Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition defined as the inability to stop or control alcohol drinking despite its unfavorable consequences. Its early signs must be diagnosed as soon as possible so that the corresponding treatment can be provided in time. Early identification and treatment of AUD can have a positive result on the difference in recovery outcomes. According to the NIAAA, the chances of long-term sobriety are up to 50% greater among people who initiate treatment early as compared to people who wait to seek help. This article will enable you to understand the early signs and symptoms of AUD, how it affects daily life, and when to seek help from a professional.
What Are the Early Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder And Alcoholism?
Early identification of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) helps to enhance the chances of successful intervention and treatment. Identifying the early signs allows individuals to seek help before the condition worsens. In this context, it is essential to identify the differences between casual or social drinking and behaviors that may be indicative of a developing disorder. The early symptoms of alcohol use disorder and alcoholism are not always conspicuous and may appear just like normal drinking habits, but it is necessary to identify them in time to be able to provide early intervention.
Increased Tolerance
One of the first signs of AUD is a growing tolerance of alcohol. That means a greater amount of alcohol is needed to feel the effect that was previously felt with smaller quantities. Tolerance grows gradually and may be overlooked until the amount of alcohol consumed is much greater than before.
You Need More Drinks: After some time, you may notice that it takes more drinks to relax or feel as high as you used to feel after fewer drinks.
Drinking Larger Amounts: This gradual increase may result in drinking more frequently or in larger amounts than intended.
Increased tolerance is a warning sign that your body is getting used to alcohol, thus increasing the amount required to feel the effect. This can easily put you into consuming more and more, and you may become dependent. It is, therefore, crucial to recognize this sign early to cut on intake or seek help.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking is another initial sign of AUD. These symptoms can be mild to critical and have a huge impact on daily functioning.
Withdrawal symptoms are the physical reaction of the body to the absence of alcohol, which it has become dependent on.
Physical Symptoms: Common withdrawal symptoms include shakiness, sweating, and nausea. These may be most recognizable in the morning after a night of heavy drinking.
Mental Symptoms: Anxiety, restlessness, and irritability are common when not drinking. These symptoms will make it hard to handle stress and maintain a good mood.
The manifestation of withdrawal symptoms is a pointer that your body has developed a dependency on alcohol. If you are finding yourself experiencing these symptoms regularly, then you must seek medical advice. Professional help in managing withdrawal can help deter major health complications and also aid in the process of recovery.
How Does Alcohol Use Affect Day-to-Day Life?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can interfere quite significantly with daily life: neglected responsibilities at work, school, or home. Being late or missing work/school, and lack of concentration result in poor performance, putting one’s job or academic performance at risk. Family responsibilities, such as taking care of other family members or maintaining the home, may be neglected. Neglecting one’s responsibilities can strain relationships, lead to disagreements, and create a stressful living environment, thus adding to the person’s struggle to lead a proper life.
Social and Relationship Problems
Alcohol use can cause significant social and relationship problems, affecting both personal and professional relationships. These problems are mostly owing to a change of behavior and priorities that others may not understand or tolerate.
Conflicts: You may get into frequent arguments or fights with family and friends because of your drinking. People might get upset when you do not keep promises or act irresponsibly while intoxicated.
Social withdrawal: You might increasingly avoid social activities and withdraw yourself from people. This kind of social withdrawal can increase feelings of loneliness and depression. When you withdraw from your social support systems, you become more at the mercy of your negative emotions and become less likely to seek help.
These social and relationship problems can snowball over time into a cycle of arguments and distance. This can further exacerbate the person’s drinking problem by making it harder to maintain healthy relationships or get necessary social support. One has to be aware of these problems and get help before things go out of hand and recover to normal life.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms
Alcohol Use Disorder exhibits physical and psychological symptoms. These physical and psychological symptoms both contribute to the overall effect on an individual’s health and well-being. Knowing these symptoms can help in diagnosing AUD in the early stages and seeking proper intervention.
Physical Health Issues
The physical cost of excessive alcohol consumption is enormous. Hangovers, if persistent, can lead to health problems and decreased productivity. Repeated hangovers cause dehydration, headaches, and general malaise that could impact daily activities and quality of life. Moreover, getting hangovers or blackouts, which represent memory loss, is an indication of severe alcohol abuse, that the brain is jeopardized by alcohol consumption. In the long run, these physical manifestations will only tend to exacerbate more severe health complications such as liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological damage.
The identification of these physical health problems is the vital key to preventing long-term damage. Consulting a doctor and reducing alcohol consumption can help avoid these complications and lead to better health outcomes.
The Impact of the Disorder on Mental Health
AUD, in most cases, is comorbid with mental health illnesses, and therefore, they interplay in a very difficult manner with alcohol consumption and psychological well-being. The most common mental health disorders among people with AUD are depression and anxiety. These mental health disorders are both a cause and an effect of heavy drinking. Alcohol seems to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety at first but worsens these in the long run and leads to dependence.
Mood problems and irritability are also prevalent in people with AUD. Quick mood changes put pressure on relationships and complicate the maintenance of emotional stability. Identifying these mental health impacts and seeking medical treatment would provide the necessary tools to handle these psychological signs and recover for a long period.
Behavioral Changes and Risky Behaviors
Those with Alcohol Use Disorder often try to cover up their drinking, leading to secretive behaviors. This includes concealing alcohol around the house and denying how much is being consumed. Drinking alone is a major red flag because it means the person is so ashamed of their drinking that they must drink secretly. These secretive behaviors further alienate the individual from their support networks and worsen their condition.
AUD can also contribute to dangerous behaviors. These risky behaviors might include unsafe driving, under the influence of alcohol, which is likely to cause accidents and may result in legal issues. Engaging in risky sex practices while under the influence contributes to health risks and safety concerns. These risky behaviors not only put the individual at risk but also those around them, and the quicker the person is found and taken to rehab, the better. By identifying these patterns early, the underlying issues can be addressed, and assistance can be sought to mitigate these risks.
Severe Symptoms
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms are:
Loss of Control Over Drinking: The patient may lack the capability to control the amount he drinks. This usually results in excessive intake.
Inability to Cut Down: The individual tries to cut down but is unable to do so.
Drinking More or Longer Than Intended: Continued drinking beyond the limit or duration planned is a common symptom.
Persistent Cravings: Strong desires for alcohol and a preoccupation with alcohol are clear indications of a severe AUD. These cravings can be overwhelming and difficult to resist, often leading to a cycle of increased consumption.
Such recognition enables those people to seek necessary support and treatment. Treatment in advance can help prevent the development of AUD and increase the opportunity for successful recovery. In case of the existence of these symptoms, individuals should not feel afraid to contact a healthcare professional or support groups.
When to Get Help?
You will need professional help to deal with AUD effectively. Medical and mental health professionals can assist one in conducting comprehensive treatment plans for specific needs. Treatment methods include behavioral therapies and medication, along with support groups, which can make the recovery rate higher and reduce the risk of relapse—consistent with research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Early recognition of the symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder can make a big difference in recovery results. Knowing the signs, impacts, and when to seek help, people can take the right steps towards a healthy, sober life. Contact a healthcare professional for support and guidance if you or somebody you know suffers from AUD.