How to Spot 3 Signs of Alcohol Dependency in a Loved One
Alcohol dependency, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic, relapsing illness characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. It leads to physical and mental addiction, often with serious consequences. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, it is important to seek professional support to overcome the addiction.
Recovery Centers of America proudly offers effective, comprehensive treatment options for alcohol dependency. Call 1-800-RECOVERY today for information about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how we can help.
The Reality of Alcohol Dependency
When alcohol becomes a fixture in a person’s routine, it can have devastating effects. The most visible signs are often those related to a person’s behavior, visibly acting drunk or regularly engaging in binge drinking.
Beyond these visible signs lies a list of alarming physical effects that can serve as a wake-up call to those unaware of their own consumption patterns. The human body was not designed to process alcohol in the quantities that alcoholics often do. The liver, the pancreas, the heart—each organ bears the burden of alcohol abuse in its own way.
Physical effects of alcohol dependency include:
- Liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Heart complications such as arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy.
- The disruption of the digestive system leading to gastritis and pancreatitis.
- Increased risk of many forms of cancer.
- A weakened immune system makes one prone to infections.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a form of brain damage.
- Peripheral neuropathy, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet.
Understanding these physical effects is important for anyone dealing with alcohol dependency or supporting a loved one through these trying times.
3 Signs a Loved One May Be Struggling with Alcohol Dependency
Acknowledging that a loved one might be dealing with alcohol dependency is an emotional and challenging process. The signs can be subtle, misinterpreted, or deliberately concealed, but they are there, and recognizing these signs is pivotal in beginning the path to recovery and healing.
Here are three common warning signs you should be aware of:
1. A Sudden Change in Behavior or Mood
Alcohol can morph a person’s behavior and mood in unpredictable ways. Seemingly out-of-character actions, bouts of irritability, and isolation can all signal an underlying issue. Pay attention to radical shifts that appear increasingly prevalent.
2. Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal
Another telling sign is experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when the affected individual hasn’t had a drink. These range from anxiety and shaking to more severe symptoms like seizures. If these become cyclical in the absence of alcohol, there may be a deeper problem at play.
3. Neglect of Responsibilities and Hygiene
Alcohol dependency is all-consuming, and as the disease progresses, other aspects of life invariably suffer. Neglect of work, familial responsibilities, and personal hygiene are often evident when alcohol holds sway over one’s life. If someone you care about is consistently falling short in these areas, it may be a sign of their struggle.
While acknowledging and confronting alcohol dependency can be daunting, seeking help is essential for both the individual and their loved ones. It takes courage to admit there’s a problem, but remember that recovery is possible with the right support.
Contact Recovery Centers of America for Alcohol Addiction Treatment Today
For those realizing the weight of alcohol dependency, or for those observing it in someone they love, the next step is often the most daunting yet the most important. Recovery is neither easy nor immediate, but it is always possible. Professional guidance, support, and a structured recovery plan can provide the framework necessary to break the cycle of dependency. Call 1-800-RECOVERY or contact us online to get the help you need today.
