Physical Signs That Someone Is Drinking Too Much

Some alcoholics are very good at hiding their addiction, making it difficult to tell if someone is drinking too much. They could be categorized as high-functioning alcoholics and successfully manage work, family, and social life without anyone being the wiser about their drinking habits. Their physical appearance, however, can often betray their dependence on alcohol.

Common Physical Signs of Alcohol Abuse

There are many physical signs of an alcohol abuse (bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, slurred speech, flushed skin, weight fluctuations, and a noticeable decline in hygiene or appearance), but some of these symptoms could be indicative of other health problems as well.

Here are some common signs of alcohol dependency that you may be able to spot physically:

• Broken capillaries. Broken capillaries on a person’s face, especially their nose, can be caused by an increase in inflammation or a dilation of blood vessels.
• Skin problems. Alcohol’s dehydrating effects can damage the skin, cause wrinkles and age spots, and make a person look older than they are.
• Brittle nails. The dehydrating factor can also make fingernails and toenails more prone to breaking and peeling.
• Hair loss. Drinking alcohol can interfere with the body’s absorption of protein, a deficiency that can lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
• Poor hygiene. When alcohol is someone’s primary focus, their own well-being can fall to the wayside, and they may be lax to shower, brush their teeth, and take care of their body’s many hygiene needs.
• Weight change. Alcohol can lead to notable weight loss or weight gain. This can depend on whether a person chooses to drink more than they eat, and also be affected by the bloating that alcohol consumption can cause.
• Bad breath. Drinking can cause the breath to consistently smell of alcohol, with or without brushing the teeth.
• Frequent illness. Alcohol weakens the immune system, which can make a person more susceptible to colds, flu, or other illnesses.
• Yellowing eyes or skin. Excessive or long-term alcohol use can result in liver damage, which can cause yellow eyes or jaundiced skin.

You never want to assume that one physical effect is a definitive sign of alcohol addiction. For example, broken capillaries could also be the result of sun exposure, especially for people who have rosacea or other sensitive skin conditions. Nevertheless, you don’t want to be too quick to rule out alcoholism either, especially if a person’s behavior—like having a high tolerance for alcohol or claiming they need alcohol to manage stress or get things done—points to an alcohol problem.

The Long Game of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

A high-functioning alcoholic can carry out the tasks of daily living without exhibiting the range of impairments that are commonly associated with an alcohol use disorder:

• They may manage childcare, job responsibilities, personal hygiene, and social activities without revealing any signs of their dependency.
• They may claim (and you may be willing to believe) that a true alcoholic is unable to control their drinking, has problems at work or with relationships, or slurs their words.
• They may offer up evidence of someone else you know who exhibits obvious signs of an alcohol problem.
• They may show that they never miss a day of work, are never late, or have never forgotten about an important family event.

But alcohol use disorder occurs on a continuum, and the type and severity of symptoms will manifest differently in different people – hence, the ability for some people to be high-functioning even when they depend on alcohol.

Many people who abuse alcohol develop a tolerance, but a functional alcoholic can drink a lot of alcohol and not appear to be intoxicated so that they look normal and fine to others. This can make the disorder difficult to identify—and make the physical manifestation of the disorder all the more critical.

How To Talk To Someone About Their Drinking

A person who drinks a lot may not see that they have a problem—or, at least, they are not willing to admit that there is something wrong. They can become defensive about their behavior, justify it, or go to great lengths to show just how fine and high-functioning they are. Be thankful for the physical signs of alcohol abuse that may be present, to give you evidence that the problem is perhaps worse than you realized, and to also help you help your loved one.

Focusing on the problems and side effects associated with drinking are often a more effective way to get a person to acknowledge that they have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and need help.

Alcohol Rehabilitation at Beachside Rehab

When you decide to take the first step on the path to recovery from alcohol dependency with Beachside Rehab, you’ll gain full access to our comprehensive medical detox facility with around-the-clock medical care and support. Once you complete detox, you’ll work with our compassionate and highly trained staff to personalize your treatment plan and continue your journey to healing.

Our luxury alcohol treatment center employs holistic therapy techniques and programs to help you to overcome your alcohol dependency, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and heal your whole person, not just your addiction. You can enjoy hotel-quality amenities and services, while participating in holistic activities, such as yoga, music and art, or EMDR therapy, as a part of your recovery plan to help you to achieve your goals for sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions