Men experience addiction differently than women. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. Early intervention is one of the best ways to avoid long-term risks of unchecked drinking. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism in men is the first step in getting help.
Call Red Oak at 828.382.9699 to enroll in alcohol addiction treatment for men in North Carolina at our Asheville rehab center.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder, a more appropriate term for “alcoholism,” is a chronic, relapsing condition that causes people to compulsively drink. As alcohol use increases, individuals develop a tolerance for higher levels of alcohol consumption and intense cravings.
One of the significant determinants of alcohol addiction is the number of drinks consumed daily or within one week. For men, having four or more drinks daily or 14 or more per week is considered an alcohol use disorder. If this rate of consumption occurs on an occasional basis, there may be no need for concern. However, if heavy drinking happens regularly, it is a prominent sign of alcohol abuse.
5 Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Men
1. Drinking Alone
Men with alcohol use disorder may begin to isolate themselves and prefer drinking alone instead of socializing. This behavior can be a sign that they are struggling with their relationship with alcohol.
Drinking alone could be a way for them to try and cope with intense feelings without talking about them with others. The shame and guilt that surround these emotions—and their drinking habits—may leave men feeling alone, leading them to drink more.
2. Developing a Tolerance to Alcohol
Over time, regular alcohol consumption will lead to tolerance. A man who used to drink a beer with dinner may start having two or three. When his tolerance builds, he needs more alcohol to get the same buzz. This may also lead him to switch from beer to a stronger substance like hard liquor. Early on, tolerance may not necessarily indicate addiction, but it will continue to grow, and the person will feel the need for higher and higher doses of alcohol. This can undoubtedly lead down the path to alcohol addiction.
3. Needing Alcohol to Get Through the Day
A man struggling with alcohol addiction may not be able to go a day without drinking. He might drink each day after work and start early on the weekends. In extreme cases, he might also need to start the day with a drink to prevent shakiness or feeling ill. These feelings are the onset of alcohol withdrawal, which can also cause:
- Anxiety or depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
This can become particularly dangerous, resulting in driving to work under the influence and endangering oneself and others on the road. Withdrawal symptoms, on the other hand, are also dangerous. Trying to quit drinking cold turkey after active alcohol addiction can lead to seizures and other severe symptoms. Professional intervention can manage these symptoms.
4. Loss of Interest in Activities Once Enjoyed
One of the most common of the men’s alcohol addiction signs is a lack of motivation to do anything that does not involve alcohol. A man who used to enjoy an active lifestyle may give up hiking and going to the gym to spend his days going to the bar or drinking at home. If you notice your loved one no longer wants to spend time together unless you drink with them, they may need addiction treatment.
5. Mood Swings when Not Drinking
Alcohol addiction affects brain neurotransmitters responsible for positive feelings. The brain loses its capacity to produce feel-good hormones and requires more alcohol for the person to experience pleasurable feelings. When a man struggling with addiction cannot consume alcohol, he may become very cranky and irritable.
Other Warning Signs of Alcoholism in Men
There is a wide range of signs and symptoms a man may portray when he’s struggling with alcohol. Every man is different, however, and many of the symptoms will vary from person to person. Some additional warning signs of alcoholism in men include:
Psychological Symptoms
There are a few signs of alcohol that are considered psychological in nature. Men who have urges or cravings to drink alcohol and are aware of them but still cannot cut down on how much they drink because they are so strong likely have an AUD.
The urges that stem from addiction sometimes become so strong that anxiety and/or depression are felt until a drink is obtained. Alcohol can also worsen existing mental health conditions, which may have been the original reason a man tried to self-medicate with alcohol.
Social Difficulties
Alcohol use disorder tends to cause trouble at home, around other people, and in the workplace. A person who abuses alcohol usually finds it difficult to fulfill obligations on the job, at school, or at home. This often causes conflict with coworkers, bosses, teachers, and/or family members and friends.
If you or someone you know continues to drink, even though it causes interpersonal difficulties, consider alcoholism as a reason for these troubles. Those who struggle with alcohol use disorder also give up on hobbies, work activities, and social engagements due to their excessive drinking and difficulty performing while under the influence or during withdrawal.
Signs of Alcoholism in the Face
While you should not rely solely on a person’s appearance to determine if they have an alcohol addiction, certain characteristics are common among people with AUD. Some of these include:
- Flushed face or broken capillaries on the nose and cheeks
- Red eyes or dilated pupils
- Changes in skin tone, including paleness or jaundice
These symptoms may also be accompanied by weight loss, poor hygiene, and other changes in appearance. While these changes can occur for various reasons, they may be a sign of alcoholism or another underlying health condition that requires medical attention.
Long-Term Risks of Alcohol Use Disorder
Health issues arise due to alcoholism, and they escalate over time. In the later stages of severe AUD, the body suffers from additional health issues. These risks include:
- Liver problems: Fat buildup in the liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver
- Digestive problems: Including gastritis, ulcers, lack of absorption of vitamin B, and pancreas damage
- Heart problems: High blood pressure, enlargement of the heart, heart failure, and stroke
- Diabetic complications: Alcohol consumption causes interference with glucose levels and increases the risk of hypoglycemia
- Bone health issues: Bone damage and/or increased risk of fractures
- Sexual function troubles: Erectile dysfunction or menstruation issues
- Eye conditions: Including nystagmus or paralysis of eye muscles due to deficiency of thiamin in the body
Other risks include neurological and immune system damage, increased risk of cancer, and a higher likelihood of accidents. If you or someone you love is showing signs of AUD, it’s crucial to seek help early on to avoid these long-term risks.
Begin Recovery: Call Red Oak Recovery® Now
At Red Oak Recovery®, we understand that it can be tough to broach the subject of alcohol abuse in men, but we are here to guide you through it. If you think a man you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, complete our online form or call us at 828.382.9699 for support.
