What Are the Six Symptoms of Alcohol Dependency?
The six symptoms of alcohol dependency are psychological dependence symptoms, physical dependence symptoms, tolerance symptoms, comorbid symptoms, alcohol poisoning symptoms, and alcohol abstinence syndrome.
Patients with alcohol dependency may develop a psychological dependence on alcohol. If they do not consume alcohol for a day, they may feel uncomfortable and crave for alcohol. This craving is similar to addiction, and they need to drink alcohol to alleviate the feeling. If they are continuously prevented from drinking, they may experience depression, hallucinations, search for alcohol everywhere, and even engage in harmful behaviors towards themselves and others. In such cases, it is necessary to psychologically address the patient's dependence on alcohol, as medication cannot fully control this dependence.
Patients with alcohol dependency may exhibit physical dependence symptoms that are somewhat similar to those with psychological dependence. However, patients with physical dependence tend to manifest their symptoms entirely through physical changes. For instance, when they consume alcohol, they may appear flushed and energetic. But when they are prevented from drinking, their complexion may become dull and pale, and they may feel cold and have weakened breath. Therefore, patients with this symptom often require medication to maintain normal bodily functions during alcohol abstinence.
Patients with tolerance symptoms can consume significantly larger amounts of alcohol than the average person. However, as they age and their alcohol poisoning worsens, they may experience a decrease in their alcohol tolerance and become more easily intoxicated, often accompanied by a cold and indifferent mood.
Comorbid symptoms refer to physical manifestations that arise due to the patient's excessive alcohol consumption. This can lead to central nervous system impairment, further damaging the liver and kidneys, resulting in various comorbid conditions related to these organs.
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can easily lead to alcohol poisoning symptoms. This occurs because the liver cannot keep up with the speed of eliminating alcohol, leading to toxin accumulation and symptoms such as mental abnormalities, tremors, and bodily dysfunction.
Many patients with alcohol dependency have attempted to quit drinking, but the process often involves various adverse reactions such as anxiety, nausea, poor appetite, cold sweats, and poor sleep. Some patients may even experience mental abnormalities. Alcohol dependency is a chronic disease typically caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Once alcohol dependency is established, it can be difficult for patients to quit drinking. Prolonged alcohol consumption can damage brain cells, the liver, kidneys, and other organs, and may also cause psychological harm, leading to self-harm or harm towards others, and is one of the main causes of domestic violence. Therefore, patients should be mindful of their alcohol consumption and seek medical treatment if alcohol dependency develops.
