What Are the Key Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism and Why Does it Affect Me?

Alcoholism is a disease that effects brain chemistry inalcoholism, luckily there are some basic patterns that
the body and as such it is far more difficult to give upcan help to identify the suffering.
drinking than many think. Many think that because theyThe first sign is that drinking takes over their life and
only drink beer or wine they aren't in fact alcoholics orbecomes more important than anything else, family,
that they only drink at weekends so again they cannotfriends or their job even. Another sign is the effect it
be alcoholic. This is a myth as alcohol is a drug and ashas on them physically and emotionally which can
with any drug if you abuse its use you will have sideoften impair judgement to sometimes dangerous
effects and alcohol is no different. Drinking wine orlevels.
beer merely means that you drink more of it andOnce the alcohol abuse turns into alcoholism it is called
weekend drinking is binge drinking where you consumealcohol dependency or addiction and in this stage
large quantities in a short period of time. All symptomsalcohol becomes essential to perform functions and it
of alcohol abuse.is practically impossible then for an alcoholic to stop
So what can trigger alcoholism?even though they have severe physical and
There are many triggers that can turn someone intopsychological consequences. This shows up in
an alcoholic. Social drinking has been woven into therelationships which are doomed from the start as an
social fabric of our culture and a lot of people enjoyalcoholic cannot see that a relationship is going wrong
the social life of bars,clubs and pubs as a meetingas they are not able to make the rational decisions
place to unwind and share a drink with good companyneeded in relationship building.
however there is a downside to this as alcohol abuseHere are some of the physical signs of alcohol abuse
affects not only your health but your family and friendsand alcoholism:
and society itself. There is a fine balance and it is aWhile intoxicated: slurred speech, dizziness, clumsiness
fact that these days the balance is being tipped overor unsteadiness
towards alcohol abuse as social and peer pressuresBlackouts, when you drink so much you pass out
upon people increase. This can be hard to identify inWeight loss
cases of depression, anxiety or loneliness, grief orUnexplained sore or upset stomach
even family history.Redness in the face or cheeks
Family history plays its part and although not proven itNumbness or tingling in hands and feet
is thought that if you have a family history ofHealth effects of alcohol abuse
alcoholism there is a greater risk of alcohol abuse.Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health
Alcohol can in some cases worsen some mentalcomplications, affecting virtually every organ in your
illnesses and even create new ones too so it needs tobody. These effects include:
be taken with care if there is history of mental illnessLiver inflammation, which can lead to cirrhosis, a
within your family.serious, irreversible liver condition
Peer pressure is becoming an increasing source ofIncreased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer
alcohol abuse especially amongst younger adults asStomach problems and nutritional deficiencies
we feel that we may not be accepted into a group ifNeurological problems such as confusion, numbness
we don't drink as heavily as they do or as frequentlyand trouble with memory
either. Sometimes works parties and social gatheringsBirth defects
make you feel pressured into drinking more than youAs you can see alcoholism is a serious disease and if
would normally do adding to the pressure.untreated can cause a lot of damage both to the
One of the major causes is stress or a huge lifeindividual concerned as well as friends and family.
change as many of us simply haven't got the life skillsIt is a long road but the rewards of getting the right
to cope with these major changes and the result is atreatment early are well worth the trauma of getting
turn to alcohol to help to relieve the pressure. Aoff alcohol for good. Both mentally and healthily.
mistake of course as alcohol will never get youFor more information and instructions on how to beat
through your trauma or stressful situation.alcohol addiction in 60 days please visit the website.
So how can you tell if someone is suffering with