How to Recognize the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Many people around the world experience an addiction to alcohol. What may start out as a simply social drink may turn into a lifelong addiction. If you know someone who you feel may be suffering from an alcohol addiction, it is important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of this devastating condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. The first thing that you should understand when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of alcohol addiction is that any and all symptoms should be taken seriously. Alcoholism has proven to be a fatal disease to many. If you truly care about the person that you are curious about, it is your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not take this condition lightly. If your loved one is exhibiting the symptoms of alcoholism, take immediate action.
2. The first symptom to alcoholism is that the sufferer will start to gradually increase the amount of alcohol that they consume on a regular basis. Sure, there may be people who can drink alcohol occasionally, but then there are those that consume this dangerous substance, and just cannot seem to stop. You will recognize this increase, normally. There are some who will hide their alcohol consumption. However, you can generally tell if an individual has been drinking.
3. The next symptom of alcohol addiction will normally go hand in hand with the first symptom of increasing the amount of alcohol that is needed. This symptom, however, occurs when a person is unable to obtain the alcohol that they crave. The alcoholic who is unable to gain access to their cravings may start to exhibit a wide array of emotions. Many times, irritability and becoming socially withdrawn are evident symptoms of alcohol abuse when the drink cannot be obtained. Many may even become angry and do things that are out of character.
4. If you know that your loved one has had a limited amount of alcohol, and they become physically ill, they may have an alcohol addiction. Physical illness related to alcoholism may include the following symptoms:
   
   • High levels of physical anxiety
   • Vomiting
   • Lack of appetite
   • Body tremors
   • Headaches
   • Concentration Difficulties
   • Memory Problems
   • Sleeping Long Periods of Time
   
   If you notice any of these symptoms in a person, alcoholism may be the culprit.
5. Individuals who are suffering from the complications associated with alcohol addiction may actually withdraw from situations, interests, and people that they once enjoyed. This is often done in order to dedicate more time to drinking. If you notice a general change of interest and/or personality in an individual who has been drinking heavily recently, the addiction may be developing.

Tips & Warnings

• Those that suffer from an addiction in alcohol may experience a number of health complications. These complications may be mental and/or physical. The most common physical complication includes damage to the liver. The most common mental health complication is depression. If you know someone who may have an alcohol addiction, it is important to discuss your concerns with that person and try to encourage them to seek help. Not doing so may cost them their life.