15 Signs Your Body Is Telling You You’re Drinking Too Much

Some chronic alcohol users will openly express previous failed attempts at quitting alcohol. The Recovery Village Columbus Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Rehab specializes in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 15.8% of North Carolina adults over the age of 18 binge drink at least once per month. Alcoholism is a serious problem within the state, with an average of 4,452 annual deaths that are attributed to excessive alcohol use.

Shifts in Mood and Personality

• One study revealed that nearly 22% of people with anxiety disorder report self-medicating.
• The more apt term is alcohol use disorder, which incorporates heavy drinking and binge drinking.
• This biological adaptation signals your body’s growing dependence on alcohol.

If you or a loved one is ready to overcome addiction and commit to life-changing treatment, we are here to help. Simply fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible. Hidden alcohol physical signs of alcoholism storage demonstrates planning and premeditation in your drinking habits.

What is Alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder)?

The combined weight gain and fluid retention can significantly alter a person’s appearance over time, further impacting their overall well-being. Perhaps you have a friend — or even a family member — whose face turns bright red when they first consume alcohol. However, for those who veer into alcoholism, their blood vessels may not rebound as fast, leading to a more prolonged red-faced appearance. Spider veins and broken capillaries are common in individuals who drink heavily, especially as blood pressure rises, contributing to the visible signs on their skin.

Danny spent the first nine years of his career working in youth residential treatment. After managing that program for six years, Danny moved to AspenRidge and now leads the clinical team. Beyond her clinical practice at AspenRidge, Courtney finds solace in outdoor activities, sports, reading, and cherishing quality time with her family and beloved dog. Her expertise encompasses group and individual work, with a particular focus on trauma. Darcie finds fulfillment in working with the LGBTQ+ population, leveraging her skills to support and empower.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Spot an Alcoholic Face

In conclusion, hand tremors are a critical yet often overlooked physical sign of alcoholism, specifically during withdrawal. They are Substance abuse not merely a nuisance but a warning signal of the body’s distress. By understanding their causes, recognizing their onset, and taking proactive steps, individuals can mitigate risks and seek appropriate care.

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Without treatment, you’re at risk for serious pancreatic complications, including infection, organ failure, and enzyme insufficiency. If you notice any of these warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse, seek medical or psychological help immediately. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse?

When the body begins to heal on the inside, it will show on the outside as well. Bloodshot eyes, wounds, sores, abscesses, shaky limbs, and gait – all of these signs will slowly subside over time. Other signs like spider veins, wounds, sores, abscesses, poor dental hygiene, and consistent disheveled appearance must not be dismissed as signs of some general sickness either. They are indicators of what alcoholism is doing to the brain and body, day by day, with every drink. They may lose feelings of hunger or no longer have a desire for food, as their focus shifts to alcohol.

• You’ll experience hormonal disruptions that affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, and egg quality.
• The middle stage of alcoholism is when drinking interferes with everyday life.
• Outside of work, Christy finds solace in nature, enjoying activities like gardening and mountain biking, alongside cherished moments with her family and dogs.

Alcohol abuse can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones. Alcohol is a depressant that can intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle of self-medication with alcohol. Individuals struggling with alcoholism may experience memory loss, cognitive impairment, and a decline in overall mental functioning. But long-term and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver inflammation (liver hepatitis). Recognizing the physical signs of alcoholism is the first step towards recovery. Learn more about our work and how we can support you in this journey here.

Short-Term Physical Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

The best piece of advice she’s ever heard is to never take advice from someone who does not have what you are seeking. Outside AspenRidge, Jordan enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and playing volleyball and soccer. She believes she was probably a rodeo queen in another life and recharges by spending time with friends and family. Kayla earned a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University (August 2024) and completed Brainspotting Phase 1. She draws on DBT, CBT, Brainspotting, solution-focused work, and motivational interviewing—tailored to the person, not the label. In Psychology (Clinical Counseling) and a master’s in Addiction Counseling Psychology at Colorado State University.

• Your earning potential decreases as your professional reputation and skills deteriorate.
• Jaundice, or the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a common physical sign of liver dysfunction.
• This means that the toxins in alcohol, including acetaldehyde, can build up in your body.
• With frequent binge drinking or chronic heavy alcohol intake, the blood vessels in the face become permanently dilated and engorged, leading to the characteristic reddish appearance.
• Alcohol consumption also increases a person’s risk for impulsive behavior.8 This impulsivity, in combination with reduced cognition, can lead to poor life choices.

Understanding the stages of alcoholism can be a pivotal step in recognizing the severity of one’s drinking problem and seeking help. Understanding the ‘Physical Signs Of Alcoholism’ at each stage can help in early detection and intervention. Nutrition in recovery is one of the prime things that your doctor will look into. As you regain those lost nutrients with a nutritious diet and begin to exercise, your body will begin to heal.

Learning to recognize these signals can help you take action before the damage becomes irreversible. Yes, you’ll experience significant symptom recovery after quitting alcohol. Your health improvement continues over months, with liver function normalizing and cardiovascular health stabilizing. Research shows 70% of individuals achieve natural recovery without formal treatment, and 33% report no alcohol use disorder symptoms after one year of abstinence.