Alcoholism is a chronic disease in which the body becomes physically dependent on alcohol. In some cases, however, individuals may not exhibit symptoms but abuse the substance that can interfere with normal daily activity. Generally, alcoholics will require counseling, self-help groups or medications, according to MayoClinic.com. This is to help addicts deal with withdrawal and other emotional and physical consequences of consumption. If an individual believes alcoholism may be a problem, he should contact a health care professional for evaluation and reference to a rehabilitation facility.
Nausea, Sweating and Tremors
When a person is afflicted with alcoholism and does not have alcohol in her system, withdrawal symptoms will appear that include nausea, sweating and shaking or tremors. Alcohol withdrawal is due to a neurochemical balance in which alcohol disrupts the amina-butyric acid and its neuroreceptors, according to the American Family Physician website. Exposure to continual alcohol consumption causes hyperactivity when the alcohol is no longer present. This causes clinical anxiety, irritability, agitation and tremors. After six hours of alcohol cessation, the American Family website says, sweating, headache, nausea insomnia and tremors can occur. As withdrawal persists, delirium may set in causing high blood pressure, hallucination and possibly fever.
Drinking Ritual, Hiding Alcohol and a Strong Compulsion to Excessively Drink
According to MayoClinic.com, individuals who perform drinking rituals, hide alcohol or have a strong compulsion to excessively drink are prime candidates for alcoholism. Drinking rituals include consuming alcohol at certain times during the day or at specific places. Disruption of this practice can cause irritability and annoyance, even if someone questions the ritual. Hiding alcohol in unusual places in the home or workplace, including the car, is also indicative of a drinking problem where an alcoholic needs easy access to an ample supply of alcohol. MayoClinic.com says that alcohol abuse and dependence occurs when a man drinks in excess of five drinks per day equaling more than 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits. Women may have a problem drinking four or more drinks of the preceding alcohol drinks.
Blacking Out
Drinking alcohol can cause difficulty walking, blurred vision and impaired memory leading to blackouts, according to the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Large quantities of alcohol that a person quickly consumes, often on an empty stomach, can lead to acute intoxication regardless of age or level of dependency. The rapid consumption and absorption into the bloodstream causes the blood alcohol level to rise quickly leading to blackouts, the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states. Females are also more susceptible to blacking out than males. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause permanent brain damage and severe liver disease. Individuals who experience constant blackouts due to alcohol should immediately contact a health care facility for treatment.
