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Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Side Effects, Rehab, and Recovery

The term addiction never invokes a positive feeling. Especially if it is related to substances which are created for artificial leisure. Obviously one of the substances is alcohol.

Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a serious medical condition in which the abuser has no control and regulation over the amount of alcohol which he or she consumes.

Often seen in adults, this condition differs from individual to individual. It depends on the frequency and the amounts. Progressive and unchecked alcoholism can have adverse effects on one’s life and the people around them.

Signs of alcoholism

A condition of alcoholism can be characterized by a number of indicators.

Physical and visible signs of alcoholism that are noticed on an addict are –

  • Uncontrolled and unregulated consumption of alcohol.
  • Slurred speech. Choppy and incoherent way of talking.
  • Clumsiness
  • Poor posture
  • Poor balance of the body.
  • Sluggishness
  • Delayed inhibitions
  • Subdued reflexes
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Physical disturbances like abdomen ache, nausea, poor sight, etc
  • Blacking out
  • Frequent redness on the face and some people also experience Asian flush
  • Poor memory. Inability to remember or recollect.
  • Lack of attention at the workplace
  • Increase in extreme emotions
  • Volatile mood swings.
  • Unprecedented behaviour

Side-Effects of Alcoholism

This addiction can take a heavy toll on one’s physiological as well as psychological well being.

The impacts of alcoholism can vary depending on the gravity of addiction, the amount of control and consumption.

In extreme cases, it can also lead to fatal repercussions like death by alcohol poisoning.

The side-effects which are primarily seen are –

  • Physical Impacts

The gravest aftermath which alcoholism can cause is the irreversible damage to the prominent organs like liver, intestines, heart and nervous system. Apart from these, it also causes abnormal blood pressure, anxiety, sexual problems, cancer, etc.

  • Social Impacts

Apart from physical consequences, alcoholism ruins a person’s lifestyle. It can hamper the person’s image at the workplace. It can lead to termination of his job.

It can disturb the family and everyone around that individual.

It can ruin the individual’s social image adversely too.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

The first step to battle the addiction is acknowledgement and acceptance.

To overcome the situation, it is necessary to acknowledge the fact that one is going through a disorder and that one needs external aid.

On achieving the above, the person positively embarks on the journey of recovery.

In the initial stages of withdrawing alcohol, the addict may experience various bodily changes like hallucinations, profuse sweating, anxiety, agitation, seizures, insomnia convulsions/tremors, etc.

They are known as withdrawal symptoms.

Top recovery tips which are given by experts to reduce alcohol dependency is an alteration in diets and cut down on sugar intakes. Alcohol and sugar have long lost enmity. They can trigger reverse addiction and thus, it I necessary to keep a check on sugar levels.

Apart from sugar food dense with other essential nutrients like proteins and carbohydrates must be consumed. They help in building the damaged tissue and cells of the body.