Inheriting a likelihood to become an alcoholic from a parent decreases with each generation. This shows how harmful the irreversible effects of alcohol addiction are. In 2014, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, 5th Edition developed a multi-dimensional model to diagnose many mental health problems, including alcoholism.

• Confusion is a red light that alcohol is causing damage to your brain.
• However, giving up alcohol right away isn’t sustainable or desirable for most people.
• Past guidance around alcohol use generally suggests a daily drink poses little risk of negative health effects — and might even offer a few health benefits.
• If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you may need to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder.

The signs of alcohol abuse and addiction aren’t always obvious. Some people may find that they frequently end up drinking more than they intend to, or they’re constantly thinking about the next time they get to drink. Others may rely on alcohol to cope with stressful situations, or use it habitually after getting home from work each day. That said, regular heavy drinking is an important warning sign for alcohol addiction, according to addiction experts at the
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Heavy drinking in conjunction with other behaviors can also signal
a problem.

What causes alcohol use disorder?

Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. People with long-standing alcoholism may be able to have several drinks before appearing intoxicated. But long-term and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver inflammation (liver hepatitis). Symptoms of this condition include appetite loss and weight loss. According to a recent national survey, 14.1 million adults have an alcohol use disorder.

This group drinks more frequently and in larger amounts than the other types. However, this group also has a high rate of seeking out treatment for alcoholism. Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.

Physical Signs You’re Drinking Too Much

Alcoholics often have defective red blood cells that die prematurely, which can cause a lower-than-normal red blood cell
count. Gastrointestinal bleeding, a symptom some alcoholics experience, can also cause anemia, as can iron deficiency. Alcoholism can be difficult to detect from the outside, particularly early in the course of the disease. But as it progresses,
the disease has an array of effects on the body, and a number of physical signs may become apparent. Heavy drinking in and of itself doesn’t make someone an alcoholic. In fact, an estimated 40 million adults in America drink
too much, and most — 90 percent — are not alcoholics.

They can become defensive about their behavior, justify it, or go to great lengths to show just how fine and high-functioning they are. People who are addicted to alcohol may also show a deteriorating physical appearance from poor nutrition and personal neglect. Tolerance symptoms include a need to drink more than you once did to achieve the desired level of intoxication. People experiencing
this phenomenon might even switch up their drink of choice — moving from beer or wine to hard liquor, for example, to
accommodate their need for more alcohol.

Risks of Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism

Over time there is a progression of liver disease from hepatitis (inflammation) to fibrosis (hardening) and eventually to scarring of the tissue (cirrhosis). Cirrhosis is the final stage of alcohol-related liver disease. No matter how hopeless alcohol use disorder may seem, treatment can help. If you think you might have a sober house problem with alcohol, call SAMHSA or talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you cope, make a treatment plan, prescribe medications and refer you to support programs. Your doctor can see how well your liver is functioning by testing the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine
aminotransferase (ALT).

Pancreatitis can activate the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and cause abdominal pain. Some of these effects, like a relaxed mood or lowered inhibitions, might show up quickly after just one drink. Others, like loss of consciousness or slurred speech, may develop after a few drinks.