Alcoholism has always been a disease millions of people suffer from, and a good many of us are affected by it, directly or indirectly, through an alcoholic family member or a friend. The Oxford dictionary explains an alcoholic to be a person who is affected by alcohol and alcoholism as an addiction to alcoholic drink.
Drinking is intertwined in many societies. Sharing a bottle or wine or even a glass of beer during a meal, drinking for celebration of special occasions — drinking has become a popular factor in all kinds of activities. The difference between socially drinking and alcoholism is huge, but the borderline between them is, in fact, just a tiny bit. Therefore, it’s very important that each of us should be aware of the signs of an alcoholic.
Alcoholism: Its cause and effect
An alcohol is a colourless explosive liquid prepared by fermentation of starches or sugar, widely used in different daily life needs and beverages which are intoxicated. It is actually a depressant which slows down your thoughts and actions. It’s started from the brain and affects all parts of the body, especially liver. An average person’s liver can break down about one drink per hour; the rest of the alcohol circulates throughout the body, resulting in uncontrollable behaviour, judgement, perceptions, and skills.
In the U.S alone, over 17.6 million adults are alcoholics or have alcohol problems. Alcohol has its direct effect on the liver, causing serious liver infection and disease. Alcohol causes many other diseases like peripheral arterial disease, pancreatitis, heart attack and strokes, insomnia, mental problems and increase in weight.
Moreover, heavy drinking results in the malfunction of reproductive system in both women and men. From various evidences and studies, it is found that mother’s consumption of alcohol during pregnancy really affects the development of the foetus in an unfavourable way.
Common Signs of an alcoholic
No one will admit or is able to admit that he is an alcoholic. Sometimes they deny because of embarrassment, shame and insecurities. But in some cases, people do not realise that they themselves have the signs of an alcoholic. Here are some of the many significant signs of an alcoholic:
- Frequent consumption of alcohol
- Consumption of a large amount of alcohol without getting intoxicated
- Experiencing slight memory lapses
- Hiding alcohols or sneaking drinks
- Losing jobs or getting complaints from employers because of drinking
- Relationship or marital problems due to drinking
- Drastic change of behaviour while drinking
- Remorse after drinking
- Drinking before noon, even with empty stomach
- Refuse in self-care or hygiene
- Suffer from alcohol withdrawals when you don’t drink for a short period of time
- In need of alcohol when you are jobless
These are the most significant ones of the signs of an alcoholic. An alcoholic might not be able identify these signs but people around him should be aware of it and help him to realise before it is too late.
Dr. David Marks talks about the definition and signs of alcoholism:
If you suspect yourself or people around you to be having these signs of an alcoholic, it is important to consult with a medical professional. Begin by calling a help line so that you can get professional advice on how to approach the person.
Alcoholism is not an epidemic or acute disease, but if not diagnosed immediately, it can cause several health effects directly or indirectly. By identifying the signs of an alcoholic, you are not only saving a person, but also saving the society.