You are all too familiar with the signs of alcoholism, as you have watched your husband’s drinking progress for years. He was a partier in college where you met him, and he often spent his weekends at different fraternity parties. It never got in the way of his schooling, and he graduated top of his class with a degree in business.
He continued to excel at his job, rising through the ranks until he became the VP of marketing. There were many late nights and dinner meetings that involved drinking, but he always made sure to provide for you and your children. Soon, you began noticing he was putting a shot of whiskey in his coffee before work. It seemed the time alcohol was not in his system was dwindling less and less each day. You are worried about his health, but how can you help him when alcohol is such a big part of his career?
In 2018, 39% of high school students in Pinellas County reported drinking alcohol. At Tranquil Shores, we understand that alcohol use can stem from social work functions and business meetings. We have specific programs for executives that address these areas of concern, and tailor the treatment path to fit your needs. Seeing the signs of alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism, in a loved one can seem scary, but help is available. Let’s talk about these signs and how to recognize them.
Common Symptoms of Alcoholism
No two addiction stories are the same, and symptoms of alcohol use disorder can vary from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms that many experience, including:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between drinking sessions
- Sneaking or hiding alcohol
- Increased tolerance (needing to drink more to feel the effects)
- Drop in work or school performance
- Relationship strain
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving up hobbies to drink
Experiencing these symptoms can be an indication that alcohol use has become unmanageable. If you or a loved one are showing these signs, it is time for a conversation about treatment.
Warning Signs of Alcoholism
A warning sign that alcohol use disorder is becoming a serious concern is experiencing legal troubles from drinking. DUIs, public intoxication, assault, and many other charges can happen when drinking in excess. Experiencing an isolated incident does not necessarily mean the person is living with alcohol use disorder. Still, those who have had multiple occurrences and continue to drink are showing warning signs that alcohol has taken over.
Symptoms of AUD on the Brain and Body
Alcohol use disorder causes a variety of symptoms that take a toll on the body and brain. Physical and mental signs of alcohol use can come in waves or have a constant presence, interfering with everyday life. Knowing the signs to look for in your loved one can help you recognize that they need help sooner. Some early signs of alcohol use disorder include headaches, dizziness, shakiness, cravings, and nausea.
Mental Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Mental signs of alcohol use disorder typically become more noticeable over time. At first, drinking creates feelings of relaxation and can make you feel more confident in social situations. As drinking continues and progresses, increased anxiety and depression occur. This is mainly caused by withdrawal symptoms between drinking sessions. Withdrawal increases anxiety and irritability because the brain needs alcohol to keep functioning the way it is used to. The person will only be able to think about getting their next drink.
Depression increases over time as the person experiences negative consequences from drinking. They may lose their job or become demoted from constant alcohol use. Relationships with their partner, friends, and family will begin to feel strained, and they may cut ties until the person gets help. Despite these scenarios, the person will continue drinking due to the brain being dependent on alcohol.
Physical Signs of Alcohol Misuse
The physical signs of alcohol use disorder consist of an extensive list, and they can change in severity as time goes on. One of the main organs affected by excessive alcohol consumption is the liver. Alcohol is processed in the liver, and during this process, acetaldehyde is produced. Though it is not present in the body for very long, acetaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can lead to liver cancer. Alcohol can also cause damaging conditions to the liver such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. If drinking is stopped early enough, liver damage can heal. However, once damage progresses to the later stages of cirrhosis, there is no way to reverse the condition. Symptoms of liver problems that can be noticed include:
- Jaundice
- Itchiness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the abdomen
- Confusion
- Weakness
Another physical sign of alcohol use disorder involves the brain. Excessive alcohol use can cause motor skill and speech impairments. Injuries from falls can result in hospital bills and missed work. Over time, these areas in the brain can become permanently damaged, causing impairments that can be life-altering.
The hippocampus – the area that controls memory – can become damaged from excessive drinking as well. Many who partake in binge drinking experience blackouts or have patchy memories the next day. In a blackout, the person is still conscious and aware of what is around them. However, memory is not being transferred to storage, and the events will not be recalled by the brain. The person may recall snippets of moments or not remember anything at all. If drinking in excess continues for years, the hippocampus can sustain permanent damage, leading to alcohol-induced dementia.
Alcohol Use Disorder Statistics
In Florida, 4.2% of residents were diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder between 2017 and 2019. The good news is this is less than the national average during this time, which was 5.3%. However, 85.9% of deaths in Florida from excessive alcohol use are adults aged 35 years and older. Also, 2.34% of people in Florida who die from excessive alcohol use are under the age of 21.
The good news is that here in Pinellas County in 2022, over 3,000 adult residents were enrolled in a substance use disorder treatment program. Also, over 400 youth (under age 18) were enrolled in a substance use disorder treatment program. Seeing so many residents seeking treatment and taking steps in the right direction is always a positive.
Treatment for Alcoholism in Pinellas County, FL
Seeing the signs of alcohol use disorder in a loved one can be scary, and figuring out the next steps can be just as confusing. Finding an alcohol rehab that fits all of your needs and goals is the first step. Involving your loved one in the choosing process can help them feel safer and more inclined to accept help. With extensive therapy, skill-building courses, and health and wellness classes, your loved one will be able to rediscover themselves and their passions. Watching the light return to their eyes is the most rewarding experience, and all it takes is picking up the phone today.
If you or someone you love is showing signs of alcoholism and thinking about treatment, look no further than Tranquil Shores. Our program is dedicated to you and your recovery. We will help you set and achieve goals and accommodate your needs. Our dedicated team of therapists is here to help you on an individual level, as we keep our client-to-therapist ratio at 3:1. You will meet with them at least twice per week and a medical doctor once per week. By being able to offer this, the team at Tranquil Shores is focused and determined to help you find success in your treatment and maintain a lasting and fulfilling recovery. Call us today at 727-391-7001 to schedule an appointment.
