Middle-stage alcoholics might deny their drinking problem or try to hide their alcohol use from others. The person’s use becomes more frequent and risky, and they may begin to experience negative consequences such as health problems and job losses. However, with proper treatment and support, most people with alcoholism can recover and lead healthy, productive lives. Alcoholism often starts as just having a little bit of fun—but without controlling the amount and frequency it’s consumed, it can quickly progress to addiction. Alcoholism treatment is possible at any stage of its progression, but understanding how it works is important so you can get help sooner rather than later.

• Can you think of more than a few times when you came to work with a hangover, missed deadlines, or got behind on schoolwork because of your drinking?
• Typicalalcohol withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, nausea, anxiety and insomnia.
• They may include fatigue, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
• If you develop alcoholic hepatitis, you may be able to reverse the damage by permanently abstaining from alcohol.
• Individuals in the intermediate familial subtype are, on average, age 38 and are usually employed.

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Misuse

Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider. Participating in a recovery program with the help of a rehab specialist will give you the greatest chance for long-term sobriety. Treatment providers guide you through every step of the recovery process and help you set achievable sobriety goals. After rehab, your specialist will put you in touch with alcohol abuse counselors and support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. This will ensure you maintain your sobriety and allow you to meet other peers who have overcome alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse can lead to an array of issues, affecting both your personal and professional life.

Signs and Symptoms of Middle-Stage Alcoholism

You don’t have to be the worst drinker ever to benefit from quitting. This secrecy often creates additional stress and can further damage relationships. These patterns often emerge gradually, making them easy to rationalize or overlook. Despite its prevalence, alcoholism often goes undiagnosed and untreated.

Medical Professionals

By this stage, their drinking is taking an obvious physical toll as well. They may appear red in the face or look bloated and generally unwell. The alcoholic probably isn’t sleeping or eating well at this point and may not be keeping up with personal hygiene.

• During the early stages of the disease, the person may drink heavily and may experience hangovers in between drinking episodes.
• With the right tools and support system in place, individuals can overcome their addiction and lead fulfilling lives in sobriety.
• Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking is a clear red flag for alcohol problems.
• It’s important to note that these are maximum limits, not recommendations.

Changes in sleep patterns are another behavioral sign to watch for. Alcohol can disrupt normal sleep cycles, leading to insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. This disruption can cause a ripple effect, impacting work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. The liver, being the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, can also show signs of stress. Enlarged liver or tenderness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen may be indicative of alcohol-related liver damage.

After ongoing heavy use, the body may develop a physical dependence. A person with a dependence may go through withdrawal symptoms without a certain level of alcohol in their body. When the normally high level of alcohol in a person’s body begins to drop, they may feel physically ill. They may only feel well when they maintain a consistent level of alcohol in their bloodstream.

This can lead to or worsen existing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. For some, alcohol becomes a form of self-medication, but in reality, it exacerbates their emotional struggles. The sooner someone seeks help, the easier it is to reverse or halt the damage caused by alcohol. Rehabilitation programs, along with medical and psychological support, play a crucial role in guiding individuals toward better health and long-term wellness. This staggering statistic emphasizes the need for early intervention. Many people delay addressing alcohol abuse, either due to denial or a lack of awareness of the dangers, but the consequences of waiting are severe.

These mood fluctuations can be particularly pronounced during periods of drinking and subsequent withdrawal. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90 percent of people who drink heavily have some form of this condition. The early stages https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of alcohol-related liver disease often have no symptoms. Because of this, you may not even know that you’ve experienced liver damage due to alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. Treatment options, such as therapy, support groups, and medical interventions, can provide the necessary guidance and assistance to overcome alcohol abuse.

Physical Signs of Alcoholism

Typically, people in the first stage of alcoholism do not notice the harmful effects of alcohol because they’re not experiencing withdrawal symptoms. signs of alcoholism They may use alcohol to relieve stress but also enjoy being high or drunk. Whether you’re the loved one of someone struggling with alcohol addiction, or you yourself are struggling, it’s important to be aware of these signs and to know that you’re not alone.