What is a Functional Alcoholic?: Tips, Myths & Realities

Young antisocial drinkers have high rates of depression, social phobias, bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance abuse. 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. If you’ve had two or three of those symptoms in the past year, that’s a mild alcohol use disorder. It’s important to understand that functional alcoholism is just as harmful to physical and mental health as more visible forms of alcohol dependency.

Long-Term Health Risks and the Importance of Seeking Help

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and removes fluids from the body. As a result, the skin can become dry, tight and less elastic, making fine lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced. Short-term drinking can also make the skin look dull or uneven due to dehydration and reduced circulation. Do you want to have more fun, to fit in, to cope better with your problems? It’s as easy as taking a drink—if you believe what you see on TV and in amphetamine addiction treatment movies.

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• Chronic dry mouth also increases your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
• Seek help from a professional treatment center so we can plan the safest and most effective way to achieve lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.
• When and how someone drinks is a factor that can differentiate an alcoholic from someone who is a heavy drinker.
• Indeed, it would seem that there are very few aspects of the digestive system that alcohol does not affect when we choose to imbibe it.
• Others may notice an individual becoming defensive or secretive about their drinking habits.

Furthermore, alcohol addiction can have severe physical and mental health consequences. Excessive physical signs of alcoholism and prolonged alcohol consumption can damage various organs in the body, including the liver, heart, and brain. It can also lead to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Instead, there’s a more subtle, less visible form of alcohol abuse that can develop gradually over time, often without the individual or those around them noticing until it’s too late. This quieter pattern of drinking can have serious consequences for both physical health and personal relationships.

Heart Disease

Hormonal imbalances can occur as well, with stress hormones like cortisol being released more frequently, leading to oily skin on the nose, chin, and forehead. Over time, alcohol can cause dark circles under the eyes and a dull complexion due to decreased collagen production and increased free radicals, which accelerate premature aging. Since alcohol messes with the production of crucial enzymes that help with digestion, those who drink alcohol may find that their small intestine is not properly processing food.

Levels of Care at IRC

You may notice bumps, bruises or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ abrasions after drinking episodes or binges. Alcoholics can become inattentive to personal hygiene and have a disheveled appearance when abusing substances. Poor physical care and an unkempt appearance are serious problems if this issue affects the workplace, social circles or family life. For those of Northern European descent, rosacea — a skin condition that leads to facial flare-ups — can make the nose and surrounding areas appear even more red after drinking alcohol. Red wine drinkers in particular may experience a histamine response that enhances the redness of the face.

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• The journey of understanding and confronting alcoholism often begins with the recognition of the physical signs.
• Long after the acute effects of intoxication have faded, excessive alcohol consumption can continue to cause health risks.
• It is essential for people struggling with substance abuse to have professional support to overcome addiction.
• Sometimes, knowing what to expect and how others have managed challenges can help provide a source of comfort and community.
• For those who are looking to avoid this, it’s best to stick to the guidelines.

Chronic alcohol abuse can impair the body’s ability to fight off pathogens, leaving individuals more prone to illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and various types of infections. This weakened immune system can also slow down the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times for injuries and wounds. One of the key aspects of alcoholism is the inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences. This can lead to a range of problems, including impaired judgment, relationship issues, financial difficulties, and even legal troubles. The compulsive need for alcohol can become all-consuming, overshadowing other aspects of an individual’s life.