Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or social status. It is a chronic condition that can cause physical and mental harm, disrupt relationships, and even lead to death if left untreated. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of alcoholism is crucial in helping individuals seek the necessary help and treatment they need to recover from this addiction.

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of alcoholism and their impact on an individual’s life. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, it is essential to seek professional help from a reputable rehab center.

Alpine Recovery is one such center that offers Medicaid coverage, providing access to quality treatment for those who need it most. We are the best Colorado Medicaid alcohol rehab program. Call us at 720-704-2883.

A recent study says about 3 million people died from alcoholism in 2023. Alcoholism is a common phenomenon which happens among people of various age groups. The condition comes with some signs and symptoms that can help ascertain if an individual is an alcoholic. These symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the quantity an individual consumes.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also called alcohol use disorder, is a condition characterized by the inability of an individual to stop or control the use of the substance. People that are experiencing alcohol dependence are unable to stop taking importance despite it causing different degrees of health problems.

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

Alcohol dependence is more common than we think. People struggling with alcohol addiction experience some signs and symptoms. These symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Below are some of the signs of alcoholism:

Craving for alcohol
Inability to control alcohol intake
Increased tolerance to alcohol
Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after a period of not taking alcohol

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can affect the overall physical health of an individual. Below are some of the physical symptoms of alcoholism:

Sleeplessness
Vomiting
Tremors
Increase in heart rate
Confusion

What Are the Emotional Symptoms of Alcoholism?

The use of alcohol can also affect the emotional state of an individual. Alcohol abuse can cause negative feelings such as anger, anxiety, and antisocial behaviors. Alcohol consumption can also interfere with a person’s mood and cause depression.

How Does Alcoholism Affect the Brain?

In 2021, a study said alcohol dependence affects the brain. The researchers found that long-term intake of alcohol can deplete the brain volume. The area affected the most is the part that deals with attention, memory, and reasoning. Hence, alcohol use disorder can lead to impaired memory and judgment.

Can Alcoholism Cause Liver Damage?

Long-term alcohol use can damage the liver. The liver is the organ responsible for breaking down alcohol into byproducts that are not harmful to the body. After this, the liver removes the harmless byproducts from the body.

The liver regenerates itself. However, excessive consumption of alcohol can affect the liver’s capacity to regenerate. The reason is that some liver cells die when filtering alcohol. When this lingers for long, it can cause severe and permanent damage to the liver. Below are some alcoholic liver disease symptoms:

Loss of appetite
Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
Weight loss
Swelling of the legs

What Are the Long-term Effects of alcoholism?

Alcoholism increases the risk of having some health conditions. Excessive drinking has immediate effects on the person consuming it. Constant intake of alcohol can cause the development of chronic health conditions. These conditions include cancer of the breast, colon, and liver. Below are other severe infections that can result from alcoholism:

Mental health problems
Heart problem
Stroke
Brain damage
Memory problems such as dementia

How Is Alcoholism Diagnosed?

There is no specific lab test to diagnose alcoholism. However, a doctor may diagnose an individual with alcohol use disorder because of their drinking pattern. Also, some health problems linked to alcoholism can show that an individual has an alcohol use disorder.

Can Alcoholism Be Genetic?

Some genes can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. For example, some studies show that about 50 percent of a person’s risk of experiencing alcoholism is due to genes. Therefore, an individual from a family with a history of alcoholism has a high chance of experiencing the same.

Can Alcoholism Be Cured?

Like other abused substances, alcohol can cause irreversible changes to the body. Alcohol is psychoactive and can change the way the brain works. Hence, it is challenging to get alcoholism cured. However, proper treatment can help an individual recover from alcoholism.

Can Alcoholism Lead to Death?

Alcoholism can lead to death. A study shows that about 140,000 deaths result from alcohol abuse yearly in the US. Alcohol abuse does not only reduce the quality of life; it can also lead to death. For example, taking a large quantity of alcohol at once can raise blood pressure and lead to heart failure and death. Also, alcoholism can lead to chronic illnesses that, if not properly managed, can lead to death. In addition, alcohol can make an individual engage in reckless behaviors that can lead to death.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal is when an individual experiencing addiction to the substance stops or reduces their intake. Excessive consumption of alcohol changes the way the body works. When the individual controls the intake of alcohol, the brain changes and starts to work without the influence of alcohol. This change results in alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Below are some of the typical alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
sleeplessness

Is There Medicaid Coverage for Alcoholism?

There is Medicaid coverage for alcoholism. Medicaid helps pay for alcohol addiction treatment, including inpatient rehab, medication-assisted treatment, and outpatient rehab. However, it is important to note that Medicaid coverage varies by state. Hence it is essential to know the requirements for your condition.

Get Help From Alpine Recovery Center Today!

Alcoholism can affect the physical and mental health of the individual experiencing it. Hence, people struggling with alcohol addiction must get treatment immediately.

Alpine Recovery Center provides high-quality addiction and mental health treatment for people with Medicaid in Colorado. Our programs are led by experienced therapists who create personalized treatment plans for each person. In addition, we know a community is essential for long-term recovery. Therefore, we welcome family and friends into treatment and provide life-long recovery support with our Alumni Program.

To learn more about our addiction treatment programs and Medicaid insurance programs, contact us today at 720-704-2883.