Since drinking alcohol is such a common element of our society, the abuse can creep up on you, making it hard to see when drinking has become a problem. It is important to be aware of the effects of alcohol and the signs of a drinking problem before you or a loved one falls into full-blown alcohol addiction. The side effects of alcohol vary so widely from person to person, it can be hard to figure out where social drinking stops and problem drinking begins.
Some people can drink responsibly, while others lose their health, their family, and their jobs if they drink. Genetics, family, social environment, and overall emotional health can all play a part on what the effects of alcohol will be. Alcohol abuse can affect all aspects of life and if drinking is causing problems in your life, you might have a drinking problem.
Alcohol can cause serious health complications, and damage your mental stability, your finances, your job, and the ability to maintain satisfying relationships. Alcoholism will undoubtedly have a negative impact on your family, your friends, your co-workers, and your community. Alcoholics get divorced more often, have more problems with domestic violence, lose more jobs, and live in poverty far more often than non-drinkers. The strain placed on close relatives and friends of an alcohol addict can be especially traumatic and damaging. Pretending nothing is wrong and covering for the person with the drinking problem can take an enormous toll on people and relationships.
The path from casual alcohol use to alcohol addiction is usually a gradual progression and those who drink a little each day are at the most risk of developing alcoholism. Drinking every day can promote physical dependence and when a person needs alcohol to function or they feel compelled to drink, they have an addiction problem developing. Unfortunately, most addicts will step up their denial of the facts as their drinking gets worse, and rationalizing their drinking is often the biggest single obstacle to getting help for their alcohol addiction. Most addiction professionals agree there is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction as abusers can set some limits and still control their drinking to some degree. Given enough time, however, most alcohol abusers will lose the ability to control their drinking.
Common social side effects of alcohol abuse prior to full-blown addiction:
* Lie to cover drinking
* Always feel better after a drink
* Always drink more than planned
* Neglect responsibilities at home, work, or school
* Drinking and driving
* Legal problems from drinking
* Can’t have “just one drink.”
* Continue drinking even after problems arise
After a period of prolonged alcohol abuse, addiction can develop in subtle ways. The effects of alcohol abuse are all magnified by alcohol addiction and every aspect of the addict’s life can get worse. In addition to increasing physical and emotional problems, the alcohol addict will also notice that they have developed a tolerance and need to drink ever-increasing amounts of alcohol to satisfy their cravings. Tolerance is one of the first warning signs of alcohol addiction and the ability to drink twice as much as your friends is not a good thing when it comes to the spirits. The tolerance for alcohol is usually accompanied by a loss of control over drinking in general. Addicts want to quit but they can’t, they devote most of their time to maintaining their habit, and they continue to drink even though it is causing problems.
The second major warning sign of an addiction to alcohol is the presence of withdrawal symptoms. After a person has been drinking heavily for a long time the body becomes adjusted to it and will exhibit problems if drinking stops. Unfortunately, the only temporary “fix” is more alcohol.
Blood Alcohol level & Effects
0-0.5
Blood vessels dilate. Warm sensation. Sensory Perception of taste, smell, vision and pain reduced.
0.5-1.5
Mood and behavior changes. Sensory perceptions further reduced. Short term memory decreases. Judgment impaired. Reaction speeds reduced. Muscle coordination reduced.
1.5-3.0
Exaggeration of prior effects. Emotional mood swings. Red skin. Dilated pupils. Nausea and vomiting may be present.
3-4.0
Sensory perception numbed. Mental confusion. Total loss of coordination. Speech slurred.
4.0 +
Risk of alcohol poisoning and unconsciousness. Coma, heart attack and respiratory arrest may be present. Medical attention required.
Physical side effects from alcohol withdrawal can include:
* Anxiety
* Nausea and vomiting
* Shakiness
* Trembling
* Headache
* Sweating
* Insomnia
* Irritability
* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
The effects of alcohol addiction can be life threatening. In the most severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can cause hallucinations and seizures. Alcohol is a type of a drug, and alcohol addiction is just as dangerous as any drug addiction. Alcohol addiction causes permanent changes in the body and brain, and can be fatal if left untreated. Help is available.
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