Alcoholism Symptoms

Alcoholism symptoms – alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions. In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes.

Physical symptoms

• In the early stages of alcoholism a common sign of the allergy developing are nausea and vomiting
• During the latter part of the ‘early stage’ of alcoholism  an increased tolerance to alcohol allows the drinker to ingest large amounts of alcohol and “appear” to function normally.
• In the middle stages of alcoholism, continued use usually continues despite the onset of new  physical symptoms
  • abdominal pain
  • red eyes, puffy face
  • numbness in the arms or legs
• swelling of the liver
• blackouts, not remembering drinking episodes

Physical Damages can be Incurred

Large amounts of alcohol intake can impair brain function and eventually cause unconsciousness or passing out.

Alcoholism can lead to a number of physical ailments, including hypoglycemia, brain and heart damage, enlarged blood vessels in the skin, chronic gastritis, and pancreatitis.

• Alcoholism can lead to impotence in men
• Damage to the fetus in pregnant women
• Higher risk of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Because many alcoholics do not eat properly, they are likely to have nutritional deficiencies.
• Heavy drinkers typically have impaired liver function and develop cirrhosis. Vitamins can not be absorbed properly. Deficiency of vitamin B12 (thiamine) causes loss of memory and abnormal co-ordination which can be fatal if it is left untreated. Anemia can occur due to iron and folic acid deficiency. Large doses of alcohol can raise blood pressure and cause heart problems.
• Extreme overdoses can be fatal.

Medical definitions describe alcoholism as a disease which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences.

• Alcoholism may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Although not all of these definitions specify current and on-going use of alcohol as a qualifier, some do, as well as remarking on the long-term effects of consistent, heavy alcohol use, including dependence and symptoms of withdrawal.

While the ingestion of alcohol is, by definition, necessary to develop alcoholism, the use of alcohol does not predict the development of alcoholism.

•  The quantity, frequency and regularity of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism varies greatly from person to person.
•  In addition, although the biological mechanisms underpinning alcoholism are uncertain, some risk factors, including social environment, emotional health and genetic predisposition, have been identified.

---

The Dean of Addictionz

Working the Solution with Multiple and Addicts of all types

• 36 Years Personal Recovery Experience in several Self Help Programs
• Addiction Recovery Outreach Trustee, NW Region Webmaster, Newsletter Editor and contributor for various Recovery Associations Publications
• Published in several major recovery publications:  AA Grapevine, Al-Anon Forum, Overeaters Anonymous “Voices of Recovery” and “Lifeline”, Gamblers Anonymous “Bulletin” &”Toastmaster” Magazine 
• This AddictionZ.com website is featured in Melody Beattie’s current “Codependent no More Workbook”
• Over 45 years successful contracting business experience working with over 2000 employees and Penitentiary halfway house temporary staff.
• Sponsoring many recovering multiple addicts with long-term good results
• Recovery weekend workshop leader in Western Canada & US Pacific NW
• Author “You Can’t Unscrew Somebody Workbook” for relationship makeovers
• Author “Sex Inventory Workbook” for sex issues
• Author “Drunk Driving Workbook”  for safety
• Author “Breaking The Cycle of Gambling Addiction” arrest the money drain!
• Author “Breaking the Cycle of Compulsive Overeating” get healthy!

Here is a thought!
Why don’t you book your sober recovery style vacation with us in beautiful downtown Victoria BC Canada at our Gingerbread Cottage Bed and Breakfast. Over the years we have had lots of therapists, recovering addicts and health professionals stay at our idyllic B&B steps from the Salish Sea. Oh and we have gourmet breakfasts too! Vanessa makes a fantastic Austrian Apple Strudel! see more on our B&B website…

Please leave your comments below, and I will be sure to answer them. If you want one of the publications but truly cannot afford it leave a comment with your email address and I’ll send you a free one…

This website is about recovery – not making money – but it wouldn’t hurt to pay a few web hosting charges if you  decided to visit one of the sponsors ads… I have kept outside ads to a minimum so it’s not so frustrating to read. Hate those pages with an ad between every paragraph.

Have a great One Day at a Time! Dean 🙂