Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is medically considered a disease. It’s characterized by not being able to stop drinking even though it causes negative consequences. Whether you’re struggling with an alcohol addiction or you have a loved one who is, it’s often disruptive to every part of life. By recognizing the physical signs of alcoholism early on, it paves the way for early intervention and treatment.
Over time, alcoholism develops, manifesting itself in ways that impact your physical, emotional and mental health. We’ll shed some light on the physical signs of alcoholism, helping you spot potential red flags, whether in yourself or someone else.
The Development of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is defined by your impaired ability to stop or control drinking despite consequences that can be social, related to your job or your health.
Alcohol addiction can range in severity, and it includes strong urges to drink, trouble controlling drinking habits, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or stop drinking.
Developing an alcohol addiction is usually the result of genetic, social, environmental and psychological factors.
- It can start with experimentation and social drinking. Many people will start drinking socially or because they’re curious. Initially, this phase includes moderate drinking in social settings.
- Regular use occurs when you become more accustomed to drinking. You might do it more frequently or in situations outside of social gatherings.
- Risky use occurs when you start drinking more frequently, and it starts interfering with your daily activities and responsibilities. Risky use is marked by drinking in dangerous situations, like while driving or experiencing negative consequences because of alcohol use.
- Dependence happens when your body starts relying on alcohol to function normally. This is the point when you might experience withdrawal symptoms if you aren’t drinking.
- Alcoholism is technically the final stage where there’s a complete loss of control over drinking. You continue drinking in this stage despite knowing how much harm it’s causing.
What Are the Physical Signs of Alcoholism?
Alcoholism can lead to physical signs, and they can be separated based on early, middle and late-stage symptoms.
Early-Stage Alcoholism
In the earliest stages of alcohol addiction, physical signs can be subtle. They’re easy to overlook at this point. Some indicators to watch for include:
- Frequent hangovers with symptoms like nausea, headaches and light and sound sensitivity.
- Increased tolerance, so more alcohol is needed to get the same effects.
- Flushed skin, especially on the face, because of alcohol’s dilating effects on blood vessels.
- Unexpected weight gain or loss because drinking can change your metabolism and eating habits.
- Sleep disturbances, like having difficulty staying asleep, can happen early on and lead to daytime sleepiness.
- Stomach problems like nausea, diarrhea or pain can occur because alcohol irritates the digestive tract.
Middle-Stage Alcoholism
As alcoholism progresses, the physical symptoms might become more obvious and impactful. These can include:
- Getting sick often because of a weakened immune system.
- Broken capillaries, especially on the face or nose, cause a spider vein or blotchy appearance.
- Shaky hands, especially in the morning, which is a sign of alcohol withdrawal.
- Problems with balance or coordination lead to falls and clumsiness.
- Dry, flaky skin or chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.
- Liver enlargement can cause pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen.
Late-Stage Alcoholism
In the late stages, the physical signs of alcoholism can be very noticeable and life-threatening.
- Jaundice is when the skin and eyes turn yellow, caused by liver damage and impaired bilirubin processing.
- Ascites is fluid accumulation in the abdomen, which causes a bloated, distended appearance.
- Severe liver disease can cause liver scarring, jaundice and severe stomach pain.
- Cognitive impairments include memory loss and confusion.
- Cardiovascular issues include a higher risk of hypertension and cardiomyopathy, which is heart muscle disease.
- Loss of muscle mass and strength.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Pancreatitis, or pancreas inflammation, causes nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pain.
Other Effects of Alcoholism
As well as the physical signs, alcoholism has wide-ranging effects on a person’s life, including:
- Mental and emotional effects. Alcoholism is linked to issues like anxiety and depression. It can make already-existing mental health conditions worse. It can also contribute to new development of mental health problems.
- Cognitive impairment and brain damage can occur in severe cases. There’s Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is a form of dementia caused by alcoholism.
- Alcoholism can cause irritability, emotional outbursts, and mood swings.
- Alcohol addiction leads to problems in relationships and social isolation.
- Legal problems can occur because of offenses like driving under the influence, domestic violence and public intoxication.
- There are healthcare costs that can stem from alcohol use.
- Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risks of participating in a variety of risky behaviors, like unsafe sex or aggressive actions.
- Chronic alcoholism reduces life expectancy, and the cumulative effects reduce overall quality of life.
What To Do If You Notice Signs of Alcoholism
Whether you notice the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone else, acting promptly is crucial.
If you think you have a problem, recognizing and admitting it is a powerful first step. From there, you should work to get help. San Diego Detox is a leading treatment center that can help. We offer structured treatment and support, as well as detox programs to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
If you think someone else is showing problematic drinking habits or red flags of addiction, approach them with concern and empathy.
Be non-judgmental with your language, and suggest they seek professional help. You can research on their behalf to find information about treatment programs that could work well for their needs.
Let them know you’re there to support them, not enable their drinking behavior. Establish clear boundaries to ensure you protect your own well-being.
If you’d like to explore treatment options or learn more about addiction, we’re here to help. We encourage you to contact us at San Diego Detox at any time. We’re one of the country’s leading alcohol addiction treatment centers, offering evidence-based and holistic approaches to help begin the recovery journey.
