Have you been wondering if your loved one’s drinking habits are too much one day?
Noticing alcohol-use warning signs is something that all of us should do, especially if we have deep concerns about our loved ones. They need to be evaluated and handled, especially when they hit the mark and turn into full-blown alcoholism.
Learn to spot all the subtle and overt signs of alcoholism. Afterward, look at the severity of the warning signs and determine what actions you should take.
If you are not sure how to spot alcoholism in a loved one, then read on!
Having High Blood Pressure
Alcoholism can have serious consequences for your physical health. One of the most obvious signs of a person having a problem with alcohol is high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be both a symptom of, and a cause of other alcoholism-related illnesses such as:
- heart disease
- stroke
- liver cirrhosis
It is caused by the strain that alcohol puts on the heart and other organs. Alcohol interferes with normal bodily functions. Thus, compromising the pumping action of the heart and increasing the risk of blood clots that can decrease blood flow to affected areas.
Weakened Immune System
A weakened immune system is a warning sign of alcoholism that could potentially put a person’s health in danger. This is because alcohol causes a decrease in the production of cells needed to help protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Constant alcohol consumption also increases the body’s level of the hormone cortisol. This of which can suppress the immune system and make a person more susceptible to illnesses.
Additionally, the more alcohol consumed, the more the body experiences a disruption in its normal sleep pattern. This, too, can weaken the immune system and lead to further health complications.
Poor Performance At Work
Signs of alcoholism can surface in many different ways, including in one’s work performance. Those struggling with alcoholism may start to:
- miss more deadlines
- show up for work late
- miss important meetings
- show tasks with poor results
Additionally, employees who once had excellent disciplinary and organizational skills may begin to neglect their job duties. This results in work-related injuries or frustrated coworkers.
Furthermore, alcoholics may become more defensive when criticism is presented or show signs of paranoia when it comes to authority figures. An employee struggling with alcoholism may also demonstrate a lack of ambition and lack of motivation.
Memory Problems
Alcoholism can be associated with a wide array of debilitating health complications. Perhaps one of the most serious concerns is memory problems. Memory problems associated with alcoholism can occur due to multiple factors, including:
- decrease in brain tissue
- neurotransmission disruption
- damage to neural pathways
- nutritional deficiencies
Signs of memory problems associated with renal issues include:
- difficulty concentrating
- forgetting recent events
- forgetting conversations
- trouble remembering
- information
- confusion
- disorientation
Those who are suspected of having memory problems induced by alcoholism should seek help from a doctor or alcohol treatment specialist immediately. You may also discover more about this from various sources.
Understanding the Signs of Alcoholism Is Important
Having a better understanding of the signs of alcoholism can help individuals, families, and communities work together to prevent and treat this serious disorder. If you or someone you know may be struggling with an alcohol use disorder, there is help.
Seek guidance from your healthcare provider or an addiction treatment professional.
Should you wish to read more about topics aside from identifying a drinking problem, visit our blog.
