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How Much Alcohol Is Too Much? – Symptoms of Alcoholism

Most adult Americans consume alcohol occasionally, so it’s pretty normal. That’s why people have so many questions about how much alcohol is too much. Many Americans drank a lot at some point, usually in college. And most moved on to have productive lives with careers and families. So how do you know if someone is showing signs of alcoholism or is just going through a phase? 

Maybe you or someone you know has called into work, been short with the children, or let down a significant other—and it makes you wonder if the drinking is too much. Call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable team at Promises Behavioral Health about how to spot the physical symptoms of alcoholism and how our alcohol rehab centers across the United States can help you or your loved one overcome addiction. 

Drinking Too Much Alcohol Can Negatively Affect Your Social Life 

People who drink heavily often become unreliable, so it’s not uncommon for them to miss social events or disappoint friends and family. They also become easily irritated, making them hard to be around socially. 

Are You Disinterested in Attending Events Where Alcohol Will Not Be Served? 

Many people joke that they are less inclined to attend a wedding that doesn’t have an open bar, but when this consideration starts to become severe, you may need to look at your drinking habits. 

Are You Avoiding Friends and Family to Pursue Alcohol? 

Most of the time, there’s nothing wrong with having a beer at home and watching some TV to unwind. However, a budding alcohol use disorder (AUD) could make this seem like an appealing option all the time. Drinking at home, alone, especially instead of seeing friends or family, is not a good sign. But drinking socially has some warning signs associated with it, too. 

Are You Finding Yourself Only Seeing Your Friends and Family Members Who Also Drink? 

Letting alcohol consumption be a significant factor in whom you spend time with can be yet another warning sign of an impending alcohol problem. If you consider sober events boring, there may be a problem.  

Drinking Too Much Alcohol Can Negatively Affect Your Daily Schedule 

Ask yourself the following questions: 

  • Is your day starting to revolve around your drinking, instead of the other way around? 
  • Are you unable to leave places when you meant to, because you need to sober up? 
  • Are you missing work due to drinking the night before?
  • Are you rushing out of work, parent-teacher conferences, or meals with the family to go drink? 

Combinations of these behaviors mean you are letting alcohol run your clock for you, instead of waiting for an appropriate time to drink after you’ve taken care of other items on your schedule. This is a serious warning that you may be developing an actual dependency on alcohol. 

Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism 

Social and scheduling concerns can be reasoned around and are easy to be in denial about. But physical symptoms are a surefire sign that you’re heading for problems. Signs of AUD include the following: 

  • Gastrointestinal problems 
  • Changes in appetite 
  • Lowered sexual performance 
  • Headaches 
  • Dizziness, with resulting falls and injuries
  • Headaches 
  • Mood swings and bouts of irritability or anxiousness 
  • Shortened attention span and trouble focusing 
  • Memory loss, both temporary and permanent 

Long-term alcohol abuse can cause liver cirrhosis and increase the risks of more severe conditions like seizure disorders and cardiac complications. These symptoms worsen over time, so quitting sooner is better than later. 

Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment with Promises Behavioral Health 

If you look at the warning signs listed above, each one is attached to a sacrifice in the name of the pursuit of alcohol. Missing work and struggling with scheduling makes you miss out on income and memory-making events like your kid’s school play or a friend’s bachelor party. The physical decline now in your life will create a further, faster physical decline in the near future. If you are done sacrificing in the pursuit of drunkenness, you are not alone, and help is available. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more. 

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