Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, is a telltale sign of alcoholic liver disease. As alcohol damages liver cells, they are less able to excrete bile properly. Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also includes binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause fluid retention and inflammation, leading to a puffy or bloated appearance, particularly in the face and around the eyes. This puffiness is often accompanied by weight fluctuations and a general unkempt appearance due to neglect of personal hygiene and self-care.
- If you are dealing with alcohol abuse or have someone in your life who is dependent on alcohol, check for these physical signs of alcoholism and seek help to begin the recovery process.
- The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- Remember, early intervention is key to helping individuals overcome alcoholism and reclaim their lives.
- Don’t wait until a person has more than six symptoms before seeking treatment.
- These physical signs of alcoholism can be life threatening, and will most likely warrant immediate medical attention.
Ocean State Recovery
We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller chooses. Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser. A 2020 study published in Nutrients also confirmed alcohol’s diuretic effect and subsequent water retention, causing facial puffiness in 78% of individuals studied. Sober living house Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares strategies for coping with alcohol cravings and other addictions, featuring addiction specialist John Umhau, MD.
Physical and mental health impacts of heavy drinking
- Detoxification or rehabilitation programs can provide medically assisted and monitored options to stop drinking.
- Being aware of the physical signs of alcoholism and the symptoms of mental health disorders may help families take preventative measures and intervene sooner.
- Alcohol flush is a type of alcohol intolerance that happens because of an enzyme mutation in the body.
- A 2020 study published in Nutrients also confirmed alcohol’s diuretic effect and subsequent water retention, causing facial puffiness in 78% of individuals studied.
- There are times when you want a drink so badly, you can’t think about anything else until you get one.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be struggling with alcohol dependency, seeking professional help is essential. Recovery is possible, and with the right support, individuals can break free from alcohol addiction and reclaim their lives. The best way to combat the physical symptoms of alcoholism is to address the underlying addiction before it becomes too late. Contacting an alcohol use disorder treatment center can help offer advice on where to begin with recovery and how to get help immediately. If you are worried that your or a loved one’s drinking has become out of control, then contact a treatment provider today. Alcohol-related physical symptoms can vary in how well they can be treated and how permanent the effects are.
Medical Studies
If you’re a loved one and find yourself asking questions like “Why does my partner hide bottles? If alcohol has started to change how you show up in your relationships, that’s a sign worth listening to. If you’ve noticed any of the following, it’s okay to wonder if your body is trying to tell you something. The veins on the face are clearly visible, usually near the nose and cheeks.
Ready to get help from The Ness Center?
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of alcoholism, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible care and support on their journey to sobriety. Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to relax and widen. While this may initially increase blood flow, long-term heavy drinking can damage blood vessel linings. This impairs circulation, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to hair follicles and nail beds. One of the most visible signs is a flushed or reddened complexion, https://trashportationvs.com/self-love-letter-act-worksheet-example-free-pdf/ caused by dilated blood vessels and impaired nutrient absorption.
Behavioral symptoms of excessive drinking
In the late stages of alcoholism, the physical and psychological toll becomes increasingly severe. Individuals may display a loss of interest physical sign of alcoholism in previously important aspects of their life, isolation from loved ones, and an inability to function without alcohol. Severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and organ failure are potential consequences of prolonged alcohol abuse in this stage, and immediate intervention is crucial. Alcohol abuse can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones. Alcohol is a depressant that can intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle of self-medication with alcohol.