People who are addicted to alcohol are alcoholics, and this addiction often takes a toll on their life. Alcoholics physically crave alcohol and feel as though they need it to function. They continue to drink despite negative consequences, such as losing a relationship or job. Alcoholism often takes a toll not just on the abuser but on his family as well. In the United States, more than 18 million people are alcoholics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Many signs of alcohol abuse are related to a person's behavior, especially toward drinking.
Drinking Behavior
Alcoholics often become secretive about their drinking, either drinking alone or sneaking drinks, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They have a strong urge to drink and have to consume increasing amounts of alcohol to feel its effects. Alcoholics often become angry or hostile when confronted about their drinking and can be angry and irritable if they are unable to drink.
Mental Confusion
Alcoholism can cause mental confusion in everyday life. Many alcoholics also drink to the point of blacking out and cannot remember events or conversations from periods of heavy drinking.
Social Signals
Friends and family members often begin to notice changes in loved ones who are addicted to alcohol. Many alcoholics begin to withdraw from life, losing interest in hobbies and other activities and canceling appointments with friends and family. They may have difficulty performing at school or work and in their personal relationships, according to the UMMC. Alcoholics also sometimes stop caring about their physical appearance and may stop eating regularly.
Tremors
Some alcoholics develop tremors throughout the body, especially in the hands, according to the NIH. These tremors are often most obvious in the morning, before an alcoholic has his first drink of the day.
Withdrawal
Alcoholics can experience withdrawal if they go too long without a drink. Alcohol withdrawal, similar to drug withdrawal, develops because the brain has become so accustomed to the alcohol consumption that it no longer functions normally without it. Common signs and symptoms of withdrawal include tremors, seizures, anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, delusions, fever, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and loss of appetite. Alcohol withdrawal typically develops five to 10 hours after an alcoholic has her last drink, but it sometimes develops days later. In rare cases, alcohol withdrawal can be severe enough to cause death.
