Alcohol consumption is one of the most common activities worldwide since time immemorial. Despite its social acceptance, until a few years ago, adequate emphasis had not been placed on warning about the consequences it generates on health and the body. Effects that, if not managed responsibly, can end up generating an addiction disorder, this being one of the most serious and dangerous that exist today. On the other hand, alcohol abuse can also lead to a fatal disease. For this reason, today we delve into the symptoms of alcoholism.
Alcoholism as a Mental Disorder
Currently, the number of people who drink alcohol is indeterminate. This substance is so widely consumed around the world that it would be impossible to give an exact number. Its use has become a tradition, a recreational activity, a social phenomenon, etc. Therefore, drinking alcohol is one of the most ordinary actions that exist in society. Among all of them, there is a small proportion that, due to their irresponsible behavior or abuse of consumption, end up paying the consequences. They suffer from alcohol intoxication, dependence, and even addictions to this substance, but in the worst cases, they also suffer from its disease. However, what is considered alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a disease derived from the consumption of alcoholic beverages that generates a mental disorder. This psychological alteration usually occurs in people who are in permanent contact with alcohol. According to the WHO and the American Medical Association, they define this fact as a chronic, progressive, and fatal disease.
The Difference Between Consumption and Abuse
There is a great difference that separates what would be an “acceptable or moderate” consumption of alcohol from a “dependent or addictive” consumption. This latter fact lies in a series of factors that affect the person over a period of time, and which can vary depending on their life circumstances. This period is known as “clinical silence” and is the gestation period of the disease in which the symptoms of alcoholism appear.
In most cases, if attention is paid, it can be observed how alcohol consumption increases in doses over time. And consequently, little by little, physical tolerance to the substance appears and the person’s body becomes accustomed to it.
On the other hand, at a behavioral level, it is common for excessive time to be spent consuming or seeking alcoholic beverages. When this stage is reached, alcohol consumption is no longer spaced out, but very frequent and intense. Consequently, medical and psychiatric complications usually appear in the drinker. Some of these health problems are:
- Liver damage
- Tremors
- Mood swings
- Aggressiveness
- Falls and blows
When these first symptoms of alcoholism appear, it is common for the new lifestyle of the addicted person to end up affecting their work performance and taking a toll on their closest relational environment. When all these variables converge in an individual, there is a possibility that they may be suffering from alcoholism.
Main Symptoms of Alcoholism
Currently, alcoholic beverages have great social acceptance and have a very widespread presence at all types of events. A fact that facilitates alcohol abuse and its normalization and, consequently, complicates the detection of the first signs of addiction.
Below, five symptoms of alcoholism are mentioned that can help to be alert to the appearance of the disease. They are indicative signs, as they do not exactly cover all the dimensions of this condition. However, they can be effective in preventing it and acting quickly in risk situations:
- Always having an alcoholic beverage at social events
- Considering some low-alcohol beverages as “non-alcoholic”
- Accumulating alcoholic beverages at home to avoid running out
- Drinking very quickly to be able to consume more
- Breaking social ties with people who do not drink alcohol
What Do the Symptoms of Alcoholism Lead To?
Alcohol consumers show psychological emotional instability, disinhibition, a feeling of euphoria, and very frequently, motor incoordination. The effects of this substance, however, due to the cultural roots it has, are not perceived with the appropriate real degree of danger until the first symptoms of alcoholism appear.
The disease of alcoholism causes damage to practically all systems of the human body. And, for this reason, drinkers must be aware of the dangers of consuming alcohol excessively. Knowing the degree of consumption, it is possible to determine whether alcohol addiction is a near possibility or whether it is already in an initial or advanced phase. To determine this fact accurately, it is recommended to visit an addiction therapist to seek their professional advice.
CCAdicciones is an alcohol detoxification center that can help you with your disease. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of alcoholism, contact us and we will advise you.
