Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a problem that causes over two million deaths per year  either directly or indirectly. Millions more lose their health, their families, their jobs or just the joy of living.

Signs and symptoms of a problem with alcohol abuse may not be noticed by friends and coworkers until the damage starts to become obvious. 

If you are wondering if a person is abusing  here is what you can look for.

Definitions:

Alcohol abuse:

• Alcohol consumption interferes with work, school or other activities because of being hung over or sick.
• The person will drink despite knowing he or she will be driving, boating or doing something else that would be risky when impaired.
• There are memory losses or blackouts.
• There are accidents or injuries after drinking.
• The person drinks even though there are physical conditions that would be worsened by drinking.

Abuse progresses to addiction when the following signs show up:

• The person can’t control how much or when he or she drinks.
• He needs to take in more alcohol to get the same buzz as before.
• Withdrawal symptoms set in when alcohol consumption is stopped, and the person may feel sick, sweaty, shaky and anxious.
• The person gives up other activities they used to enjoy, so they can drink
• A lot of time is spent either drinking or recovering from drinking.
• Even though there is harm to career, education, family or other relationships, the person still drinks.
• The person drinks early in the day, stays drunk for a long time, or drinks alone
• They try to conceal their drinking and make excuses.
• They consistently rely on alcohol to relieve stress or solve problems.
• The drinker would like to quit drinking but despite repeated attempts, still drinks.
• Alcohol becomes a focal point in life. The drinker must always make sure there is enough on hand, and social activities nearly always include drinking.

Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

These symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcoholism are warning signs that damage is occurring, whether to health, mind, relationships, legal situations or life in general. Overlooking the signs of abuse can pave the road for addiction to follow. When a person loses control of their drinking, the dwindling spiral may end in illness, incarceration, destruction of the family or death.

The highest rates of alcohol-related deaths occur in Russia and neighboring countries, where 20 percent of deaths among males are related to alcohol consumption. In China, South and Central American and Eastern European countries, between 5 percent and 10 percent of all deaths are related to alcohol use. Cirrhosis of the liver is the biggest killer of both men and women, followed by traffic accidents.

Alcohol has so many dangers associated with its consumption. Why not help someone today by sharing this piece of information.