Alcohol, one of humanity’s ancient inventions, traces back to the brewing of mead in China around 7000 BCE. Over millennia, it evolved into a cornerstone of social gatherings and relaxation. Unfortunately, alcohol also serves as a coping mechanism, leading to abuse and alcoholism. To shed a positive light, people have observed, collected, and studied warning signs that someone is abusing alcohol. Here at the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, our article defines and identifies the warning signs of alcohol abuse.
Deciphering the Drink: Understanding Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse, also known as problem drinking, is the excessive consumption of alcohol. This specifically refers to drinking so much that it leads to negative consequences in one’s life. This includes physical health, mental health, relationships, and everyday functioning. Eventually, if unchecked, the abuse can lead to alcoholism, which is the mental reliance that comes when the body develops a dependency on alcoholic beverages. Whether this is happening to your spouse, parent, or child, there are both physical and mental symptoms that alcohol abuse exhibits. In this blog, we’ll highlight three noticeable physical signs of alcohol abuse and discuss their significance at our Georgia Treatment Center.
The Look on Their Faces
The first thing people look at when talking to another person is their face, notably their eyes. There are a few telltale facial signs of alcohol abuse. Evident changes such as the discoloration of the eyes and face. If their eyes or face change to a more yellowish color, they may have jaundice, which stems from alcoholic liver disease. Other observable signs may include a puffy face- bloating comes from the body retaining as much water as possible due to dehydration because alcohol is a diuretic. Redness of the face, specifically the nose and cheeks, is common because repeated drinking puts pressure on blood vessels. The brain cannot handle frequent bouts of drinking, and the blood vessels become inflamed and possibly damaged.
Weight Gain/Loss
The second of the physical signs of alcohol abuse is a weight change. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain through an increased caloric intake, liver damage, or hormonal changes that affect metabolism. On the contrary, alcohol abuse can result in weight loss due to nutrient absorption issues. In cases of severe alcoholism or heavy drinking, individuals may often prioritize alcohol consumption over food, resulting in a decrease in food intake.
Coordination
Chronic alcohol abuse symptoms also entail difficulties with coordination. Long-term abuse affects how the brain controls movement, leading to clumsiness, unsteadiness, and balance issues. Even while sober, these lasting effects can still result in falls and accidents. Other symptoms under the coordination umbrella include slurred speech caused by a reduced connection between your brain and your body. The damage to the central nervous system also elicits tingling and even numbness in the hands and feet.
Understanding the physical signs of alcoholism and recognizing the negative impacts on the different parts of the body are essential steps that could potentially save lives. If someone you know shows physical signs of alcohol abuse, reaching out for guidance and help can make a huge difference in their journey toward recovery and healing.
Our Rehab Center in Georgia: Providing Support and Solutions
There’s a positive end to recognizing someone suffering from the physical signs of alcohol abuse: you can get them to help. Here, at one of the best recovery centers in Georgia, we offer alcohol abuse treatments that cater to every individual who comes through our doors. With multiple options of therapeutic approaches, we guide and empower those suffering to undertake the challenge and walk the path to sobriety. At our Georgia alcohol rehab program, individuals can access a range of treatment options, including group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and recreational therapy, among others.
Contact us today at 855-952-3546 to learn more about us and how our addiction treatment programs can help you and the people you care about begin the road to healing.
