Shocking Signs Of Alcohol Abuse
Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, recently issued a significant advisory, labeling alcohol as a major preventable cause of cancer. He called for updated alcohol product labels to highlight the risks of drinking any amount of alcohol and urged the public to reduce their consumption. This announcement has prompted many Americans to reconsider their alcohol habits, but experts stress that it can be difficult to evaluate the safety of one’s drinking patterns.
Dr. Joseph Volpicelli, executive director of the Institute of Addiction Medicine, explains that alcohol addiction typically develops slowly, and individuals may not realize they have a problem until it has already escalated into a moderate or severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). Identifying early warning signs, both behavioral and physical, can help prevent further damage and make interventions more effective. He emphasizes that normalizing conversations about alcohol dependence and reducing the stigma associated with it can encourage earlier help-seeking behaviors.
Key indicators of problematic drinking include using alcohol to cope with negative emotions. Dr. Volpicelli notes that drinking to alleviate stress, anxiety, or emotional discomfort is a red flag. Additionally, an increased tolerance to alcohol, where a person needs more to achieve the same effect, is another sign of overconsumption. Withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and headaches when not drinking can also indicate dangerous levels of alcohol use. Prolonged heavy drinking can lead to liver damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease, with conditions such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis being common consequences.
The impact of alcohol extends to the gut microbiome, where excessive drinking can cause issues like acid reflux, inflammation, and abnormal bowel habits. Chronic alcohol use is also linked to sleep disturbances such as insomnia and restless sleep, which are associated with alcohol dependence. Furthermore, alcohol disrupts brain functions, affecting mood, cognition, and coordination, even in moderate amounts. Regular hangover symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and nausea, are also signs that alcohol consumption is excessive.
Dr. Volpicelli also highlights dangerous behaviors associated with heavy drinking, including driving under the influence, engaging in risky sexual activities, and having conflicts while intoxicated. People with AUD may continue drinking despite negative consequences, such as health problems, relationship difficulties, or work-related issues. A key characteristic of alcohol addiction is the inability to stop drinking, as the brain’s reward system reinforces the urge to continue drinking, making moderation or abstinence difficult. Over time, the craving for alcohol can become overwhelming, leading individuals to rely on it just to feel “normal.”
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