What Are Alcoholic Face Symptoms and How to Spot Them

physical appearance of an alcoholic

This would include giving excuses for why the alcoholic did not show up to a family event or a co-worker filling in for missed work. The reason alcoholics develop an alcohol-bloated face is that alcohol causes water retention (the inability of the body to rid itself of water), which causes alcoholic face swelling. It can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender, or background. Whether someone is young or old, male or female, rich or poor, they can be susceptible to the grip of alcohol addiction.

Ocean State Recovery

  • Heavy drinkers often appear to have a puffy face, resulting from “empty calories” in alcohol [2].
  • The goal is to support every patient with one-on-one and group therapies so they can remain sober for the long term.
  • See how we align caring professionalism with a holistic recovery approach.

Unexplained bruises and scrapes may be common, especially as alcohol reduces platelets and blood clotting factors. Some beverages like wine and beer are calorically excessive, making weight gain drastic with heavy consumption. Let’s find out some of the adverse reactions of alcoholic physical appearance overindulging in alcohol. This is primarily how it affects the facial features and other signs indicating that someone close to you might need help. Heavy drinkers will try to hide signs of injury and accidents and avoid talking about their recent negative experiences.

Does alcohol darken skin?

physical appearance of an alcoholic

By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. In addition to getting professional treatment and support, there are things that you can do to help feel better and improve your chances of recovery.

physical appearance of an alcoholic

Top Signs of Alcoholism

  • Heavy drinking in conjunction with other behaviors can also signala problem.
  • Rather, the loved ones of an alcoholic would be wise to educate themselves on alcoholism.
  • Signs of an ulcer or other alcohol-related stomach disorders often include a burning sensation, inability to keep food down, nausea and bleeding.
  • Over time, this can lead to the premature development of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
  • Acne – Alcohol abuse reduces the body’s ability to process vital nutrients and vitamins that the skin needs to remain healthy.

While some medications and creams can help treat the condition, in the case of alcohol abuse, they’re a Band-Aid for the underlying trigger. Now a clinical psychologist who works with people with addictions, Utter knows alcohol-use disorder falls on a spectrum. While some people with it do look like those bar patrons, many look perfectly healthy. Is a licensed and practicing pharmacist and medical writer who specializes in different substances, the effects of substance abuse, and substance use disorder. Alcohol depletes essential nutrients like B vitamins, crucial for healthy nerve function.

Alcohol Abuse in America

On average, a 12-ounce beer has about 150 calories, and 5 ounces of wine has about 120 calories (4). You can use online calculators to determine how many calories you consume from alcohol. Alcohol can change the appearance of your mouth and the skin on your face.

physical appearance of an alcoholic

Why Do Alcohol Drinkers Prefer Kratom While Taking A Break From Drinking?

physical appearance of an alcoholic