A key factor in obtaining effective treatment for AUD is timely identification of the physical signs of alcoholism. Signs and symptoms will vary from person to person, but being aware of the various indicators can help diagnose alcoholism at an early stage and lead to effective treatment. In this article, Avenues Recovery offers clues on the physical signs of an alcoholic.
Physical Signs of Alcoholism: Key Takeaways
- Identifying physical signs of alcoholism and introducing timely intervention can raise chances for successful treatment outcomes.
- Physical signs of alcoholism include face and skin changes, bloating and weight gain, and changes in personal grooming and hygiene.
- Alcohol smell on breath and sweat is another clue suggesting excessive drinking.
- If you notice some of the physical signs of alcoholism, rather than jumping to conclusions, consult with a professional on how to proceed.
- Get help for your or your loved one’s alcohol addiction at Avenues Recovery.
Identifying Physical Signs of Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and excessive alcohol consumption are tied to millions of deaths globally each year. According to NCDAS alcohol abuse statistics, alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) kill over 2.6 million people each year, accounting for nearly 5% of deaths worldwide. Alcoholism is a disease that affects more than 80 million people in the United States. Unfortunately, only 8 percent of those suffering from the disease will actually receive treatment. Early noticing of alcoholism signs can translate into a higher success rate for treatment.
Visible signs of alcoholism may appear in several ways, including on the skin, in personal hygiene, weight changes, and gait. Below, we take a look at the different physical signs of drinking too much.
1. Alcoholic Face
Excessive drinking can cause alcoholic face changes as a result of alcohol’s negative effects on hydration, blood vessels, and liver function. Signs of an alcoholic face can include:
- Puffy face: Alcohol causes water retention, leading to alcoholic face swelling.
- Red face: An alcoholic red face is the result of widened blood vessels from alcohol consumption.
- Rhinophyma: A puffy nose is another sign of expanded blood vessels from alcohol consumption.
- Spider veins: Thin, visible veins may appear on the face when alcohol widens blood vessels.
- Premature wrinkles: Alcohol dehydrates the skin and impairs collagen production, which can cause wrinkles.
- Yellow or jaundiced skin color: Alcohol consumption harms the liver, which can cause a yellowed tone in the skin or eyes.
While the above markers can give you some indication of how to spot an alcoholic face, it’s important not to jump to conclusions and issue judgments on loved ones before verifying the facts. It’s also advisable to consult with a health professional on how best to approach someone you think may be struggling with alcoholism.
2. Alcohol Bloat and Weight Gain
You may have heard of a “beer belly”, referring to an expanded waistline resulting from beer consumption.
Alcohol is an inflammatory substance that can lead to swelling in the body. If you mix your drinks with sugary liquids such as soda or juice, you may worsen the problem and cause issues like gas and bloating. Alcohol contains a lot of calories and, if mixed with sugary drinks, can lead to quick weight gain.
Alcohol can also irritate your gastrointestinal tract, which is another cause of bloating. Alcohol is a diuretic, which flushes the body of water, putting the body at greater risk of dehydration. This can cause organs and skin to hold onto water, leading to bloating and puffiness.
3. Disheveled Physical Appearance
One of the physical signs of an alcoholic is a deterioration in personal grooming and hygiene. Often, people struggling with alcoholism may neglect their personal care, forgoing showering and wearing soiled or wrinkled clothes.
Consuming an excess of alcohol will also likely lead to an alcohol breath odor, adding another unpleasant factor to the person’s general dishevelment. The alcohol smell on breath comes from acetaldehyde, alcohol’s chemical byproduct, that is exhaled through your lungs. Another cause of alcohol breath is dryness in the mouth, which may promote the growth of bad bacteria.
Many people acquainted with alcoholics will notice that alcoholism also causes bad body odor, which results from alcohol byproducts released in the sweat.
I Noticed Signs of Alcohol Abuse. Now What?
If you notice visible signs of alcoholism, they are usually indicators that something more serious is going on inside the alcoholic’s body. Alcoholism wreaks havoc on people’s lives, and it’s a tough disease to battle. Fortunately, myriad treatment options and resources are available today to help people recover. There are also many support groups out there that help not only alcoholics but also the loved ones around them.
Depending on how severe the alcoholism is, treatment may be offered on an outpatient basis or inpatient at a residential facility, and sometimes includes an alcohol detox. If your loved one is struggling with alcoholism, it’s also important to get help for yourself, so that you get the right support and guidance you need to help your relative or friend.
Get Help at Avenues Recovery
If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, getting help is a courageous and positive step forward. Reach out to Avenues Recovery for guidance from our professional, friendly team that has helped thousands achieve sobriety in a supportive, healing environment. We look forward to helping you on your journey to your best possible life.
FAQs about Physical Signs of Alcoholism
What does an alcoholic look like?
Someone struggling with alcohol may show facial redness or puffiness, bloodshot eyes, skin changes like dryness or a yellowish tint, and noticeable weight gain or loss. Other common signs include unsteadiness and a generally more disheveled or fatigued appearance.
Why does alcohol make you bloated?
Alcohol makes you bloated because it can irritate the digestive tract and disrupt gut bacteria, causing gas and bloating. Alcohol is also a diuretic, causing fluid loss and dehydration while you're drinking, but subsequently the body often retains water to compensate, causing facial or abdominal puffiness. Many alcoholic drinks contain added sugar from mixers, syrups, or residual sugar, so regular consumption can contribute to weight gain.
What does alcohol breath smell like?
Heavy drinking can leave a noticeable alcoholic smell, often described as a sweet, stale odor that lingers on the breath, skin, and clothing. This scent comes not only from alcohol itself but also from the byproducts created when the body metabolizes it.
What are common physical signs of alcohol abuse?
Common physical signs of alcohol abuse include bloodshot eyes, trembling hands, frequent sweating, flushed skin, weight changes, a disheveled look, and poor coordination. These symptoms can vary depending on the person and the level of alcohol use.