Signs of Alcohol Abuse
The signs of alcohol abuse are numerous and will negatively impact many facets of a person’s well-being over time. Physical, psychological and social signs of alcohol abuse may include:
Physical Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Many signs of alcohol abuse can appear in the short term, including:
- Drinking larger amounts of alcohol than previously consumed
- Spending more time, money and energy working on getting and using alcohol
- Spending more time being hungover and recovering from alcohol’s effects
- Frequently showing signs of intoxication, like slurred speech, poor coordination and walking problems
- Increased injuries from falling or engaging in risky behaviors
- Decreased self-care and poor hygiene
- Smelling of alcohol or having many empty bottles around the house
- Significant weight changes
Other physical signs of alcohol abuse require prolonged use and include:
- Cardiac issues, like high blood pressure, stroke and irregular heartbeat
- Liver problems, like fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Various cancers
- Weakened immune system
Psychological Signs of Alcohol Abuse
The psychological signs of alcohol abuse emerge when the substance interferes with usual brain functioning. The most common emotional signs of alcoholism include:
- Rapidly changing moods
- Increased irritability, anger and aggression
- Failing to follow throughout on responsibilities
- Problems with memory, concentration and attention
- New or worsening anxiety
- Possible hallucinations or delusional thinking, especially during periods of withdrawal
Alcohol addiction’s psychological signs can either mask a mental health condition by covering up its symptoms or intensify symptoms of a co-occurring disorder. Accurately identifying all present psychological disorders is extremely challenging when alcohol abuse is still happening.
Social Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse’s effects extend beyond the physical and psychological to include social influences. The most common social signs of alcohol abuse include:
- Spending less time around friends and isolating oneself
- Spending more time in new and changing social groups
- Increased lying and deceitfulness
- Failing to follow through on plans
- Increasing conflicts with friends, family and coworkers
- Decreased performance in school, work or sports
Socially, a person with an addiction to alcohol will likely be very inconsistent. One day, they could be happy and outgoing. The next day, they could be feeling down, angry and hostile. Unpredictable social interactions are a strong indicator of substance use disorders.
