Alcoholism: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of alcoholism?

Symptoms of alcoholism

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism cites four main symptoms of alcoholism:

• Craving (strong urge to drink alcohol)

• Loss of control (inability to stop drinking once drinking has begun)

• Physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms after drinking cessation, such as nausea, anxiety, sweating, tremors or shakiness)

• Tolerance (need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel its effects). People with alcoholism may not appear intoxicated even after drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol abuse

The following symptoms may occur with either alcoholism, in which there is a physical addiction to alcohol, or alcohol abuse, in which a person drinks excessively but is not physically addicted to alcohol. In addition to the symptoms listed below, another indication that a person is having trouble with alcoholism or alcohol abuse is arrest for DUI, other offenses, and legal problems. Symptoms include:

• Denial, defensiveness or anger when asked about drinking habits

• Drinking alone

• Drinking at certain times of the day and becoming irritable when that is not possible

• Hiding alcohol from other people

• Inability to maintain employment

• Loss of interest in relationships

• Memory loss, forgetting entire periods of time, or blacking out

• Neglecting basic needs, such as not eating, not maintaining basic hygiene, or not following treatment plans for other illnesses

• Quitting activities that used to be pleasurable, such as athletics or hobbies

• Social withdrawal and isolation

• Violent behaviors, such as domestic abuse and getting into physical fights, especially when drinking

Symptoms of alcohol-related diseases

Symptoms of alcohol-related diseases, disorders and conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and depression include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Agitation or problems paying attention

• Bleeding in the gums or nose

• Blood in the stool or vomit

• Excessive thirst

• Fatigue or sluggishness

• Mood problems, such as mood swings or extreme sadness

• Nausea

• Numbness, tingling or pain in the legs or arms

• Weight loss

• Withdrawal from activities or relationships

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

If you are an alcoholic who attempts to quit drinking, you may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that can lead to a life-threatening condition called delirium tremens. If you drink heavily, seek prompt medical care before you attempt to quit drinking. Safe alcohol withdrawal requires medical care and monitoring. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal including:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or lethargy

• Change in mental status, such as confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions or delirium

• Chest pain

• Rapid heart rate or palpitations

• Seizure

• Tremors or shakiness

The above symptoms may occur with:

• Anxiety

• Depression, mood swings, and irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Nausea or loss of appetite

• Sleep disturbances

• Sweating or clammy skin

Alcoholism can also result in other serious and life-threatening diseases and conditions, such as liver disease, liver failure, and depression. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these potentially life-threatening symptoms:

• Chest pain, tightness or pressure

• Having or expressing feelings of wanting to hurt or kill oneself or another person

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Vomiting blood, bloody stool, or heavy rectal bleeding