What are the physical signs of alcoholism?

Chronic alcohol abuse can damage the liver, leading to conditions like jaundice. Jaundice causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Alcoholism is an increasingly prevalent social issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Unfortunately, the physical and mental effects of alcohol can often lead to addiction. A condition in which individuals become dependent on alcohol to cope with the pressures of life.

• Here are some other signs of alcoholism to look out for, besides the drinker’s face.
• Alcoholism can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s professional and personal relationships.
• Additionally, alcohol’s dehydrating effect contributes to dry, sallow skin.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body and Hangovers As You Get Older

Excessive alcohol consumption harms the liver, causing a yellowing of the skin known as jaundice. In the short term, alcoholics may have bloodshot eyes due to irritation of the blood vessels in the eyes post-drinking. A red face from alcohol is the result of widened blood vessels in the face due to excessive alcohol consumption. After some time, the damage of an alcohol-red face can become permanent, which means that the drinker’s face always has a flushed appearance. Recognizing these signs can help identify if a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction. If you suspect someone is battling alcoholism, encourage them to seek professional help.

How Alcoholism Affects Appearance

Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to distinct physical changes in facial features. Dilated blood vessels become visible on the nose and cheeks—a condition called rhinophyma. The difference between a drink and an alcoholic face is if visual signs of alcohol abuse remain longer after someone has stopped drinking. Additionally, not everyone who drinks heavily or frequently develops signs of visual intoxication. Depending on genetics and overall health, someone can appear completely sober while under the influence of other drugs. The physical changes that indicate chronic alcohol consumption are more than skin-deep; they often reflect underlying health issues.

Banner Health

Exceeding the recommended one to two drinks per day may be an indication that someone is losing control of the amount of alcohol they consume. This loss of control is a common warning sign of someone who may have alcohol use disorder. However, alcohol also affects how our bodies metabolise nutrients and can lead to muscle loss, which can result in weight loss. In some cases, people may even focus on drinking alcohol instead of eating food, which is why some alcoholics may appear to have thin face shapes. If yellowing of the skin or eyes persists, it may be a sign of liver damage that requires medical attention.

• Noticeable weight loss or weight gain, flushed skin, puffy face, and bloodshot eyes can be signs of excessive alcohol consumption.
• However, these conditions can also develop in people who don’t drink at all (5).
• Beer, for instance, has a large amount of calories, so drinking too much can cause weight gain.
• Gender-specific programs create a supportive environment to overcome trauma or mental health challenges that may drive addiction.

Liver damage often progresses silently but may eventually present as jaundice, which manifests through yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. This yellow hue is due to a buildup of bilirubin, a substance normally broken down in a healthy liver. Today, we know that the symptoms of alcoholism can vary from one person to the next. Because the condition is progressive, these symptoms may increase over time in terms of the number of symptoms, their severity, and their impact. Alcohol consumption can often lead to poor sleep, and a lack of quality rest can result in dark circles under the eyes.

You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.

Drinker’s Nose

Not all alcoholics will experience “alcoholic face” symptoms such as flushing, discoloration, and facial swelling. Alcoholism can affect each of us differently; however, facial signs of alcohol abuse are common. Some signs of a high-functioning alcoholic include high alcohol tolerance, self-isolation, memory lapses, and physical effects of alcohol. Swollen face, redness of the palms, and bruising are common physical signs. Some signs include puffiness or redness, bags under the eyes, changes in skin texture such as dry or rough patches, and visible blood vessels. Sometimes we may not realize we have a negative relationship with alcohol, or we may simply brush it off.

• Refrain from making accusations or confronting anyone before you have confirmed in a gentle way that the person is actually using alcohol.
• Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver, ultimately resulting in conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
• Alcohol affects the appearance of the face in several ways, although it’s not always as obvious as people may think to spot it.
• To maintain a youthful, healthy appearance, it is crucial to limit alcohol consumption and prioritize proper hydration and a balanced diet.
• Through comprehensive programs like those offered at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, you’ll detox safely under medical supervision.

Drinking alcohol may make you more likely to develop certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrhoeic or nummular dermatitis. Because alcohol affects your sleep, you may also notice under-eye circles the day after drinking (10). The same study found a correlation between drinking alcoholic physical appearance wine and the visibility of blood vessels in the cheeks. However, these conditions can also develop in people who don’t drink at all (5).

Alcohol addiction is a complex issue that demands compassionate and effective treatment, which is exactly what we offer at Primrose Lodge. We recognise that stereotypes and judgemental attitudes towards addiction are not helpful in addressing the problem. As the Oxford House liver becomes damaged, it can become less efficient in removing toxins, leading to a buildup of waste products that can cause facial swelling. It’s almost like a window into bodies and, if you know what to look for, can be a sign of how a person is treating themselves.