Tell-Tale Physical Traits of a Heavy Alcohol Drinker, Per Experts

Alcoholism often causes noticeable changes in an individual’s mood and personality. They may become irritable, aggressive, or anxious, even in situations where such behavior is unwarranted. Unexplained mood swings, sudden outbursts of anger, or emotional instability can all point to a problem with alcohol. Additionally, individuals may alcoholic physical appearance display a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. While symptoms are things that we feel or experience, signs are external clues that can signal to others there’s a potential problem.

ADDICTIONS WE TREAT

• This would certainly cause changes in facial shapes, especially if the person continues to drink and over-eat.
• After an episode of heavy drinking, your liver processes some of the alcohol you consumed.
• Alcohol is also a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and is linked to a variety of different cancers.

Over time, the skin may lose its elasticity and suppleness, causing it to age prematurely. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fluid retention, causing facial puffiness. Acetaldehyde makes your body release histamine, which enlarges your blood vessels (known as vasodilation). If caught early enough, quitting drinking Substance abuse and other lifestyle changes can treat liver disease. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to more serious oral problems like gum disease, tooth decay, mouth sours, and oral cancer. Once alcohol consumption has been reduced or stopped, the symptoms should start to improve.

Understanding Alcoholism and Its Effects on the Face

Evoke Wellness offers intensive inpatient rehab, therapy programs, and aftercare planning to help restore physical and mental health. Carrying excess weight around the abdominal area – often referred to as a “beer belly” – is one of the most visible signs of chronic alcohol abuse. Alcoholics frequently have a disproportionately large belly compared to the rest of their body. Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to relax and widen.

How can facial features indicate an alcohol problem?

However, paradoxically, it can also lead to fluid retention in certain areas, including the face. Here are ten common features of someone who abuses or is addicted to alcohol. Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares strategies for coping with alcohol cravings and other addictions, featuring addiction specialist John Umhau, MD. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

With the help of New Method Wellness, individuals can overcome their addiction and begin their journey toward long-term recovery. Heavy alcohol consumption causes enamel erosion – the irreversible loss of the glossy outer layer of teeth. This occurs because alcohol is an acidic substance that wears away enamel. People who are addicted to alcohol may also show a deteriorating physical appearance from poor nutrition and personal neglect. Tolerance symptoms include a need to drink more than you once did to achieve the desired level of intoxication. People experiencing this phenomenon might even switch up their drink of choice — moving from beer or wine https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to hard liquor, for example, to accommodate their need for more alcohol.

Can You Reverse Alcohol-Induced Facial Changes

Recognizing the signs of alcoholism can be vital in helping someone get the support and treatment they need. While many are aware of the behavioral and psychological signs, the physical manifestations on the face are often overlooked. This article delves into the physical signs of alcoholism, focusing on the face, and provides insights into understanding and recognizing this serious condition.

• In addition, those with alcoholic faces may have difficulty forming relationships or maintaining jobs due to the visible signs of their condition.
• Dr. Kevin Wandler of Advanced Recovery Systems describes how tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are indicators of alcohol dependence.
• Along with liver, breast, and pancreatic cancer, alcohol abuse also increases the risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• Combining alcohol and certain drugs causes the negative effects on oral hygiene to become worse.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate, resulting in a flushed appearance.

Premature Aging

The toxic effects of alcohol on the heart can weaken the muscle and impair its ability to pump blood effectively, putting individuals at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. The best way to combat the physical symptoms of alcoholism is to address the underlying addiction before it becomes too late. Contacting an alcohol use disorder treatment center can help offer advice on where to begin with recovery and how to get help immediately. If you are worried that your or a loved one’s drinking has become out of control, then contact a treatment provider today. Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is another indicator of liver disease and is most commonly caused by alcohol use disorder. The symptoms of PCT include fragile skin, blistering, photosensitivity, crusts, milia (small white bumps), scleroderma (hardened skin), erosions, and hypertrichosis (increased hair growth).