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Alcohol is one of the most commonly used recreational substances in the United States. While its legal status makes it ubiquitous in our culture, it's no less dangerous than other drugs when it's used excessively.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the official diagnosis of alcoholism. It's a medical condition in which an individual is unable to stop or control alcohol use even though they experience adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It's considered a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe, with lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuating AUD and making you vulnerable to relapse. What are the alcohol use disorder symptoms? How can you tell it apart from normal alcohol use? Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder SymptomsAlcohol use problems can affect multiple areas of your life, including your physical, behavioral, and mental health. It may be possible to hide or dismiss the early signs of an alcohol use disorder, but addiction is progressive and will eventually be difficult to ignore. Alcohol use disorders are officially diagnosed using the 11 signs and symptoms listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone else is important for early intervention. Alcoholism can progress to affect multiple areas of your life if it is ignored. Here are some alcohol use disorder symptoms that you may notice in yourself or a loved one: Physical Symptoms Alcohol can have a significant impact on your body over time, but even some of the early signs are physical. Including the following:
Behavioral Indicators Addiction often comes with behavioral signs. It affects your reward center and rewires your priorities to the point that drinking becomes the most important thing in your life. That can have some significant consequences, including the following:
Psychological Signs Alcoholism and addiction primarily affect your brain and psychological health, which can have physical consequences. However, there are several psychological warning signs, including:
Causes and Risk Factors of Alcohol Use DisordersThe causes and risk factors of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are multifaceted and can include a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. If you meet some of these criteria, it doesn't mean you are guaranteed to develop an alcohol use disorder, but it might mean your risk is higher than average. Here's a summary of the main causes and risk factors:
Seeking Alcohol Recovery Recognizing the signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is crucial for early intervention and increased chances of recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with AUD, it’s important to seek professional help. Wings of Life is a trusted organization that can provide support and resources to individuals and families affected by alcoholism. Don't hesitate to contact Wings of Life for help and guidance on the road to recovery. Remember, it's never too late to seek help and take control of your life. SourcesKoob, G. F. (2024, February 27). Alcohol use disorder: From risk to diagnosis to recovery. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-use-disorder-risk-diagnosis-recovery#pub-toc1 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-use-disorder/genetics-alcohol-use-disorder Fentanyl addiction is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by compulsive use and dependence on the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent pain reliever prescribed for severe pain symptoms, but it is also illegally trafficked, manufactured, and distributed, contributing to rising rates of addiction and overdose.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there were 80,411 opioid overdose1 deaths in 2021. Fentanyl is extremely powerful; a dose as light as a snowflake2 is enough to cause a potentially fatal overdose in the average person. Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction in a loved one is a crucial first step toward providing the support they need. Learn more about the key signs and symptoms, helping you navigate the challenging terrain of supporting a loved one with a substance use problem. How Does Fentanyl Addiction Happen?Addiction is a complex process that typically begins with voluntary substance use, leading to changes in the brain's reward system. Addiction to an opioid is officially diagnosed as an opioid use disorder because of the way it can lead to a disorder in a person's life that affects mental and physical health. Continuous use may result in tolerance, requiring higher and higher doses for the same effects, and neurochemical alterations in the brain. Loss of control, both physically and psychologically, ensues, accompanied by cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. In many cases, people who recognize that they have a serious problem and would like to stop cannot do so without help. How to Recognize Fentanyl Addiction in a Family MemberAddiction is a progressive disease. People close to you may hide that they have a problem for a short time, but it will eventually become apparent. Recognizing fentanyl addiction in a family member requires careful observation of behavioral, physical, and emotional changes. Mental and emotional symptoms include:
Keep an eye on personal hygiene and grooming habits. Neglect of routine hygiene practices may indicate a mental health or substance use disorder. Frequent doctor shopping, secretive behavior, or financial issues might suggest attempts to obtain the drug. If you notice a combination of these indicators, it's essential to approach your family member with compassion and seek professional support for a comprehensive assessment. What to Do if You Suspect Fentanyl Addiction in a Loved OneOnce you notice the signs of an opioid or fentanyl addiction, the difficult part begins. Confronting a loved one about an addiction is uncomfortable, but it's important to note that addiction is treatable, and early treatment is always better. Different people respond to different approaches when they are confronted with a substance use issue, but denial is very common. It may take time and patience to convince a person that they have a problem. In some cases, intervention counselors can help guide you through the process of addressing a substance use disorder in a family member. If you've confronted your loved one and they aren't ready to seek help, it's important to avoid behavior that can prolong or worsen their substance use problem–often called enabling. Avoiding enabling behavior when a loved one has a substance use problem is essential for their recovery. Here are some strategies:
Seeking Recovery ProgramsSeeking guidance from medical professionals and support groups for families dealing with substance use issues can provide additional insights and coping strategies. Severe substance use disorder may require medical detoxification, but that's usually not enough. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects your brain, and relapse is common. Support that helps addicted people cope with drug cravings and the countless potential consequences of addiction, like legal problems, mental health problems, and spiritual issues, is essential. Addiction is also a disease that takes a toll on both body and soul. Christ-centered spiritual healing is the foundation of a transformational recovery. If you are seeking fentanyl addiction recovery for yourself or a loved one, learn more about the 90-day program at Wings of Life. Sources
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