Alcoholism can be termed as a chronic disorder. Due to heavy abuse of alcohol, physical and psychological dependence on it can be inevitable. When consumed excessively, it can bring about irrational behavior and can, therefore, cause significant issues in a person’s life. The severity of the disorder depends on the frequency of alcohol intake and on the amount consumed as well.

Alcohol and substance abuse treatments are necessary especially for people who cannot stay sober for extended periods of time and rely heavily on alcohol. The early warning signs for alcohol and substance abuse include:

1. The early warning signs
There is no sure way to know that occasional or social drinking can ultimately lead to alcoholic disorder needing alcohol and substance abuse treatments. Most people experiencing these signs are mainly young adults and high-school or college students. Binge drinking as a way of social drinking is one of the major causes of alcoholic behavior among people. While most binge drinkers will not go beyond the usual experimental phase, few who continue to drink regularly or heavily are more likely to experience this disorder. The severity of alcohol abuse is said to be the main early warning sign. People who start to notice these signs try to deny that they have a disorder and avoid alcohol and substance abuse treatments. Therefore, any intervention by family members or friends can become challenging for preventive measures. It is important to not overlook any type of mild abuse of alcohol or any warning signs as this issue can snowball over time. Alcohol and substance abuse treatments should be made available sooner rather than later as any delay can aggravate the individual’s situation and can prove to be fatal.

2. The symptoms
Alcohol and substance abuse can alter a person’s habits, behaviors, and appearance. The tell-tale signs and symptoms tend to include:

• Drinking alcohol for a longer period and more than you originally intended to is a small sign of alcoholic behavior.
• When you’re trying to consciously cut back on alcohol or stop, but are finding it difficult is a sure warning sign.
• There are various withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol and substance abuse treatments that are experienced including nausea, seizure, sweating, increased heartbeat, restlessness, shakiness, and having trouble sleeping.
• The amount of alcohol that you are currently consuming is more than what you used to consume before.
• There is a possibility of alcohol intake even if you are ill or you are feeling anxious, depressed, and experiencing a memory blackout.
• In order to continue drinking alcohol, you tend to avoid important tasks or activities.
• Social relationships are being affected due to the high intake of alcohol and yet the same activity continues. As a result, you notice that family members and friends keep away.
• You start to experience problems at work or in the family, mainly because of the addiction to alcohol.
• A lot of time is spent being sick and drinking alcohol, thereby avoiding alcohol and substance abuse treatments. You catch yourself thinking about alcohol all the time and it consumes your day.
• You continue to drink even when alone and, therefore, feel extreme mood-swings and signs of irritability.