The term “alcohol abuse” can refer to different things. For example, it may be a reference to alcohol consumption disorder or refer to drinking too much alcohol. Whatever the case may be, there are many main symptoms of alcohol abuse that you should be aware of. Keep reading below to learn about some of these common signs:
Difficulty Sleeping
One of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse is difficulty sleeping. Alcohol can disrupt sleep, causing insomnia or making it difficult to fall asleep at night. It can also cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, interrupting your natural circadian rhythm and making it harder for your body to rest properly.
When this occurs regularly over time, it can lead to chronic fatigue beyond just being tired during daytime hours. Getting enough deep restorative sleep at night also becomes an issue, and if this happens due to alcohol abuse, it’s a sign it may be time to seek treatment at a facility like America’s Rehab Campuses.
Memory Impairment or Memory Lapses
One of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse is memory impairment or memory lapses. It can include:
- Poor memory or difficulty remembering things that occurred just moments ago.
- Difficulty remembering names, faces, and other information about people you know well.
- Forgetting your previous conversations or tasks (crucial ones).
Blackouts
A blackout is when you can’t remember what happened during a specific period. Alcohol affects your brain’s ability to form new memories, so if you drink too much alcohol, it can cause your memory of events to be lost. The most common cause of a blackout is drinking too much alcohol in a short period and then going to sleep or passing out before your brain has had time to record everything that happened while intoxicated.
Blackouts are dangerous because they make it hard for people to know their actions and consequences during their drunken stupor.
Memory Loss
When you drink alcohol, your brain’s hippocampus and amygdala are affected, which can result in memory loss.
You may experience the following:
- Trouble recalling events that occurred while or shortly after drinking (such as what you did or where you were).
- Forgetting what happened while intoxicated, such as arguing with someone who wasn’t there when they said they were.
Slowed Reaction Times
Slow reaction times can be dangerous. It’s one thing to be a little tipsy, but if your slowed reaction times cause you to make bad decisions, they can lead to hazardous situations. For example, if you’re driving and notice another car coming up behind you when it’s too late. It could consequently end badly for both of you.
Troubled Motor Coordination
You may experience trouble with motor coordination, which can manifest as:
- Walking or standing clumsily
- Having difficulty steering a vehicle, especially when driving at night or in bad weather conditions
- Difficulty keeping balance when walking or standing upright
Alcohol abuse can affect one’s life in various ways. It can damage your health, relationships, work, and finances. You may think drinking alcohol is harmless or good, but it’s not! The more you drink, the more damage you will do to yourself physically and mentally until nothing is left. If you notice these symptoms affecting your ability to get around safely and effectively, it’s time to see a professional.