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Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
Alcoholism can sneak up quietly, with drinking habits spiraling out of control before you realize it. But your body sends signals when something is amiss.
Pay attention to the physical symptoms of alcoholism and get the help you need to free yourself from alcohol abuse.
Contact our alcohol rehab center to start your journey towards sobriety in a supportive and compassionate environment.
Ardu was the very best place for me to get the help I needed.I was so lost, I had lost everything I had to my drinking problem that went way back. I was ready for my so called life to end. They helped me work through my emotions and past trauma…I’m sober and I’m doing pretty good. I did go to a treatment center before Ardu and on day 16 I left against medical advice because I was not helped at all. I’m grateful for everyone at Ardu I owe them my life. I would refer anyone I know to Ardu.
Certain behaviors, traits, and patterns can signal that someone’s relationship with alcohol is becoming unhealthy and potentially dangerous. Be aware of the telltale indicators that suggest alcohol abuse.
If you notice these behavioral and psychological signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you care about, contact us.
Our Utah rehab center will help you break the cycle of dependence on alcohol. At Ardu Recovery Center, we provide comprehensive treatment for alcohol addiction, including medically-monitored detox, counseling, group support, and aftercare planning. Our goal is to help you reclaim sobriety and lifelong wellness.
When a person is addicted to alcohol, the consequences emerge across nearly every system of the body. Organs central to survival like the brain, liver, and heart bear the brunt of alcohol’s toxins. But the havoc also appears externally through skin ailments, distinct facial changes, and declining physical coordination.
Let’s look at some of the telltale physical symptoms that indicate a problem with alcohol addiction.
Let’s explain these in greater detail.
Many symptoms of alcoholism are directly tied to specific organ damage. However, people addicted to alcohol also experience more general physical effects across the body. Weight fluctuations, dental erosion, impaired wound healing, and hair loss are often symptoms that your addiction is progressing.
These manifestations demonstrate how chronic alcoholism throws the entire body off balance, depriving it of essential nutrients and inhibiting normal regenerative processes.
Alcoholism often causes erratic weight changes—both gains and losses. Weight loss is a result of poor nutrition, an unhealthy diet, and decreased appetite when sober. Heavy drinking often involves heavy vomiting, and that’s another reason why an alcoholic might be losing weight.
Weight gain results from increased calorie intake via alcohol, fluid retention, and poor food choices. The more you drink, the more calories you’re consuming, which can lead to excess belly fat accumulation known as the “beer belly”. A 2015 study found that “alcohol intake may be a risk factor for obesity in some individuals.”
These fluctuations in weight reflect the body’s imbalance and unstable metabolism.
Heavy drinking accelerates dental problems and leads to:
Many of these dental issues occur because alcohol dehydrates the mouth, creating a dry environment conducive to bacteria. Frequent vomiting associated with drinking increases stomach acid, which further damages tooth enamel.
Researchers revealed that people who abuse both alcohol and drugs had a 38% higher chance of having tooth decay compared to the group who only abused alcohol. They proposed that alcohol might have a “caries reducing” effect due to its fluoride content or by inhibiting harmful bacteria in the mouth. Alcoholics might consume more sugary foods, which could increase their risk of cavities. Previous research in the United States and Finland found that alcoholics tend to have more missing teeth and dental issues.
Regular professional cleanings and abstinence from alcohol could help reverse some dental damage.
Alcohol weakens the immune system. When not functioning properly, your immune system makes healing from wounds, burns and injuries more difficult. Heavy alcohol use seems to suppress immune factors that help repair damaged tissue and form scabs.
Clinicians have long observed an association between excessive alcohol consumption and adverse immune-related health effects such as susceptibility to pneumonia. In recent decades, this association has been expanded to a greater likelihood of acute respiratory stress syndromes (ARDS), sepsis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and certain cancers; a higher incidence of postoperative complications; and slower and less complete recovery from infection and physical trauma, including poor wound healing. (Sarkar, et. al.)
Poor circulation and nutrient absorption hinder the body’s ability to regenerate cells and mend itself. Even small cuts and scrapes may take longer to heal. Your weakened immune system is a good reason to cut back or stay away from alcohol.
Nutritional deficiencies from heavy drinking deprive the body of proteins, vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. Ethanol, the type of alcohol in alcoholic drinks, acts as a diuretic. It causes the body to lose more fluid through increased urination and sweating, but this diuretic effect also leads to dehydration of the body and hair.
Dehydrated hair is extremely prone to damage, including:
This dehydration exacerbates both hair and nail brittleness. The nails tend to peel, split, and break more readily. Nail beds separate from the cuticle, allowing infections. Once glossy nails become ragged and dull with white spots and ridges. Read more on the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
The good news is that with proper nutrition and hydration after alcohol detox, hair and nails can regenerate.
Our alcohol detox center offers a safe space and skilled medical professionals who help you manage the symptoms of alcohol addiction and find your way back to vitality.
Heavy drinking can take a toll on your nervous system. When that starts happening, your body will show symptoms to warn you.
Alcohol impairs the function of neurotransmitters—the brain’s chemical messengers—so nerves fail to optimally communicate and function. This can manifest through cognitive decline, motor impairment, and sleep disturbances.
According to research, alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward and stress pathways by altering neurotransmitter activity, which drives addictive behaviors that can eventually lead to alcoholism.
Here are some ways your body may be telling you to hit the brakes on the drinking:
All these physical symptoms reflect the underlying neurological havoc wreaked by alcoholism. They are your body’s way of telling you it’s time to stop drinking and seek help—because wonderful things can happen to your brain when you say goodbye to the bottle.
With alcohol abstinence, proper nutrition, and therapeutic support, some healing of the nervous system is possible over time. That’s why it’s important to seek help quickly before the damage becomes permanent.
If you or a loved one are abusing alcohol or struggling with alcoholism, safe, effective, and customized care is available. Contact us today to discuss treatment options that can help you regain health, safety, and sobriety.
Alcohol does a real number on your heart and cardiovascular system. Here are some of the ways that alcohol-related heart damage manifests:
Similarly to your nervous system, your cardiovascular system makes its distress visible. When your heart and your entire circulatory system start to suffer under heavy alcohol use, they won’t shy away from showing.
Listen to your body and make the life-saving choice to stop drinking now.
The gastrointestinal system bears the initial burden of alcohol consumption, exhibiting both acute and chronic symptoms that indicate alcohol is harming the body. These include:
As part of the delicate digestive tract, the liver and kidneys seem to be particularly vulnerable to alcohol’s toxic effects. Here’s how your kidneys and liver warn you to stay off booze:
Listen closely to your body’s outcries. They relay a message you cannot afford to ignore. With treatment, organ deterioration can be stopped before it’s too late.
If you abuse alcohol or are addicted to alcohol, consider a qualified alcohol rehab to guide you through the stages of alcohol recovery. It’s much easier than doing it on your own.
Learn more about our caring rehab center in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains of Provo, Utah.
Alcohol abuse can lead to devastating health consequences beyond the well-known effects of intoxication. Two of the most serious dangers of heavy drinking are alcohol poisoning and alcohol withdrawal.
Prolonged alcohol use leads to the development of tolerance and physical dependence, which may result from compensatory functional changes by downregulation of GABA receptors and increased expression of NMDA receptors with production of more glutamate to maintain central nervous system (CNS) transmitter homeostasis. (Jesse, et al.)
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when someone who is alcohol dependent stops or dramatically reduces their alcohol consumption. The body has become so accustomed to the presence of alcohol that it reacts intensely when alcohol is suddenly withdrawn.
Read all about the effects of alcohol on GABA.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as two hours after the last drink and peak at 24 to 72 hours. Symptoms may include:
Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is excessive alcohol in the bloodstream, causing toxic effects throughout the body’s systems. Blood alcohol concentrations reach hazardous levels that can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly. The most common symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
As alcohol affects the gag reflex, respiratory drive, heart rate, body temperature regulation, and brain function, these vital systems become severely impaired and depressed by high blood alcohol levels in alcohol poisoning cases.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism emphasizes that teenagers and new drinkers are at a particularly high risk of alcohol poisoning because drinking such large quantities of alcohol when you’re not used to it can overwhelm the body’s ability to break down and clear alcohol from the bloodstream. Recognizing the signs and acting quickly can save lives.
Seek medical help through detox, ease the discomfort, and safely manage the health risks of alcohol withdrawal. Our alcohol detox center offers a safe space and skilled medical professionals who can help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
Skin is the largest organ in your body, and it can conspicuously manifest alcohol’s adverse effects. Chronic heavy drinking takes a visible toll on your skin, etched into your outward appearance through symptoms like:
Here are some common skin-related symptoms of alcoholism:
In many ways, the skin reveals alcoholism’s progression through a sickly, lackluster tone and texture. But it also demonstrates the body’s remarkable ability to regenerate when supported.
With proper hydration, nutrition, and reduced alcohol intake, the skin’s youthful radiance can be restored.
Certain factors can increase someone’s risk of developing alcoholism. These risk factors make a person more vulnerable to problematic drinking patterns that spiral into alcohol dependence.
Childhood physical abuse and exposure to parental violence are associated with the development of alcohol-related problems in adulthood. (Caetano, et al.)
Major factors that increase the risk of alcohol abuse include:
Knowing the risk factors can help guide preventative strategies and early interventions when a concerning pattern of drinking emerges. Seeking help at the first sign of alcohol abuse can prevent the progression to addiction and its damaging effects on health and well-being.
We are here for you every step of the way on your journey to recovery from alcohol addiction.
Alcohol addiction often unfolds in a progressive sequence, beginning with recreational use and evolving into dependence and life disruption. While the pace varies individually, common stages of alcoholism are:
While addiction creates a downward spiral, recovery is an upward trajectory. Seeking help before reaching that devastating point leads to better outcomes. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and professional treatment centers offer essential support for maintaining recovery once the commitment to sobriety solidifies.
Our Utah rehab center will help you break the cycle of dependence on alcohol. At Ardu Recovery Center, we provide comprehensive treatment for alcohol addiction, including medically-monitored detox, counseling, group support, and aftercare planning. Our goal is to help you reclaim sobriety and lifelong wellness.
Overcoming alcohol addiction is a challenging but courageous journey. With professional guidance, compassionate support, and proven treatments, a flourishing recovery is possible. At Ardu, we offer a full spectrum of alcohol treatment options to help you triumph over alcoholism.
I loved every moment I spent at Ardu. I really got the therapy and support I have been needing so badly over the years. They are so kind and loving that I came back to work and I love it even more as an employee. The environment is so peaceful. It’s beautiful place for healing. 💛✨
The first step in treating alcohol dependence is safely managing withdrawal symptoms through detox. We offer both medical detox and holistic detox supervised by caring experts.
Medical detox uses medications to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and seizures. Holistic detox relies on nutrition therapy, supplements, acupuncture, exercise therapy, and other non-pharmacological therapies to aid your body’s natural detoxification.
Ardu offers medical and holistic detox. With around-the-clock monitoring and supportive care, we ensure your comfort and safety during this pivotal transition.
Once detoxification is complete, the real work of rehabilitation begins through our comprehensive alcohol abuse and addiction treatment programs.
Inpatient treatment at our welcoming residential facilities surrounds you with 24/7 support. Outpatient treatment programs, such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, offer flexible solutions to maintain your home and work routines or receive treatment while in a sober living facility.
We use proven forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, experiential therapies, and family therapy. Together we’ll uncover the root causes of your alcoholism and acquire the skills needed for recovery.
Patient care at Ardu goes beyond treating the addiction itself. We’ll help you improve all areas of health and wellness for complete healing of mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to empower you to thrive in lifelong sobriety.
The close link between substance abuse and mental health disorders is well established. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people battling alcohol addiction often have a co-occurring mental illness like depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder.
We’re highly experienced in dual diagnosis treatment, simultaneously addressing both the addiction and associated psychiatric symptoms. Integrated care leads to better outcomes.
Our comprehensive psychiatric services and dual diagnosis treatment make Ardu Recovery Center the right choice for anyone struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. Contact us today to discuss your unique needs—help is always available.
Our dual diagnosis services include:
Anyone struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction can enroll in our alcohol addiction treatment program. Our recovery center welcomes people with alcoholism seeking help to overcome their addiction. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to guide and support you in your addiction treatment process, laying the foundation for long-term sobriety and relapse prevention.
To enroll in an Ardu alcohol rehab program, contact Ardu Recovery Center online or via phone (801-810-1234). We will work with you to find a recovery path that works for you during the detox process and beyond.
Read our admissions process page for additional information.
Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
The four types of drinkers are social drinkers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, and problem drinkers.
Factors that can trigger an alcoholic to start drinking can include stress, trauma, and social influences. It’s best to avoid these triggers as best as you can, especially if you’re new to sobriety.
The quantity of alcohol alone doesn’t determine alcoholism; it’s more about the relationship with alcohol and its impact on a person’s life. Stopping drinking can be challenging for someone with alcoholism, while people who are not addicted to alcohol can stop without many issues.
Alcoholism can increase the risk of developing health conditions like psoriasis, liver issues, and cancer (especially pancreatic cancer and liver cancer). Alcoholism can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol over many years damages cells and weakens the body’s ability to repair DNA damage, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.
Seek medical advice and guidance from healthcare providers when dealing with such medical conditions related to alcoholism.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, is a medical condition characterized by a physical and emotional addiction to alcohol. It means a person has a strong dependence on alcohol, often leading to a loss of control over their drinking behavior.
People with AUD may continue to drink despite experiencing negative consequences in their daily life, such as health problems, relationship issues, and difficulties at work or school. AUD can range from mild to severe, and it’s diagnosed based on specific criteria, including the presence of alcohol cravings, tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effect), and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. AUD is a serious health concern and often requires medical intervention and support to overcome.
Physical addiction to alcohol means that a person’s body has become dependent on it. When they stop drinking, they experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include shaky hands, sweating, nausea, and anxiety. The body has adapted to having alcohol regularly, and it craves it to function normally.
Emotional addiction to alcohol, on the other hand, is a psychological dependence. It means that a person feels a strong emotional need for alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions. They may turn to alcohol as a way to escape from their problems or to feel better emotionally. This emotional attachment to alcohol can be just as powerful as the physical dependence and can make quitting alcohol particularly challenging.
Alcohol primarily affects the liver. The liver is responsible for processing alcohol in the body. When you drink alcohol, your liver works to break it down and remove it from your system. However, excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can cause significant damage to the liver.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to various liver conditions, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. These conditions can range from mild to severe and can result in liver inflammation, scarring, and impaired liver function. Severe liver damage, such as cirrhosis, can be life-threatening and may require a liver transplant.
Alcohol can have various effects on mental health, including:
Every person experiences different effects on mental health from excessive drinking. Some people may be more vulnerable to its negative impact. It’s important to seek help for alcohol-related mental health issues, as treatment often involves both medical and psychological interventions.
Traversy, G., & Chaput, J. (2015, January 8). Alcohol Consumption and Obesity: An Update. Current Obesity Reports; Springer Science+Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-014-0129-4
Dasanayake, A. P., Warnakulasuriya, S., Harris, C. K., Cooper, D., Peters, T. J., & Gelbier, S. (2010, January 1). Tooth Decay in Alcohol Abusers Compared to Alcohol and Drug Abusers. International Journal of Dentistry; Hindawi Publishing Corporation. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/786503
Sarkar, D. (2015). Alcohol and the Immune System. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590612/
Valenzuela, C. F. (1997). Alcohol and Neurotransmitter Interactions. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826822/#
Jesse, S., Bråthen, G., Ferrara, M., Keindl, M., Ben-Menachem, E., Tanasescu, R., Brodtkorb, E., Hillbom, M., Leone, M., & Ludolph, A. (2016, September 1). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 135(1), 4–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.12671
Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (n.d.). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose
Association Between Childhood Physical Abuse, Exposure to Parental Violence, and Alcohol Problems in Adulthood – Raul Caetano, Craig A. Field, Scott Nelson, 2003. (n.d.). Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886260502250074
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov/
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