Ailments and Situations - Alcoholism - Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of alcohol dependence are both behavioural and physical. Behavioural symptoms include hiding bottles (furtive behaviour) and aggressive or pompous behaviour. Personality changes and, often, frequent job changes soon occur. There may be changes in drinking pattern, which includes a change in type of alcohol consumed and when. The alcoholic often makes many promises to him/herself and to their loved ones to stop drinking. Food intake and personal appearance are neglected and longer periods of intoxication ensue.

The physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and morning shakes. You may experience abdominal pain and cramping, and numbness or tingling of the extremities. Weakness in legs and hands are often reported, as is an irregular pulse. Many capillaries in the face become enlarged and red. Other physical symptoms include unsteadiness, confusion, poor memory, and incontinence. People that are alcohol-dependent are more susceptible to other physical and mental diseases than those who are not.