ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support. 
toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Physical Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Top of the page

Physical Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Overview

The physical signs of alcohol use disorder can be vague in the early stages of the disease. Some early symptoms include:

  • Blackouts, which cause you to not remember what happened when you were drinking. Blackouts aren't the same as passing out. Passing out means that you lose consciousness. You don't pass out when you have an alcohol blackout. But you do lose your memories of the event.
  • Accidents and illnesses you can't explain. You might have new physical problems, such as stomach cramps. Or another health problem may get worse.

As alcohol use disorder gets worse, physical symptoms of long-term heavy drinking can develop. You may:

  • Not feel hungry, not eat well, and lose weight.
  • Notice tiny blood vessels on your skin that look like spider webs (spider angiomas).
  • See swelling or redness of the palms of your hands.
  • Have redness on your face, especially your nose and cheeks.
  • Keep getting infections and skin sores (abscesses).
  • Have less interest in sex. You might also notice shrinkage of the testicles and impotence.
  • Have a sore or upset stomach (gastritis).
  • Feel numbness and tingling in your feet or hands.
  • Be unsteady when on your feet.
  • Have liver problems, such as cirrhosis.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Peter Monti PhD - Alcohol and Addiction
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222