Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependency, is a disease characterized by cravings, loss of control, tolerance and physical dependence. These components lead to the materialization on irrational actions and obsessive thoughts. It affects the body and mind of an individual. However, alcoholics are not born alcoholic; precisely, it actually started as a social activity that formed into habit and later on became an addiction causing havoc in a person’s life.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that may last for a lifetime. The probability of a person becoming an alcoholic is largely dependent on his lifestyle and his genes. Recognizing the alcoholism symptoms is quite difficult though the signs are easy to see. Each year millions of innocents die due to this chronic disease.
According to statistics report of the year 2006, 41% died of automobile fatalities, 25% of teenager deaths due to automobile fatalities, 31% of them died due to homicide and 20% of them lost their life in boating accidents. The main cause behind all these deaths is alcoholism.
There are various, behavioral and physical, signs and symptoms which indicate that a person is alcoholic. However, it must be kept in mind that one who suffers from all these symptoms may not necessarily be an alcoholic. Some of the symptoms are indicative of other disorder such as depression and anxiety.
Following are some of the common alcoholism symptoms and signs that you are most likely to notice in a person.
1. rapid mood swings, personality changes, defensiveness etc.
2. Overly self centered, emotional, lack of discipline, manipulative.
3. Change in appearance, loss of appetite, poor physical co-ordination, etc.
4. Dilated pupils, blood-shot eyes, fatigue.
5. Change in the pattern of speech, nausea, vomiting etc.
6. Continue to drink despite suffering from diseases which are affected by your drinking.
7. Inability to track your expenditure and late payment of bills.
8. Most of the time alcoholic’s social life is surrounded by the thoughts of alcohols. Their thought linger around obtaining alcohols and drinking.
9. Easily annoyed when people comment or criticize their drinking habits.
10. They tend to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed doing.
Alcoholism is treatable but if not treated in time it can destroy your life. Though it is sometimes referred to as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction, a thin line demarcates the two. Alcohol abuse turns into alcohol dependence when a person does not have control over their drinking capacity. And despite knowing the fact that severe drinking can lead to psychological trauma, they cannot cease their drinking habit.
Suggested Reading:
warning signs of alcoholism
negative effects of alcoholism
how to stop alcohol addiction
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