Alcoholism Signs
There are a multitude of signs
that may suggest a person has a problem with alcohol. In order
to understand alcoholism, one must know how to identify the patterns
and behaviors associated with it. Alcoholism
is a disease; however it is not as widely accepted or acknowledged
in mainstream society. Instead of feeling sorry for the alcoholic
and his/her affliction, loved ones close to the person may feel
angry and resentful. Because the alcoholic is desperate to get
more and more alcohol, he/she may lie, cheat and steal in order
to do so. Alcoholism can be considered a disease with genetic
components, meaning its tendencies can be passed down from generation
to generation; however people whose families have never had any
experience with alcoholism can also suffer from this disease.
Within the scope of alcohol
abuse, there are signs that occur during initial alcohol use
that may suggest addiction and there are signs that a person has
become a full-blown alcoholic. The budding alcoholic may have
just discovered alcohol; however he/she is probably unable to
control the amount of alcohol taken. These people may also experience
a significant personality change as a result of drinking, usually
changing from a relatively calm, collected state to a flamboyant
and, in some cases, aggressive and irritable drunk. People who
exhibit signs of alcoholism often start drinking at early ages,
making the onset of alcoholism more prevalent. Alcoholism
warning signs such as blackouts, or periods of memory loss,
while drinking are also commonplace for these drinkers.
Alcoholism is an addiction, and
although treatable, most alcoholics have an incredibly difficult
time admitting that they have a problem. In some cases family
members and friends can help the process by suggesting or initiating
an intervention in which the alcoholic is confronted. During this
process specific signs, symptoms, behaviors, habits and feelings
are identified to help the alcoholic admit to alcoholism. These
alcoholism signs will most likely include loss of control, physical
dependence, tolerance and cravings. A person who exhibits any
or all of these symptoms can probably be considered an alcoholic.
Loss of control, although a loose
term means that once a person begins to drink alcohol he/she is
unable to control the amount taken. Many times alcoholics will
promise ‘only to have a few’ or ‘just have one’,
but they find that when alcohol is put into their system they
are under the will of alcohol. People who say them need alcohol
to function are experiencing what is known as physical dependence.
The body believes that it cannot function without drinking, and
if alcohol is taken away the body begins to undergo uncomfortable
and often painful withdrawal symptoms.
Exhibiting tolerance means that
the alcoholic needs more and more alcohol to feel the same ‘drunk’
as when he/she first started drinking. The person’s body
has built up a tolerance to alcohol to try to protect it; however
the alcoholic keeps trying to get drunk by taking in more. In
addition these alcoholic-types experience cravings or an uncontrollable
desire for alcohol. A person who has cravings for alcohol may
do anything, criminal or otherwise, in order to get an alcoholic
fix. Alcoholism is a serious disease;
however it is treatable and preventable. Knowing and being able
to identify alcoholism signs is the first step in helping the
alcoholic get sober.
