Physical Effects of Alcoholism

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As people progress through the degenerative stages of alcohol addiction, they experience a number of clearly observable physical effects of alcoholism.  Some of these effects start relatively early in the disease and get progressively worse as the individual approaches long term, chronic alcoholism. 

It is important to emphasize, however, that the physical effects of alcoholism are not the only negative consequences of this disease.  Indeed, the social, spiritual, and the psychological effects of alcoholism can be just as, if not more, painful and problematic as the physical effects of alcoholism.

Physical Effects of Alcoholism- The First Stage

Alcoholics typically go through four stages of alcoholism.  It is clear that alcoholics experience physical effects of alcoholism during each stage.

Consequently, we will focus on the physical effects of alcoholism that are usually manifested by alcoholics during each of the four stages of alcoholism.

The following list represents some of the physical effects of alcoholism exhibited by alcoholics in the first stage of alcoholism:

• Lack of recognition by the person that he or she is in the early stages of a progressive illness
• A conscious effort to seek out more drinking opportunities
• Boasting and a "big shot" complex
• Gross Drinking Behavior - more frequent drinking of greater amounts
• Increasing tolerance
• An ability to drink great amounts of alcohol without any apparent impairment

Physical Effects of Alcoholism - The Second Stage

The following list typifies some of the physical effects of alcoholism experienced by alcoholics in the second stage of alcoholism:

• Sneaking extra drinks before social events
• Physical problems increase
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking
• Drinking because of dependence rather than for stress relief
• Increasing tolerance
• Chronic hangovers
• Gulping the first few drinks to feel the "buzz" faster
• Sporadic loss of control
• More frequent blackouts

Physical Effects of Alcoholism - The Third Stage

The following list characterizes some of the physical effects of alcoholism that are commonly manifested by alcoholics during the third stage of alcoholism:

• The start of physical deterioration
• Problems with the law (e.g, DUIs)
• Increased tremors
• Frequent violent or destructive behavior
• Avoidance of family and friends
• Eye-openers
• A decrease in alcohol tolerance
• Half-hearted attempts at seeking medical aid
• The development of an alibi system - an elaborate system of excuses for their drinking
• Loss of control has become a pattern
• Aggressive and grandiose behavior
• Neglect of necessities such as food, water, and shelter  

Physical Effects of Alcoholism - The Fourth Stage

The following list represents some of the physical effects of alcoholism that are usually suffered by alcoholics in the fourth stage of alcoholism:

• The breakdown of the alibi system
• The "DTs"
• Unreasonable resentments and hostility toward others
• Continual loss of control
• Benders, or lengthy intoxications
• Loss of tolerance for alcohol
• Auditory and visual hallucinations
• "The shakes"
• Moral deterioration

Physical Effects of Alcoholism:  Conclusion

When examining alcoholism via the various stages of the disease, it is apparent that there are a number of physical effects of alcoholism that alcoholics experience during each stage of their addiction.  Unfortunately, and without question, the physical effects of alcoholism get increasingly worse as people progress through the disease.

As a consequence of the debilitating and damaging nature of this disease, it is critically important for the alcoholic to get professional treatment in order to prevent not only further physical effects of alcoholism but also the psychological, social, and spiritual consequences of this devastating and fatal disease.  Multitudes of people have experienced the suffering and the pain of this disease.  The good news, however is this: with quality treatment, alcoholics can recover from their addiction and start to reclaim their lives.

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