Webster's Dictionary defines "dependence" as the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another". In this case, the subject doing the influencing is alcohol.
According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., psychologist and managing editor of HelpGuide.org, the difference between social drinking and alcoholism is dependence. The moment alcohol becomes the focus in everything you do, it has you under control; it is influencing every decision you make. And these decisions can result in destruction; destruction of your life and the lives of those around you. There is hope and help though. You only need to recognize the signs of this monstrous dependence to grasp the hand of hope.
Physical Signs
Over a period of time, alcohol takes its toll on you or your loved one, whomever the addict may be. The first step to helping yourself or someone you love is to recognize these signs. You may notice slurry speech, unsteady gait or he is frequently clumsy. His face and cheeks may be red more often than not, or he begins losing weight for an inexplicable reason. As his dependence increases, so too will his inability to say no to a drink. This will lead to drinking beyond his tolerance level and result in blackouts, and passing out from drinking too much.
According to Revolution Health , when you are the one suffering from the dependency, you may also begin noticing a tingling or numbness in your hands and feet. There is a noticeable loss of sex drive, and men may experience shrinkage in their testicles or impotence. Repeated infections and skin sores are also present.
Mental Signs
Alcohol dependency affects your mental state of being as well as your physical. One prime sign of the mental effects is the ability to have just one drink; this is what sets social drinkers apart from alcoholics. You may notice that your loved one is happy one minute, irritable and angry next, and crying excessively a few moments later. She may not participate in any activities unless alcohol is involved and may insist on driving when it is unsafe for her to do so.
For those who are potentially dependent, you may notice that you are taking multiple days off from work or are having a hard time committing yourself to anyone or anything. Alcoholism can also affect your sleeping pattern--you may sleep too much or not be able to sleep enough.
Signs of Withdrawal
According to Dr. Segal, withdrawal symptoms will occur if you, or someone you love, is a heavy drinker and has no alcohol to drink. The first sign of withdrawal is the shakes, which are relieved when you take another drink. These can be accompanied by excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, confusion, hallucinations and seizures may occur. As Dr. Segal states, these are all dangerous medical symptoms; if you, or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, help should be sought as soon as possible.
