Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol Use Disorder Signs & Symptoms

Often called alcoholism, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, and very treatable, disease.

Alcohol Use Disorder Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms and indications of alcohol abuse include:

  • Family history of alcohol use disorder (also called alcoholism)
  • Frequent intoxication
  • Drinking before noon
  • Underage drinking and/or binge drinking
  • A decline in self-care or hygiene
  • Physical harm as a result of drinking (accidents or fights)
  • Drinking alone
  • The ability to consume a good deal of alcohol without getting intoxicated
  • A preoccupation with drinking alcohol and/or cravings
  • Suffering from blackouts or memory lapses while drinking
  • Using alcohol to alter one’s mood
  • Binge drinking (periodic, extreme overindulgence) - consuming five or more standard drinks (male), or four or more drinks (female) in one occasion.
  • Hiding alcohol or sneaking drinks
  • Drinking prior to events or social gatherings where alcohol will be served
  • Job loss or complaints by employers regarding one’s drinking
  • Relationship or marital problems as a result of too much drinking
  • Complaints from friends, relatives or co-workers about problem drinking incidents
  • Alcohol related arrests: public intoxication, DUI, lewd behavior, altercations
  • Behavioral changes while intoxicated: anger, sexual promiscuity, rash acts
  • Feeling remorseful or humiliated by drinking-related behavior
  • Social rejection or loss of friendship as a result of one’s drinking
  • Neglect of other activities
  • Drinking and driving or drinking in dangerous situations
  • Changes to personality

Identifying Addiction: Know the Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

While the above indicators are signs of alcohol abuse, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder necessitates physical dependence on alcohol. The most common physical signs of alcohol addiction are:

  • Increased alcohol tolerance: more and more alcohol is needed to feel its effects
  • Inability to quit drinking despite many attempts and desire to stop
  • Loss of control (one cannot control the amount of alcohol he consumes at any give time)
  • Alcohol consumption or other drugs are required to avoid withdrawal symptoms: nausea, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, and, with more severe cases, seizures, delirium (or hallucinations)
  • Craving for alcohol that can contribute to relapse if one attempts to abstain

If you or someone you know is suffering from or at risk of substance use disorder

Continue Learning About Alcoholism Symptoms

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