Do you think you or a loved one may have a problem with alcohol? Read on for four signs of alcoholism that you don’t want to ignore.
Alcohol is the root cause of 5.9% of deaths around the globe. A beer here or there may not be an issue, but if you’re not careful, you may have trouble quitting alcohol.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
If you’re concerned about the safety and well-being of yourself or a loved one, you owe it to yourself to read this article.
Here are four of the biggest signs of alcoholism to watch out for.
- You Drink to Escape
It’s common for people to get drinks after work with coworkers and friends. Or to unwind after a tough day at work with a glass of wine.
For the most part, those are perfectly fine reasons to enjoy an adult beverage. But make sure you’re not drinking to escape your stresses or emotions.
Alcohol is a natural depressant, so you may feel calmer at the moment, but bottling your feelings up (or leaving them in a bottle) is an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Instead, talk to a friend or loved one about how you’re feeling or write your thoughts down. There are plenty of therapeutic ways to relax that don’t involve alcohol.
- You Feel the Need to Hide Your Drinking
Many people who display alcoholism signs feel remorse about their drink-based dependency.
Shame is a complex emotion with a cyclical nature.
If you feel the need to hide your drinking from those you care about, your guilt may make you more inclined to drink excessively in secret.
This can be a dangerous cycle that leads to alcohol poisoning, excessive weight gain, addiction, and more.
- Your Alcohol Tolerance Is Dangerously High
Our bodies are fascinating. They’re able to adapt to almost anything, including excessive quantities of toxins like alcohol.
If you’re a regular drinker, you may have noticed that it takes more drinks to feel that buzz you used to get from a drink or two.
However, to achieve the same sensation, you’ll have to ingest larger and larger amounts of alcohol. Doing so can cause liver damage, like cirrhosis or certain forms of cancer.
- You Feel Mentally Sluggish
Your body isn’t the only organ affected by alcoholism. Your brain takes note of that buzz. And it wants more of it.
Alcohol causes your brain to send signals of pleasure while decreasing the amount of glutamate produced.
Should you stop drinking, your brain will notice a sudden change in chemistry. The result can be quite dangerous.
You’ll start to feel tired all the time and may have trouble keeping track of your thoughts. You may also experience mood swings or excruciating headaches.
If you’ve built up a strong dependence, you’ll need to be careful about how you detox. Consider enrolling in a rehab facility. There are plenty of options, like this program, can show you some great ways to detox in a safe, medically sound manner.
Take Care of Yourself: Look for These Signs of Alcoholism
Did any of these signs of alcoholism resonate with you? If so, it’s alright. The first step toward recovery is accepting that you have a problem.
Seek treatment today and you’ll live a happy, healthy life without alcohol.
Learn what to expect from your alcohol center treatment and the experience can be one filled with positivity and growth.
