Alcohol use brings serious negative short and long-term consequences. If a loved one is showing signs of alcoholism, you can help by recognizing there’s a problem and encouraging them to attend an alcohol addiction treatment program.
Vertava Health of Mississippi Outpatient is a leader in Mississippi substance use treatment. We offer alcohol detox and both residential and outpatient treatment programs designed to treat alcohol addiction effectively. Call 888.498.2376 today for more information on overcoming alcohol addiction at Vertava Health of Mississippi Outpatient.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
An individual struggling with alcohol addiction may successfully hide the signs of alcoholism for a while. However, the further it progresses, the more difficult it becomes to hide. Often, loved ones notice behavioral changes before they begin seeing physical signs of alcohol addiction.
Behavioral signs of alcohol use include:
- Isolation or withdrawal
- Secretiveness
- Personality changes
- Failure to meet personal and work obligations
- Financial difficulties
- Legal issues
- Depression or anxiety
Eventually, the signs of alcohol use include physical symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in skin color
- Bloodshot eyes
- Messy appearance
- Poor physical hygiene
- Shakiness or trembling
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
As alcohol use takes precedence, it becomes harder for an individual to perform basic tasks and care for their physical appearance. And as tolerance grows, it’s more likely for an individual to experience withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and shakiness when they go without a drink.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol misuse takes a serious toll on an individual’s quality of life. However, long-term alcohol addiction can also lead to serious and even fatal health conditions. Health issues that are indicative of long-term alcohol use include:
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Digestive issues
- High blood pressure
Alcohol use often leads to irreversible chronic health conditions—and both alcohol use alone as well as the health conditions it can cause are often fatal.
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction Brings Unique Challenges
It should come as no surprise that overcoming alcohol addiction comes with unique challenges. Unlike illegal or prescription drugs, alcohol use is socially acceptable, and its presence is pervasive.
IIt’simpossible to turn on the television or walk through the grocery store without being confronted by advertisements encouraging alcohol consumption, which makes successfully overcoming alcohol addiction harder than many other substances.
It’s unlikely that you’ll urge to take heroin or crack cocaine at a work party or family gathering. Alcohol can be just as destructive as these illicit substances, yet refusing a drink in social settings can lead to awkwardness, unwanted questions, and confusion.
How Treatment Can Help
Alcohol addiction treatment helps an individual understand their reasons for drinking, supports mental and emotional health, and provides a strong foundation for alcohol use disorder recovery.
Just as importantly, alcohol addiction treatment provides valuable education and training on how to navigate daily life and social situations in which alcohol will inevitably appear.
Taking the time to anticipate the unique challenges associated with abstaining from this socially acceptable drug is an essential element of effective substance use training. Without proper preparation, it can be very difficult to maintain long-term recovery from alcohol use once treatment ends.
Get Help with Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Abuse at Vertava Health of Mississippi Outpatient
If someone you love is showing signs of alcohol addiction, it will only get worse unless they get professional help. It can be incredibly challenging to watch a loved one destroy their health and quality of life because they can’t stop drinking. Fortunately, professional treatment can connect them to a program that can have life-altering positive consequences.
You can learn more about the signs of alcoholism and getting help with alcohol addiction by contacting us at 888.498.2376 and asking about the programs offered at Vertava Health of Mississippi Outpatient.
