10 signs of alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction is a full-fledged disease, because addiction destroys not only internal organs, but also affects the psyche. Usually a person does not notice the moment when he is faced with problems with alcohol, not seeing anything shameful in the fact that every day after work he drinks a bottle of wine or a couple of liters of beer. But how do you know if you are addicted to alcohol? 10 signs of alcohol addiction will help you figure out how often you lean on strong drinks and when you need to stop.

1. Going to the bathroom in the middle of the night

If you wake up several times a night to go to the toilet, this may indicate that you have a problem with alcohol, because you consume more strong drinks than your body can process. So says Rizwan Hamid, a urological surgeon from the London Society of Urology. Our body produces the so-called antidiuretic hormone, which regulates the amount of urine in the body. This hormone is responsible for regulating the concentration of urine, thus controlling its amount. More of this hormone is produced at night, so we usually do not wake up to go to the toilet. However, a large amount of alcohol reduces the level of production of this hormone. Therefore, if you often wake up at night for this reason, it is worth considering whether you are drinking too much.

2. Dry eyes after waking up

Rob Scott, an ophthalmologist at a Birmingham hospital, explained that alcohol doesn't just dehydrate the body, it can also cause moisture problems in the eyes. Therefore, constant dryness in the eyes can signal problems with alcohol.

3. You can't wait for evening to drink

If the thought of having a glass of wine that you enjoy in the evening helps you get through a difficult day, this may be one of the signs of a serious alcohol addiction. So says Claudia Bernat, psychiatrist at Priory Hospital, London. Often people do not consider themselves addicted to alcohol because they are able to hold back throughout the day, but the constant thought of an alcoholic drink is something to seriously consider.

4. Stomach problems

Digestive problems such as diarrhea can also be indicative of excessive alcohol consumption, among other things. This statement was made by David Sanders (David Sanders) - professor of gastroenterology at a hospital in Sheffield. The reason for this phenomenon is that the body does not absorb excess fluid, which makes the stool liquid. And if a person fails to flush their waste products down the toilet, this may indicate problems with the liver, which does not break down fats properly. If a person's urine is darker than usual, this should alert them, as a possible reason for this is the inability of the liver to filter dead blood cells and other substances properly.

5. Moody and forgetfulness

While alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, it causes sleep cycles to be disrupted, making you more tired as a result. Guy Meadows, director of the London Sleep Institute, explained: “When alcohol is broken down in the body, it becomes a stimulant, as the breakdown process releases sugar and other compounds that interfere with sleep. Alcohol also disrupts REM sleep, during which the brain works with memories. All of the above leads to a deterioration in mood and to forgetfulness of a person. "

6. Insomnia

It is known that about 60% of people with alcohol addiction suffer from insomnia. Long-term alcohol abuse prevents neurotransmitters in the brain from acting as a sedative and reducing brain activity. The brain has to re-learn how to sleep properly. Dr. Meadows says that in such cases, it will take several months to give up alcohol for a few months to restore normal sleep.

7. You don't get drunk

If you drink and don't get drunk, it means that you most likely have developed a tolerance to alcohol. We get drunk because ethanol (which is part of an alcoholic drink) quickly enters the bloodstream and affects the central nervous system and brain, which causes a feeling of intoxication. The body has to produce enzymes that break down and remove alcohol. However, if you drink regularly, your body produces more of these enzymes because it gets used to working so hard.

8. Poor dental health

Just because your teeth look normal at first glance, it doesn't mean that alcohol hasn't left an imprint on them. Red wine stains still remain on the surface of the teeth, located as close as possible to the tongue, as well as between the teeth. White wine and beer drinkers are even more susceptible to tooth enamel erosion. Signs of such damage are yellowing and increased sensitivity of the teeth.

9. "Healthy tan"

If you are often complimented on your tan but have never been to a beach or a tanning salon, you may be developing jaundice. And jaundice, as you know, is one of the signs of liver disease. Jaundice occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin. Over time, alcohol damages liver cells, and scar tissue forms as a result of the liver's attempts to repair itself. It prevents the liver from performing its main function - filtering toxins and waste products, including bilirubin.

10. You take more and more alcohol

Alcohol works like any other drug. Over time, the body gets used to it and begins to demand an increasing dose. Therefore, if your friends or relatives noticed that you began to drink more than before, do not rush to get angry with them. Perhaps you do not notice that your innocent infatuation develops into alcohol addiction.

Alcohol abuse adversely affects the functioning of internal organs, which, as a result, results in an unattractive appearance. Therefore, it is important to be able to control yourself in any situation, especially when it comes to drinking strong drinks.