According to the American Council for Drug Education, alcoholism is the habitual abuse and addiction to alcohol and alcoholic beverages. This chronic condition affects more than 10 million Americans, claiming the lives of 100,000 each year. An estimated 4.5 million young adults under the age of 24 are alcoholics, with alcohol-related accidents noted as the primary cause of death during adolescence. The disease of alcoholism is very debilitating and ravages an individual's physical as well as mental health. There are signs or behavioral indicators to alert concerned family or friends of potential alcoholism.
Tolerance Indicators
Tolerance is a behavioral indicator of alcoholism characterized as a need to increase the consumption of alcohol over time, because the alcohol no longer provides the same euphoric sensation or "buzz." Tolerance, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is a key behavioral indicator that clearly suggests that the user has a physical dependence on or an addiction to the substance. As alcoholics increase their intake of alcohol, they could develop physical signs to suggest tolerance such as a change in appearance, an unsteady gait, body odor and lack of emotional control.
Withdrawal Indicators
Withdrawal is another key behavioral indicator of alcoholism. Its symptoms usually occur within 12 hours of alcohol cessation. Despite the adverse issues associated with alcoholism, most alcoholics will continue to drink in an effort to stall the withdrawal symptoms, which can include shaking, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, nausea, sweating, seizures and acts of violence. Some symptoms of withdrawal may even mimic other illnesses such as the flu, inclusive of fever, chills and body aches. Depending upon the severity of the alcohol abuse, it is not uncommon for some alcoholics to experience hallucinations during withdrawal.
Performance Indicators
People dealing with alcoholism will have a noticeable decline in the ability to maintain their performance of routine activities at an optimal level. Alcoholics may frequently miss work or abandon household responsibilities. They may show signs of poor judgment and might have memory lapses. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that women who chronically abuse alcohol often neglect child-care duties or may cause harm to their children while under the influence of alcohol.
References
- American Council for Drug Education: Basic Facts About Drugs: Alcohol
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.)"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Women's Health Information Center
- HelpGuide.org: Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
