Alcohol addiction is not always easy to identify. The problem with this form of addiction is that it convinces the victim that they do not have any problem. Thus, a problematic issue called denial is born.
Those that have an alcohol problem become experts in concealing the facts. The reason for this may not be selfish. Sometimes, they intend to protect their loved ones from getting hurt or safeguarding their career and secure their future for the family’s sake.
But the deception can build immense pressure on them. As a result, an addict may go to extreme lengths to hide their addiction, which is a common sign of “hidden drinking”.
There is no particular age group of people that turn into victims of Alcoholism. Nowadays, even youngsters and teenagers are regular consumers of alcohol. It is restricted to a particular gender, and anyone can fall prey to Alcoholism.
Alcoholism can also affect relationships negatively and cause people to feel isolated and lonely. Unfortunately, only 20% of those suffering from alcohol addiction can own up and move towards recovery. If you feel like you or your loved one is trapped under the influence of alcohol- you must be firm and seek help through experts or alcohol rehab.
The following list is not an exhaustive list of red flags warning you against Alcoholism, but these are the most common signs one must consider if they are confused about their addiction:
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’ve been drinking alcohol regularly for years and you’re seriously trying to stop or cut down drastically- then you might face withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the severity of the problem, your symptoms could range from mild to intense.
The withdrawal symptoms aren’t just unpleasant, but they might also cause chronic issues in alcohol addicts. Alcohol has a depressive effect on your system as it affects the functioning of your brain and slows it down. When your brain gets accustomed to an alcohol habit and suddenly puts a full stop to it, it gets into a chaotic phase that causes these withdrawal symptoms.
The risk of serious problems such as Delirium tremens or DTs can develop as a result of the withdrawal. Hallucinations, seizures, and delusion can occur as symptoms. Apart from these, common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Shaky hands
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Confusion
If you find yourself or your loved ones experiencing such symptoms, visit any rehabilitation centres in Delhi to treat alcohol abuse and not just a temporary treatment of the symptoms.
Secret drinking, lying, and finding any reason to drink
The idea of secret drinking in itself is a slippery path leading towards Alcoholism. The fact remains that a secret drinker is consuming alcohol without anyone else knowing, and they are on their own.
When people get caught while drinking or hiding the alcohol – they always have excuses ready to cover up. It is also found that most alcoholics often end up lying to the healthcare providers, making it difficult for them to do their job correctly. Moreover, whatever be the occasion- happy or sad, they find their reason to drink.
Also Read: A Woman’s Experience with Addiction is Different from that of a Man
Unable to enjoy activities once loved
When a person consumes alcohol, the brain begins to derive pleasure through this substance. Unfortunately, alcohol also affects the functioning of the central system, making it slow. What used to be a source of enjoyment for them once is now replaced by alcohol. People addicted to alcohol spend most of their time thinking about ways and means to access alcohol next. As a result, they do not feel interested in participating in activities in a sober state.
Mental health disorders
Apart from the damage that alcohol does to the person’s physical body and internal organs, it also deteriorates one’s mental health. Alcohol has depressive effects, and it makes the person a victim of anxiety and depression. Such mental conditions are found in a higher number of alcoholics when compared to the general population.
People who suffer from depression consume alcohol as a way of self-medicating. “Drinking the sorrows away” does not have a lasting effect. Instead, the person begins to feel pain and anxiety over and over, and they reach out to a bottle of alcohol every time-thus getting dependent on the substance.
Generally, alcoholics also develop an inability to remember events and situations. That is because they mostly aren’t fully conscious under the influence of alcohol. Some of them have bruises and marks on their body, but they cannot remember what has caused them.
The tolerance level for alcohol increases
The effect that alcohol has on a person reduces as time passes, and the body gets used to that proportion of alcohol. However, to experience the same level of drunkenness, one needs to increase the quantity of alcohol consumed. Excess consumption increases the capacity of the drinker.
Thus, if you notice that you or a loved one shows any of these signs- chances are, they are secret alcoholics. So, it is strongly advisable to seek consultation from experts or a rehab centre for alcohol treatment.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Anant (MBBS, DNB Psychiatry), a Consultant Psychiatrist at Safe House Premium. He has written articles for print media like NDTV and has recently written on Mental Health effects due to COVID. Dr. Anant specializes in treating Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, and de-addiction and rehabilitation of Alcohol and Drug dependence syndrome.
Leave a Reply