Treatment for alcohol abuse or alcoholism requires an in-depth assessment of your drinking habits, level of tolerance for alcohol, and life events or significant issues that may have resulted from drinking. Seek this type of assessment from a medical or psychological professional with specific expertise in the area of substance abuse and recovery.
Causes of Alcoholism
Sources at the Mayo Clinic note that alcohol abuse and alcoholism can be the result of many factors, and the causes vary greatly between individuals. If you begin drinking at a young age and/or have a family history of alcoholism, you are more likely to develop an addiction. Individuals who struggle with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also more likely to abuse alcohol once they start drinking. Alcoholism results from a gradual change in brain chemistry that occurs after prolonged, excessive drinking. Your body begins to adjust to the use of alcohol, and eventually you'll experience strong cravings if you do not drink.
Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism
The primary physical symptoms of alcoholism are the withdrawal symptoms that occur if you do not drink. Sources at Helpguide.org note that shakiness, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, and vomiting are all symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Signs of severe alcoholism include physical symptoms such as seizure and hallucinations when you stop drinking alcohol.
Behavioral Symptoms of Alcoholism
According to Helpguide.org, there are a variety of behavioral symptoms of alcoholism, the majority of which are related to the frequency of your drinking and the amount consumed. If you are drinking large quantities of alcohol on a daily basis and are unable to limit intake, you probably have an issue with alcohol. Developing problems with work performance or legal problems such as accidents or fights that are alcohol-related are also behavioral symptoms of alcoholism.
Diagnosing Alcoholism
MayoClinic.com notes that a medical professional will typically conduct an in-depth interview in order to assess the number of symptoms of alcoholism and the length of time they have been present. A diagnosis of alcoholism is typically using the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, compiled by the American Psychiatric Association. In order to reach a diagnosis, you must present with a least three symptoms of alcoholism, and those symptoms must be present for a minimum of 12 months.
