Alcohol abuse can be a very serious problem, one that affects the individual physically, psychologically, and spiritually. There are a number of signs and symptoms that indicate alcohol abuse or addiction is occurring, and knowing what these are can help you determine if you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem. Alcohol is a depressant drug, and it causes the thoughts and reaction times of the user to slow down. Poor judgment and confused thinking are also signs that alcohol abuse is going on. Some of the most common alcohol abuse symptoms and signs include:
- Depression
- Behavior that is erratic and unpredictable
- Malnutrition
- Delirium tremors including shaking, and even hallucinations in severe cases
- Problems with social and family relationships
- Frequent financial difficulties
- Speech that is slurred
- Memory impairment
- Blacking out, losing periods of time
- Birth defects if alcohol is used by a pregnant woman
- Frequent absences from school or from work
- Liver damage, cirrhosis of the liver
- Alcohol use to dull emotional pain
- Slower reaction times
- Moodiness or irritability, especially when alcohol is not available
- Heart disease
- Brain damage
- Certain cancers, including those in the the stomach, esophagus, and mouth
- Ulcers and gastric irritation
It is possible to overcome an alcohol addiction and recover completely with the right substance abuse treatment program. This problem will not go away until all of the contributing factors have been addressed and resolved. Valiant Recovery has a highly effective alcohol abuse treatment program with a low relapse rate, so that you can get back to the life that you want instead of the daily struggle that you or a loved one has with substance abuse and alcohol addiction.
