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For these reasons, knowing the warning signs of alcoholism can be the key to saving a life. If you are uncomfortable with your drinking or have noticed a loved one might be struggling, these are the warning signs of alcoholism to look for. Your doctor can see how well your liver is functioning by testing the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine
aminotransferase (ALT). Eighty percent of patients with alcoholic liver disease have elevated liver functions and an
AST that is double their ALT level. Elevated levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) can also indicate excessive alcohol
consumption. A low level of alcohol intoxication causes mild symptoms, while severe intoxication, or alcohol poisoning, can be life threatening.

• Among people who abuse substances, around 38% also have a mental health diagnosis.
• Alcohol dependence can also develop from low self-esteem or a desire to be socially accepted.
• Alcohol abuse is a common cause of liver problems, as this vital organ serves as a filter of sorts (amongst other functions).
• Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic mental illness that impacts judgment, behaviors, and a person’s physical health.
• This can happen when friends or family start to distance themselves, you lose your job, you get a DUI, or more.

When a chronic alcohol abuser stops drinking the signs of withdrawal will set in. Spider angiomas often form as the result of liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Liver disease and cirrhosis can both arise from long-term alcohol abuse. It’s important to remember, though, that liver issues and spider angiomas can occur in individuals with non-alcohol-related health issues too. For instance, spider angiomas can result spontaneously or due to high estrogen levels (which is common during pregnancy.) So alone, they are not necessarily indicative of alcoholism.

How to Spot an Alcoholic Face?

Long-term chronic drinking or binge drinking can cause a vitamin A deficiency, which the skin needs to maintain its normal healthy tone. A mental health professional can help you recognize whether your habits are cause for concern. If you are abusing alcohol, a mental health professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan that includes an effective approach to treating alcoholism, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Most people with an alcohol use disorder will experience a negative impact on their relationships.

• Alcohol’s effects on skin can be quite visible not long after drinking.
• Alcoholism often has a devastating impact on both mental and physical health.
• Alcoholism is a term that is sometimes used to describe what is known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Men have alcohol use disorder almost twice as often as women; of the estimated 17 million affected adults, 11.2 million were men and 5.7 million were women.2 Adolescents are not immune.
• The reason is unclear, but it is often linked to drinking patterns, body weight, type II diabetes, gender, and/or genetics.
• People with alcoholism can develop erosive gastritis, where the stomach lining wears away.

They will likely experience deteriorating relationships with family and friends and might have difficulty at work. Those with alcohol use disorder will continue to drink despite increased isolation and separation from loved ones. People with alcohol use disorder might reduce their participation in social events and become withdrawn over time. This article will explain the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction and outline the steps to take if you or someone you know may have an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol has been found to be directly causally related to some diseases and conditions, such as mouth cancer in a person with a history of heavy chronic drinking. In the unfortunate event that a chronic drinker develops a serious health condition or disease, the treating physician can explain whether alcohol was a direct cause or a component cause.

Facial Bloat

At this point, an individual may develop a serious disease, such as cirrhosis of the liver. As individuals continually consume alcohol, their liver produces scar tissue instead of new healthy tissue. Over time, the scar tissue in the liver prevents the necessary flow of blood.

Cirrhosis can be life-threatening and requires complete abstinence from alcohol in order to heal. We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Alcohol can change the appearance of your mouth and the skin on your face. There is also an increased risk of injuries from drowning, violent acts, and motor vehicle accidents. Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares strategies for coping with alcohol cravings and other addictions, featuring addiction specialist John Umhau, MD.

The Different Effects of Alcohol on Physical Appearance

Alcoholism has many devastating consequences if left unchecked, but one of its earliest tell tales can be identified through an ‘alcoholic face’. Paying attention to subtle facial differences can help you spot any potential issues with alcohol consumption so that appropriate steps can be taken physical appearance of an alcoholic sooner rather than later. Additionally, according to Healthline, alcoholism can increase the risk of viral and bacterial infections, heart disease, and hardening of the liver, also known as cirrhosis. At present, over 18 million American adults in the U.S. are battling an alcohol use disorder.