Early Warning Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder and Its Impact on Mental Health

It may be cliche, but it’s true — anyone can fall into addiction. Nearly 60% of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are genetically predisposed to addiction, and many more turn to substance use due to mental health issues, peer pressure, and other factors. 

At Bournewood Health Systems, we see this throughout Massachusetts. According to a 2023 study, as many as one in five adults binge drink, and 5% of all deaths in the state stem from alcohol. It’s clear that we as a society need to change the way we approach addiction care and learn to recognize early symptoms of alcoholism. The sooner we can identify what’s happening, the sooner we can provide treatment that helps the affected person recover.

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

AUD is more than having a few drinks too many. Like other forms of addiction, it is a recognized medical condition wherein someone cannot stop or control their drinking, even when it leads to serious negative consequences. The symptoms of this condition can be physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral, and many people try to hide them out of fear of others’ reactions. Still, you may notice someone with AUD:

• Self-isolates and keeps secrets
• Neglects to fulfill work or home responsibilities
• Is irritable, anxious, or otherwise “moodier” than usual
• Looks tired and run-down
• Exhibits symptoms of withdrawal (such as sweating, shaking, and nausea)

The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health

Though not everyone who deals with substance misuse has mental health concerns, alcoholism disproportionately affects people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions. This is known as a co-occurring disorder, and it can worsen the symptoms of both conditions. If you have mental health challenges and struggle with alcohol use, it is even more important that you seek help and find a way out of what can become a vicious cycle.

When to Seek Help

Alcohol use, and even alcohol misuse, are almost part of our culture these days, and that makes it even more challenging to know if you need help. It may be time to consider professional treatment if any of these apply to you:

• You drink every day or almost every day.
• You experience symptoms of withdrawal when sober.
• You have missed deadlines, events, or other responsibilities due to drinking.
• You regularly binge drink or drink to the point of blacking out.
• Someone or multiple people close to you have expressed concerns.
• Someone or multiple people have been injured or affected by your drinking.

At Bournewood, we are here to help, whether you’ve just realized you might have AUD or you’ve been dealing with cravings for a lot longer. The earlier you can recognize the signs, the earlier you can get help and start your path to recovery.

Get Help at Bournewood Today

Bournewood Health Systems is honored to be your safe space for treating AUD, co-occurring mental health concerns, and so much more. Our compassionate, comprehensive approach lets you heal without stigma and find your path forward with support and guidance. Connect with us today to start the rest of your life.