The Most Common Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a serious public health issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol use causes more than 95,000 deaths every year in the United States. As medical professionals, it is important to be able to identify signs of alcohol abuse in patients so that they can get the help they need. Drinking alcohol regularly and in large quantities can signal a larger problem, especially if you are unable to control your consumption. Yet this alone is not enough to diagnose a condition as serious as alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction.

If you or someone you love is suffering from AUD, there are ways to tell that the condition has become serious enough to require intervention. Our Las Vegas alcohol addiction treatment professionals explain some common signs of alcohol abuse.

What are the Most Common Behaviors & Symptoms Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

The most common behaviors & symptoms associated with alcohol abuse include a strong, near-constant desire to drink, an inability to control alcohol cravings, and an increased tolerance for alcohol. Other signs are choosing to drink over other responsibilities, experiencing shakes after short periods without alcohol, and lying about drinking.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that 15 million Americans suffer from AUD. To be diagnosed with AUD, a person must meet certain criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Under the current version of the DSM, anyone meeting two or more of the criteria during the same twelve-month period has AUD. Whether the AUD is considered mild, moderate, or severe is based on how many of the 11 criteria are met.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90% of people who drink excessively are not expected to meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for having a severe alcohol use disorder. Drinking that becomes so severe it is given the medical diagnosis of “alcohol use disorder” is characterized by the inability to quit or control alcohol use despite numerous adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

AUD can affect anyone regardless of sex, race, income, or other factors, although genetics, stress, and psychological issues can make certain people more predisposed than others.

Alcohol Abuse Symptoms:

• A strong, near-constant desire or craving to drink
• An inability to control alcohol cravings
• An inability to get through everyday activities without drinking alcohol
• An inability to stop drinking alcohol
• An increased tolerance for alcohol
• Attempting to drink alcohol without others knowing
• Choosing to drink over other responsibilities and obligations
• Continuing to drink alcohol despite it causing personal and/or professional problems
• Experiencing shakes or tremors after holding off on drinking alcohol for a short time
• Irritability and extreme mood swings
• Lying about drinking alcohol
• Temporary blackouts and/or short-term memory loss

Side Effects Of Alcoholism

• Driving under the influence
• Legal problems or trouble
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Arguments or other contentious issues with family and friends
• Accidents and injuries
• Aggressive behavior
• Anxiety, irritability, and depression

Drinking becomes problematic when it disrupts relationships, activities, work, and school, or affects thoughts and feelings. Only a professional can provide a diagnosis. Consult a healthcare provider if you or a family member shows signs of a drinking problem. Contact our treatment specialists for any questions.

What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal, and What Symptoms Might One Experience?

Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and may lead to uncomfortable and life-threatening symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include trembling, sweating, nausea, heightened anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. For those with severe symptoms, a medical detox is recommended.

What Triggers Alcohol Abuse? 

Alcohol abuse is triggered by a variety of factors, with no single cause responsible. Stress and feelings of being overwhelmed often lead individuals to use alcohol as a means of stress relief and self-regulation. While not everyone who experiences stress will develop alcohol abuse, it is a significant trigger that can result in unhealthy coping mechanisms.

A family history of substance abuse or early exposure to alcohol during teenage years can also predispose someone to repeat familiar behaviors. What starts as occasional drinking at social events can escalate into a pattern of binge drinking every weekend or feeling the need for a drink to relax. Other common triggers for alcohol abuse include a history of traumatic experiences.

Final Thoughts On Signs Of Alcoholism

It’s important to look out for signs of alcohol abuse in our patients and provide them with the resources they need if they are exhibiting any one of these symptoms listed in this aticle. Early identification of potential issues can make all the difference when it comes to treating alcoholism before it becomes a serious problem that requires intervention and specialized treatment programs. If you observe any of these signs mentioned above in your behavior patterns of that of a loved one, take action right away and call us for further evaluation if necessary!

Are you or a loved one suffered from a serious drinking problem? Contact us today to learn how our Las Vegas alcohol addiction treatments can help you on your journey to recovery.