hydration along with medications that reverse the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal."

"According to recent studies, it has been discovered that approximately 53% of adults in the United States have reported that one or more of their close relatives has a drinking problem."

"Substance abuse research shows that doctors at times fail to accurately identify women who are alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent because women have a tendency to seek treatment for nonspecific health problems and issues such as anxiety, insomnia, or nervousness."

"According to a U.S. study of treatment patients between 1993 and 2003, the number of people who are being treated for drug abuse who report that they began taking at least one drug before they were thirteen years old is increasing significantly."

"Codependency is defined by a group of symptoms that typically occur in those who live with someone afflicted with alcoholism or with some other addiction."

"According to a 2007 Science Daily report, students who had multiple reasons to drink, including reasons related to coping, were also more likely to begin drinking at an earlier age, more likely to be drunk in the past year and more likely to drink before 4:00 pm, compared to students who drank to experiment with alcohol, to experience the thrill of drinking or just to relax."

"According to one study, approximately 17% of U.S. 8th-graders, 34% of 10th-graders, and 45% of 12th-graders report having consumed alcohol during the past month."

"A new resource kit is designed to help pregnant Native American women avoid the harm of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Resource Kit is aimed at mothers-to-be, their friends, relatives, health professionals and community leaders."

"Interestingly, hangovers are generally more common in light to moderate drinkers than heavy and chronic drinkers, suggesting that binge drinking can be as threatening as chronic drinking."

"Early signs of alcoholism include frequent intoxication, an established pattern of heavy drinking and drinking in dangerous situations, such as when driving. Other early signs of alcoholism include black-out drinking or a drastic change in demeanor while drinking, such as consistently becoming angry or violent."

"Mixing alcohol and drugs not only compounds the drug and alcohol problems that the abuser experiences, but doing so increases the person's need for professional alcohol and drug treatment."

"Educate yourself about alcohol's effects on a person and the person's family. Learn how alcohol affects health and how it can lead to serious health problems."

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    Alcoholism Links 

    Symptoms of Alcoholism
    Alcoholism leads to a series of painful social, physical, spiritual, and psychological symptoms of alcoholism that will get progressively worse unless the person stops drinking.
    Emotional Components of Alcoholism
    There is another aspect of alcoholism symptoms besides the physical symptoms that is perhaps as difficult to cope with as the physical symptoms, namely the emotional components of alcoholism.
    Alcoholism Physical Symptoms
    Alcoholism and its physical symptoms are a major concern for alcoholics and for those who are related to or associated with people who are alcohol dependent.
    Alcoholism Stages
    Alcoholism symptoms is a complex topic that can be better understood when they are analyzed and evaluated via the four alcoholism stages.
    Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
    Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are responses by the body and the brain to the lack of alcohol to which they have become accustomed.

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