Recognizing Alcoholism: Physical Signs and Health Impacts

Alcoholism is often marked by psychological behavior, including denial, evasion and hostile or abusive attitudes toward others. Physical symptoms often develop as well--some directly connected to alcoholism, others caused by related conditions such as poor nutrition. The National Institute of Health and numerous other medical organizations have defined a number of physical signs directly connected to alcoholism.

Increased Tolerance

• Alcoholics are able to consume far more liquor than non-alcoholics. This accompanies a need to consume greater amounts of alcohol in order to attain the same euphoric effect.

Cravings

• Substance addiction often entails a physical addiction: The body needs alcohol on a level that goes beyond simple willpower and cravings become extremely difficult to resist.

Physical Dependence

• An alcoholic's body becomes physically reliant upon the alcohol to function. When and if the alcoholic "dries out," the withdrawal can result in nausea, vomiting and shakiness.

Blackouts

• Heavy drinking from an alcoholic can sometimes result in blackouts, in which entire portions of time are "lost" and leave no memory.

Damage

• Over time, alcoholism can cause considerable damage to the body's internal organs, most notably the liver, but also the heart, kidneys, digestive system and blood vessels.