Alcohol consumption may be common around the world, but America is ranked as the 48th highest consuming nation. Americans drink 9.2 liters of alcohol per year on average. The recommended largest volume is 8.7 liters of alcohol per year. With most Americans consuming more alcohol than recommended, when is it time to consider quitting alcohol?
Look at the following signs to decide if it may be time to quit drinking.
Quitting Alcohol Sign #1: Solo Drinking
Alcohol is usually reserved for social events; dinner, drinks with friends after work on Friday, and other gatherings. When drinking becomes a problem, the person drinks alone and more often. He or she looks for reasons to drink at any time of day.
Quitting Alcohol Sign #2: Making Excuses to Drink
A person struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) makes excuses for the need to have just one more, or why it’s okay to drink at a time, that is not socially acceptable. The acceptable time for drinking will get earlier and earlier in the day until he or she may even drink to get out of bed. Where drinking was reserved for only the bad or rough days, everyday has become rough and an excuse to drink.
Quitting Alcohol Sign #3: Unable to Control or Stop Drinking
If a person says he or she wants to stop drinking, but cannot stop, it’s a sign that help is needed. Not being able to stop drinking due to alcohol withdrawal symptoms means the body depends physically on alcohol. When physically dependent, the body can go into shock without alcohol. Shock is serious and can cause death. A person who depends physically on alcohol may need inpatient detox to watch the stress on the body and prevent acute withdrawal symptoms.
Quitting Alcohol Sign #4: Loss of Appetite
Alcohol interferes with the digestive system. People who drink regularly and excessively will suffer from malnutrition. Alcohol replaces food in the diet, depleting essential vitamins and minerals without replacing them. The problem with this warning sign is it can take years for the results of malnutrition to become obvious.
Quitting Alcohol Sign #5: Physical Changes
After alcoholism has taken hold of a person, he or she may not pay attention to physical appearance. Clothes may be disorderly and grooming is not given much attention. In the beginning stages, he or she may become overweight and the face may be bloated. Near the end of a drinking career, a person looks thin and pale due to lack of nutrition. Some people will become shaky and unsteady when walking.
Bonus Signs for Quitting Alcohol
Alcoholics try to hide drinking habits from family, friends, and coworkers. Some will even hide the bottles and glasses used to drink. Other alcoholics cannot hide signs of drinking because of violent mood swings and aggressive behavior. More signs include slurred speech, blackouts, hangovers, and moral deterioration.
Getting Help Quitting Alcohol
If you see these signs in yourself or a loved one, quitting alcohol needs to be a priority. Call Northlake Recovery in Southern Florida at (561)-770-6616 for more information and intervention help.
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