Alcohol abuse is known as a pattern of excessive consumption of alcohol that interferes with day-to-day activities. It could be in the mild to severe range, including consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol or even neglecting health or safety.
Heavy alcohol usage is defined for men as consuming more than 4 drinks on any given day or more than 14 drinks per week, and for women as consuming more than 3 drinks on any given day or more than 7 drinks per week.
Signs of excess drinking
Alcohol abuse can negatively impact one’s health and daily life and result in warning signs. It leads to behavioural problems, mood changes, and health problems. If one tries to keep a check on alcohol intake or withdraw from it, alcohol dependence may not allow it to be possible. Early signs include tremors, sweating, nausea, and confusion that would cause the person to go for a drink. These symptoms take effect when a person tries to control the urge and worsen in the morning, causing the person to drink more. This is called ‘physical dependence’. Furthermore, the person begins to take alcohol in greater quantity or higher quality to increase its effect on oneself; this is because less quantity has started to develop ‘tolerance’ and it doesn’t feel sufficient for the person to feel intoxicated.
Gradually, this compulsion to drink starts to affect the person’s work and personal lives. It begins to annoy the person to listen to any advice on cutting back on alcohol. Symptoms like forgetfulness and blackouts incapacitate the individual. The person starts to become antisocial and enjoys drinking rather than engaging in any of his hobbies. Drinking problems can cause a person to skip work and choose to do dangerous feats such as drinking while driving.
For family and friends: Signs of alcohol abuse
Family and friends should be watchful for any signs of abuse when the known person is an alcoholic or a heavy drinker. Oftentimes, the symptoms that indicate that a person has started to abuse alcohol reflect on his health, habits, behaviour, and appearance. As the addiction increases, the person shows less and less interest in their outward appearance, like neglecting grooming or hygiene. Extreme mood changes can be seen; one time they may appear to be hyperactive and elated, while other times they may lack motivation, be depressed even to the point of having suicidal thoughts, and become lethargic. They can appear to have anger issues and may even abuse people around them. They may dislike taking any advice, ignore responsibilities, suffer financially, and do reckless things like driving drunk. Other symptoms can include increased appetite or refusing to eat and replacing it with alcohol; frequent nosebleeds; sores in the mouth; and convulsions. These symptoms also include vomit, sweating, frequent headaches, and stomach aches.
It is important to keep an eye out for these symptoms, which can help in the timely management or treatment of the person in concern.
Helping a loved one realize they are drinking too much
Alcohol affects both the person consuming it and their loved ones. However, helping the addicted person is very important to improve their state of mind and overall quality of life. Starting with harsh and strict methods may not be fruitful, as the person can feel ostracized and may become more adamant about consuming alcohol. Approaching the person when they are not intoxicated would be the best time to bring up the topic. Talk to the person, ensuring that you are on their side, and highlight the harmful aspects of drinking and how it’s affecting their health and relationships. Tell them you are ready to help them. You can suggest taking them to a healthcare provider or using therapy, self-help groups, or programs. Encourage and support them in their journey. Do not expect the person to stop this habit suddenly; be patient and allow them to take their time to recover.
Self Help
If the person has decided to stop drinking, then it is time to take steps on how to limit and quit alcohol for good. Any chronic alcoholic will struggle with urges and cravings when they are trying to limit or control their alcohol consumption. An effective tip to overcome this is to replace the drinking time with other things like non-alcoholic beer (as a short-term fix), green tea, caffeine, chocolate, or any other energy drinks. Engage more in physical activity, such as exercise, and manage stress with meditation and yoga. It is important not to engage with any friend or family member who drinks alcohol. Stop going to places where you are bound to consume alcohol.
If you reach out to a healthcare professional, they will prescribe the necessary medications and tips to overcome the addiction; they may even suggest rehabilitation services that can help improve the overall quality of life. Joining support groups (e.g., AA, short for Alcoholics Anonymous) and attending once a week could be beneficial in the long run. Opting for therapy can be a great start to being heard and learning tactics to manage consumption. Always seek the support of close people and tell them that you are trying so they can keep you in check and help you. Avoid being alone or struggling to quit alcohol on your own. Set realistic goals and achieve them. Be patient. It can take months or years to fully free yourself from alcohol dependence. Even after overcoming, continue to take precautionary measures so you never resort to alcohol again. Know your triggers and manage them.
Outlook
Quitting alcohol can be very difficult, but not impossible. A strong will and a determined strategy have helped many people successfully quit drinking and reclaim their joy in life. The small steps that one takes to stop drinking every day will only change their lives for the better.
