Have you noticed changes in yourself or someone you love that may be due to alcohol use? When consumed in excess, alcohol can severely negatively impact an individual’s mental health and physical well-being.
If you’re worried about the symptoms of alcohol addiction and want help, call Sierra Sage Recovery Services today at 833.922.2884 to learn about our recovery services.
Recognizing the Physical Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
For most people, the symptoms of alcohol addiction occur in stages and are easier to recognize as the disease progresses. When most physical symptoms are noticeable, the individual is already alcohol dependent and needs professional alcohol addiction treatment to regain their health.
Excessive and prolonged alcohol use takes a toll on the physical body. It can cause life-threatening medical problems such as alcoholic cirrhosis, alcohol hepatitis, and alcohol poisoning. Some individuals exhibit physical symptoms sooner than others. Factors such as frequency and amount of drinking and a person’s physical health before they started drinking also play a role in how quickly physical symptoms manifest.
General Appearance
A lack of personal hygiene is often the first physical sign of an alcohol problem. A person who drinks heavily regularly may look or smell unkempt. Chronic dehydration caused by excessive alcohol combined with a lack of sleep contributes to a tired, unhealthy appearance.
Losing or gaining weight can also be signs of alcohol addiction. The extra calories of alcohol may cause extra pounds to accumulate, especially in the stomach area. However, as alcohol dependence progresses, a loss of appetite or the need to use funds on alcohol instead of groceries can result in unhealthy weight loss.
Jaundice
Alcohol addiction can cause serious liver problems. If the body cannot metabolize bilirubin (a naturally occurring yellowish pigment in blood cells) due to liver dysfunction, jaundice may occur. As bilirubin particles reach abnormal levels, the skin and whites of the eyes take on a yellow color.
Other signs of liver disease include weight loss, vomiting, nausea, and generally poor health.
Spider Angiomas
Spider angiomas are the fine web-like reddish lines that appear on the cheeks or noses of heavy drinkers. They can also appear in other parts of the body. Spider angiomas are a sign of liver diseases and can also occur in those who have non-alcohol-related health issues. On their own, spider angiomas are not necessarily an indication of alcohol addiction, but they indicate a health problem that needs attention.
Bruises and Unexplained Injuries
Alcohol use affects balance, resulting in falls, bumps, bruises, and even severe injury. If someone is suffering frequent injuries and abuse by another person is not suspected, alcohol may be the cause.
When Do I Need Alcohol Addiction Rehab?
Withdrawing from alcohol once you have developed a strong physical dependence can be extremely uncomfortable. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and Delirium tremens, can even be life-threatening.
For that reason, it is crucial individuals with advanced dependence find an alcohol addiction treatment program that provides medical detox services. A medically supervised detox program ensures patients get the 24-hour care they need to detox safely with the least amount of discomfort.
Find Help at Sierra Sage Recovery Services
It is never too late to enter alcohol addiction rehab. Even individuals with poor health due to addiction can still find recovery. With proper medical care, focused nutritional therapies, and the right support, you can improve your health and begin living fully without the burden of alcohol addiction weighing you down.
At Sierra Sage Recovery Services, we offer a broad range of programs and services to help get you on the road to recovery, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)
Contact the experienced recovery team at Sierra Sage Recovery Services at 833.922.2884 and change your future today.
