Alcohol Addiction

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disorder that impairs a person’s ability to control their urge to drink, even in the face of harmful consequences. Recognized as a brain disorder, it can vary from mild to severe. Although relapse is a possibility, effective treatment is achievable with the right program and medication.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of alcohol addiction?

The symptoms of alcohol addiction can manifest through physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. Here are 11 common symptoms of alcoholism:

• A strong, persistent urge to drink alcohol.
• Difficulty stopping or limiting alcohol consumption.
• Needing to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
• Decline in personal grooming and hygiene.
• Ignoring work, school, or family obligations due to drinking.
• Engaging in dangerous activities, such as drunk driving or unsafe sex, while under the influence.
• Becoming easily agitated, depressed, or anxious, especially when unable to drink.
• Experiencing blackouts or forgetting things that happened while drinking.
• Persisting in alcohol consumption even when it causes problems in relationships, work, or health.
• Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, anxiety, or seizures when not drinking.
• Developing health problems such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal issues.

How much alcohol is too much?

A “standard drink” in the United States is defined as one that contains 14 grams (about 0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. To minimize alcohol-related risks, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that healthy adults who choose to drink should restrict their intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

What causes alcohol addiction?

While pinpointing the exact cause of alcohol addiction can be challenging, studies indicate several key factors that contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder, including:

Genetics and Family History: Approximately 60% of the risk for alcohol addiction is hereditary.

Environmental Factors: Growing up in a home where adults frequently drink alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder.

Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression are linked to a higher risk of alcoholism.

Early Onset of Drinking: Beginning to drink before the age of 15 significantly increases the chances of developing alcohol use disorder.

What are the effects of alcohol addiction?

Alcohol addiction can lead to serious complications affecting the body, mental health, and personal life, with some effects being long-term. The consequences of alcohol addiction include:

Physical

• Dehydration
• Heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and stroke.
• Liver conditions including cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver.
• Muscle wasting, shakes and tremors, and impaired coordination.
• Weakened immune system, making one more susceptible to illnesses.
• Gastrointestinal issues like gastritis, ulcers, and pancreatitis.
• Increased risk of developing alcohol-related cancers.
• Brain damage, leading to memory loss and dementia.

Mental and Emotional

• Alcohol addiction often coexists with mental health disorders, worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.
• Unpredictable and extreme changes in mood, often leading to irritability and aggression.
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities due to alcohol use.

Social

• Conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers, lead to damaged relationships.
• Difficulty maintaining work, school, or family obligations, often resulting in job loss, academic failure, or neglect of family.
• Increased likelihood of engaging in risky behavior, such as drunk driving, which can lead to legal problems.

Financial

• Difficulty maintaining employment due to absenteeism, poor performance, or conflicts at work.
• Spending excessive money on alcohol, leading to debt and financial instability.

In general, chronic alcohol use is associated with a shorter lifespan due to its impact on health. Chronic alcohol use often leads to a decline in an individual’s overall well-being, affecting physical health, mental health, and social functioning.

What makes a person an alcoholic?

A person is considered an alcoholic when they lose control over their drinking and experience a constant, overwhelming need to drink, often referred to as alcoholism or alcohol dependency. This dependency can significantly impact their quality of life and strain relationships, though the individual may not always recognize or acknowledge the problem.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is alcohol addiction diagnosed?

Alcohol addiction is diagnosed through several steps and can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the findings. The diagnostic process includes:

Clinical Interview: A healthcare professional will interview the individual to understand their drinking habits and the impact of alcohol on their life.

Standard Tests: Standardized questionnaires, such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), are used to assess the severity of alcohol use.

DSM-5 Criteria: Diagnosis is based on DSM-5 criteria, including signs like drinking more than intended or unsuccessful attempts to cut back. 

Medical and Family History: The doctor may review the person’s medical and family history to identify any patterns of alcohol addiction.

Behavioral Observation: Observing the individual’s behavior over time can help identify issues such as neglecting responsibilities or experiencing relationship problems due to drinking.

Physical Exam: A physical examination may be conducted to check for alcohol-related health issues, such as liver damage or high blood pressure.

To explore other types of addiction and how they are diagnosed, visit our page to learn more about addiction.

Treatment

What are treatments for alcohol addiction?

Treating alcohol addiction can be challenging, but it is achievable. Here are various approaches used in the treatment of alcohol addiction:

Therapy and Counseling: These sessions focus on addressing behaviors and underlying issues related to alcohol addiction.

Support Groups: Connecting with others who share similar struggles can provide crucial support on the journey to recovery.

Medications: Drugs such as Naltrexone and Acamprosate are prescribed to help reduce alcohol cravings.

Treatment Centers: Rehab facilities offer close monitoring and structured programs to support recovery from alcoholism.

Sober Living Homes: These provide a safe, trigger-free environment to support individuals in their recovery journey, helping them transition back to daily life. Sober living environment promotes stability and accountability, fostering long-term success in sobriety.

Prevention

How can I prevent alcohol addiction?

Alcohol addiction can be prevented through several strategies, including:

Know Your Limits: Men should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day, while women should aim for one drink or less per day.

Avoid Triggering Environments: Steer clear of places where alcohol is readily available, as these settings can lead to excessive drinking.

Seek Healthy Influences: Surround yourself with a community that promotes a healthy lifestyle and positive choices.

Outlook / Prognosis

Is there a cure for alcohol addiction?

Alcohol addiction can be treated with the right medication and intervention. Some people may be prone to relapse as they encounter stressful life events. However, this can be prevented by creating healthy coping mechanisms or undergoing counseling and therapy.

Living With

How do I help someone I love who is suffering from Alcohol Addiction?

Supporting a loved one with alcohol addiction can be challenging, but a positive impact is possible. Here are some ways to help someone with alcohol use disorder:

1. Educate Yourself:

Learn about the causes and effects of alcohol addiction to better understand what your loved one is experiencing.

2. Communicate Openly:

Foster an empathetic and open dialogue to build a strong, supportive connection.

3. Research Treatment Options:

Look into treatment options and share this information with your loved one.

4. Encourage Professional Help:

Gently encourage them to seek professional assistance, but avoid pressuring or forcing them.

5. Offer Practical Assistance:

Help with everyday tasks, such as household chores or transportation to therapy sessions.

6. Stay Positive and Patient:

Recognize that recovery is a long-term journey and maintain a positive outlook.

7. Take Care of Yourself:

Prioritize your own well-being by practicing healthy habits and considering counseling or support groups for yourself.