How do you know that you have a drinking problem? That question is easier asked than answered by a lot of people. It can be hard to tell whether or not you are having trouble regulating your use of alcohol.
Having a drinking problem can start out with something as simple as an increase in alcohol use and turn into something much more dangerous like drinking and driving. But while there are clear signs like binge drinking and experiencing withdrawals, some symptoms can be less obvious.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
While a “drinking problem” is not a diagnosis, it can make you aware in case the condition develops into something more serious. Alcohol use disorder is a diagnosable disease that, according to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, occurs when a person begins to overuse alcohol even when it starts to become a problem.
Some symptoms of alcohol addiction are:
- Consuming alcohol in a high-risk situation like driving
- Craving alcohol
- Needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effect (also known as “developing a tolerance”)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like cravings, sweating, or shaking
- Having a desire to stop drinking, but being unable to control how much alcohol you consume
- Spending an excessive amount of time drinking, obtaining, or thinking about alcohol
- Stopping activities for work or school to drink alcohol
If you notice that you have some or all of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to someone about them.
Effects of Alcohol on Your Liver
As your body grows dependent on a substance, it can experience significant changes – many of which can harm your overall physical and mental health. Misusing alcohol can also cause health conditions like:
- Fatty Liver – an excess buildup of fat that is considered the first stage of alcoholic liver disease
- Alcohol Hepatitis – where the liver becomes inflamed, causing symptoms like jaundice, fever, and vomiting
- Cirrhosis – the most severe stage of liver disease that causes increased pressure on the liver, fatigue, muscle weakness (and wasting), an enlarged spleen, and more
All liquor can have significant consequences on your liver. But is beer or liquor worse for you? The answer to that question is more straightforward than you might think. To tell the actual impact each type of alcohol has, look at the alcohol content. Because liquor has a higher content, it tends to be seen as more destructive than beer. However, the overall differences between beer and liquor are minor.
American Treatment Network Can Help
If you are looking for alcohol rehab in Newark, DE, American Treatment Network can help you navigate your next steps. We specialize in addiction treatments, both alcohol and opioid, to assist you in overcoming the challenges that come with substance misuse. We also have locations in Dover, DE, and Havertown, PA. Contact us today to learn about our immediate care options.
