Signs of Alcoholism Behavioral and Physical Symptoms

But rest assured that our team is here to help you to get back on your feet so that you can clearly see the bright future that lies ahead. It’s important to note that jaundice is not exclusive to alcoholics; it can occur in anyone with liver dysfunction. However, in the context of an alcoholic face, it serves as a strong signal of the severe effects prolonged heavy drinking can have on the body. However, for those struggling with alcohol addiction, this puffiness is not just a morning-after effect; it becomes a constant characteristic of their appearance. This is because the body is continually dealing with the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Signs of Alcoholism: Stages & Symptoms

In the long run, too much alcohol can cause damage that increases your risk of eye-related conditions, potentially leading to vision loss and other complications down the line. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, giving the face a red and flushed appearance. This condition is also known as the alcohol flush reaction due to the accumulation of toxins like acetaldehyde. The body tries to break down the accumulated toxins by expanding blood vessels, leading to the characteristic redness. However, long-term heavy drinking can damage these blood vessels and cause persistent facial redness.

Psychological and Emotional Impact: Why Should You Be Concerned?

If you or a loved one is grappling with alcohol abuse, seeking help from a healthcare professional or support group is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Alcoholism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is crucial to recognize the signs of alcoholism in order to provide support and seek appropriate treatment for individuals struggling with this addiction. Learning how to spot an “alcoholic face” is more than recognizing surface-level changes.

Alcoholic Face: How to Spot It + Reverse the Damage

One study found that women who consumed eight or more drinks a week perceived themselves as looking older than those who didn’t drink (8). Younger people may look older than they are due to wrinkles, sagging skin, and aging lines that change the appearance of the face. Dr. Chintan is a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in holistic and preventative care as well as healthcare systems.

• Perhaps the largest concern with alcohol use in elderly patients is family, friends, or caregivers missing signs of developing health issues.
• Elevated MCV is found in approximately 50 to 60 percent of chronic heavy drinkers.
• When you’re dehydrated, that can show up on your face in the form of dry, flaky skin, more visible signs of aging, or flare-ups of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
• Long-term excessive drinking can lead to potential health issues, including problems with vision.
• Some common signs and symptoms of cirrhosis include fatigue, itchy skin, weight loss, nausea, yellow eyes and skin, abdominal pain and swelling or bruising.

How Alcoholism Affects Appearance

At Compassion Behavioral Health, we understand the challenges and complexities of dealing with alcoholism. Our dedicated team of professionals offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to recovery. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of alcoholism, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible care and support on their journey to sobriety. When it comes to understanding alcoholism, it is important to recognize that it is not simply a matter of willpower or moral failing.

Unexplained bruises and frequent injuries can be physical signs of alcoholism. Alcohol impairs coordination and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and falls. Individuals struggling with alcoholism may experience frequent injuries due to impaired motor skills and impaired decision-making abilities while under the influence.

The presence of jaundice is typically a sign that the liver is struggling, and its ability to function properly has been compromised. Alcohol can enlarge the blood vessels in the face causing red patches on the skin, particularly around the nose and cheek area. These blood vessels often burst or over-dilate, resulting in spider veins and noticeable alcoholic physical appearance red spots across the face. Not every person with an alcohol addiction will display all or even some of these signs, but it’s important to be aware of the indications within your friends, family and even your own behaviours. Either way, fluctuations in a person’s appetite, as a result of alcohol consumption, can lead to changes in their weight.

• Bloodshot eyes, another common physical sign of alcoholism, can be caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a reddened and irritated appearance.
• Heavy drinking can lead to long-term effects on the eyes that can range in severity from rapid eye movement to vision loss and blindness.
• Others may notice an individual becoming defensive or secretive about their drinking habits.
• They may also feel numbness or tingling in their extremities due to alcohol’s damaging effects on nerve tissues.

Ways to Spot an Alcoholic Face

Recognizing Facial Effects of Alcohol: Bloated Face, Redness, and More