The Physical Signs of Alcohol Abuse: Swollen Face, Bloating, and Other Visible Effects of Alcohol on the Body

There’s something insidious about the way alcohol can affect a person’s appearance. But when it comes to alcohol abuse, the public discussion almost always seems to revolve around the organs that we can’t see on the outside — the liver the heart, for example. However, there are actually a number of telltale signs that reveal someone’s body is suffering from the effects of alcoholism. From seemingly minor signs such as burst capillaries on the side of the nose to advanced stage liver disease, alcohol misuse continues to take a toll on so many individuals from all walks of life.

Swollen Face: Why Alcohol Causes Puffiness

All throughout the day, our bodies regulate themselves to ensure that there is a proper balance of fluids in our systems. When these delicate processes are interrupted by the presence of alcohol, it can wreak havoc. Considering the fact that it has a reputation for making the face very puffy, you may be surprised to learn that alcohol is actually a diuretic. This means that it stimulates the areas of the body that spark the loss of fluids, encouraging urination. However, the human body is very adaptive. As soon as it senses that it losing liquids, it gats wise and may start to retain fluids as a result. Basically, your body seeks to maintain a certain kind of equilibrium. It strives to maintain its fragile balance of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. And when alcohol throws this balance out of whack, a puffy face is one of the most common symptoms.

Bloating: Alcohol’s Effect on the Digestive System

If you’ve been on this planet for any amount of time, chances are that you’ve heard to someone referring to a “beer belly” — either theirs or someone else’s. In our culture, it seems to be a ubiquitous comment referring to certain people’s physical appearances. But did you know that there is some truth to the legend of the beer belly? In fact, the misuse of alcohol can have a tremendous impact upon the body’s digestive system. One of the most important facts to know is that alcohol will dehydrate you. As a result, the body hangs onto whatever fluids it can — often causing the body tissue in the abdominal area to appear bloated. When we drink alcohol, it’s important to note that the production of stomach acids is often halted. This means that food just hangs out in the stomach instead of moving through the system and being metabolized. As a result, there may be fermentation and an increase in gas. Because alcoholic beverages are often carbonated, perhaps it’s not a surprise that this double whammy can contribute to bloating for beer and champagne drinkers alike.

The pancreas is also affected. Since alcohol messes with the production of crucial enzymes that help with digestion, those who drink alcohol may find that their small intestine is not properly processing food. This lack of enzymes can also trigger bloating. On top of the bloating issues, alcohol is also an irritant to the stomach lining. Alcohol use can lead to either acute or chronic gastritis. Incredibly, even the muscles in the GI tract are affected by alcohol. Their movement is slowed, also contributing to a lackluster speed in digestion. Indeed, it would seem that there are very few aspects of the digestive system that alcohol does not affect when we choose to imbibe it.

Skin Changes: Redness, Breakouts, and Broken Capillaries

Have you ever heard of an alcohol flush? Perhaps you have a friend — or even a family member — whose face turns bright red when they first consume alcohol. This is due to the process of vasodilation — the blood vessels widening. If the person is a casual drinker, this effect will usually pass quickly. However, if someone veers into the territory of alcoholism, they may find that their blood vessels do not rebound as quickly. This leads to a more prolonged period of a red-faced appearance. For those of Northern European descent, rosacea — a skin condition that leads to facial flare-ups — can cause the nose and surrounding areas to appear even more bright red after a person drinks alcohol. For red wine drinkers in particular, the body’s histamine response may further contribute to creating the appearance of an “alcoholic” red face — even if the person isn’t necessarily a hardcore drinker. Sulfites in wine interact with the body, leading to an inflammation response.

The aforementioned dehydrating characteristics of alcohol can also wreak havoc on the skin. Seeking to compensate for the dryness that occurs, the skin may amp up oil production. For those who are prone to acne, breakouts may erupt. Due to disrupted skin barriers and other factors, people who suffer from psoriasis and eczema may notice that their symptoms are also exaggerated when they drink alcohol. Hormonal imbalances can also occur. Cortisol, which is one of the body’s most important stress hormones, may be released at a higher frequency. As a result, the nose, chin and forehead may become more oily — again leading to breakouts. The more you drink, the more likely it is that your blood pressure will rise permanently. This can be a contributing factor in those broken capillaries that so often characterize the “alcoholic” face. A downturn in collagen production and increase in free radicals can lead to premature aging and a dull complexion. All in all, drinking alcohol is one of the worst things that someone can do if they want to improve the appearance of their skin.

Weight Gain and Fluid Retention

There are a number of reasons why chronic alcohol misuse can lead to weight gain. First, there are all of the added calories. In addition to the calories from the actual alcohol, many mixologists choose to blend their alcoholic beverages with sugary mixers. This can spike the body’s blood sugar and cause the person to crave salty items such as pretzels or potato chips. Furthermore, alcohol lowers the inhibitions that may stop someone from snacking on salty snacks. With all of these factors combining, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many people start to gain weight when drinking. With multiple factors also causing bloating when one drinks, this can add up to an appearance that is quite altered.

Alcohol May Not Directly Cause UTIs, But…

Although alcohol may not be directly responsible for urinary tract infections, it is certainly an irritant that can amp up the painful symptoms of a pre-existing infection. It can also disrupt sleep and negatively impact the immune system in general, leading to more prolonged or painful infections. For those who are looking to avoid this, it’s best to stick to the guidelines. If you can’t avoid alcohol completely, this means limiting alcohol consumption to just one drink a day for women and two for men. Make a special effort to stay hydrated. Drink your water and don’t ever attempt to “hold” your urine. If you have to make a choice between a clear alcohol such as vodka and a darker selection such as bourbon, go for the clear option. Whatever you do, avoid those popular sugary and expensive specialty cocktails that many bartenders are promoting.

Other Visible Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Bloodshot eyes are perhaps one of the most classic symptoms of alcohol misuse. Many people associate this physical trait with a night of drinking and perhaps a hangover. However, for those who keep drinking steadily, the bloodshot appearance may stay. In late-stage alcoholism, cirrhosis will also affect the appearance of the eyes, casting a yellowish tone. Those with liver disease will also eventually experience very yellow, sallow looking skin. For those who haven’t yet entered this stage of alcoholism, however, the effects may be more subtle. Thinning hair and dry skin are commonly seen.

Long-Term Health Risks and the Importance of Seeking Help

Unfortunately, end-stage alcoholism can be gruesome — for both the person suffering from it and their loved ones who have to see them in the hospital suffering from the horrific effects. For alcoholics who are not able to get control of their drinking, they often end up suffering from a breakdown in the body’s filtering systems. Unable to filter out the toxins any longer, their livers will cease to function and eventually leave their bodies in a toxic soup of failure. In due course, all of their organs will stop functioning and they will die.

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction at Illinois Recovery Center

Fortunately, there is a way out of this tragic quagmire of alcohol addiction. The experienced health professionals and counselors at Illinois Recovery Center know what it takes to help someone save themselves from the effects of alcoholism. Whether a patient is just starting to see the negative effects of their alcohol misuse or they’ve already developed more chronic conditions, the team at Illinois Recovery Center will put together a tailor-made plan that is customized to the individual. After all, people develop alcohol addictions for a number of varying reasons. They also heal in different ways.

The experts at this treatment center will get to the root of the problem and develop specialized solutions that actually guide the client to become their best self. Some clients may require detox, and others may not. Some clients may benefit greatly from group therapy while others may choose to work closely with a counselor one-on-one during the initial stages of their recovery. At this treatment center, every client’s personal preferences and life circumstances are taken into consideration so that they may have a chance to create a future that is no longer bound by the grip of alcohol. When the stakes are so high, there’s never been a better time to make the first step that will lead you toward a more fulfilling future.

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