Alcohol Abuse Advice

Alcohol Abuse Symptoms

There are some alcohol abuse symptoms that we should all know about and be on the lookout for, both in ourselves and in loved ones.  Alcohol use and abuse is increasingly common these days and poses a serious risk if it is not dealt with in a timely manner.  Of course, not all alcohol use leads to abuse.  Many people drink in moderation and it is not a problem.  But we should be aware of some alcohol abuse symptoms so that we can recognize them if we see them in ourselves or those we care about and take action when needed.

Physical Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

Some physical symptoms of alcohol abuse to watch out for include:

Developing tolerance- it takes more and more alcohol to get the same effects Withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop drinking, like shaking, sweating, nausea, and vomiting Things like slurred speech, dizziness, or clumsiness while intoxicated Having blackouts while drinking Loss of weight Stomach problems, either pain and/or an upset stomach Redness of the face Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

Mental Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

Some mental alcohol abuse symptoms to watch out for include:

Can’t control drinking- “just one” always leads to one more Engaging in dangerous behaviors while drinking, like driving drunk Avoiding activities that don’t involve alcohol Withdrawing from family and friends Increased irritability Being overly emotional or weepy Difficult sleeping or sleeping too much Missing work or school frequently

Alcohol Use and Abuse

Of course there is a difference between alcohol use and abuse, but it can be a fine line.  In general, if alcohol use is causing problems in a person’s daily life, it may be abuse.  In addition to being on the lookout for the alcohol abuse symptoms listed above, just ask yourself if your drinking is causing problems in your life.  Is it causing problems in your relationships?  Is it making it hard for you to be productive at work or school?  Is it causing you to feel physically ill?  Are you worried about your drinking?  If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you might have an alcohol abuse problem.

Getting Help for Alcohol Use and Abuse

If you recognize some alcohol abuse symptoms in yourself, seek help.  You can attend an AA meeting, or you can find a counselor that deals with substance abuse issues.  You might actually want to try both of those things.  Group self-help meetings like AA can be very helpful, but some individual counseling will give you the opportunity to explore your alcohol use and abuse a bit further.

If you recognize symptoms of alcohol abuse in someone you care about, encourage them to seek help.  You should understand, though, that you can’t make someone else stop drinking and you can’t make them get help.  They have to decide to do that on their own.  If they are willing to get help, you can help them find a local AA meeting or a counselor to see.  You could even attend an AA meeting with them (just make sure it is an “open” meeting first; “closed” meetings are for alcoholics only, so you can’t attend with them unless you are an alcoholic, too).

If you are dealing with a loved one who has an alcohol abuse problem, you might also want to check out Al-Anon.  It’s a self-help group for family members and friends of alcoholics.  They can help you deal with your own feelings while you deal with your loved one’s problem.

Find More Symptoms Of Alcohol Abuse Articles