Alcohol addiction, also known as dependency, is a mental and physical disorder marked by uncontrolled desires to consume alcohol despite the harmful effects on one’s health, finances, and relationships. Alcoholism can be detrimental to one’s daily obligations since it alters the way the brain functions and causes them to struggle to maintain control over their cravings.
Alcoholism (also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)) is a broad term that refers to any alcohol usage that results in physical, mental, or behavioural problems. Alcoholism is divided into two categories: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. Engaging in high-risk behaviours is a hallmark of alcohol misuse. Alcoholism is defined as an uncontrollable physical or mental need for alcohol.
If you’ve developed any form of alcoholism, you’re likely to develop an enhanced tolerance, and when you quit drinking, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
People drink alcohol for many reasons. Some people drink alcohol because it tastes good. Others drink alcohol to celebrate special occasions or even to relieve stress.
Some people who drink alcohol develop a problem with alcohol. These people often call themselves “alcoholics” or “alcoholic drinkers.” They may be able to control their drinking for short periods of time but eventually lose control over their drinking. This group includes people who have developed alcohol use disorders.
Some people who drink alcohol never develop a problem and continue to enjoy its effects without becoming addicted to it. These people are called “social drinkers.” Social drinkers may drink more heavily than non-drinkers, but they rarely develop any harmful effects from their drinking.
There are different types of alcohol use disorders. People who have a milder form of AUD are usually referred to as having “alcohol abuse.” Those with a severer form of AUD are said to have “alcohol dependence.”
People who have alcohol abuse tend to drink regularly, but they can control their drinking. Their drinking patterns are similar to those of social drinkers. However, they may find it difficult to cut back or stop drinking altogether. They often feel guilty or ashamed because they believe they are harming themselves or others.
People who have alcohol dependence are likely to drink daily or almost every day. They may be unable to control their drinking, even when they want to. They may become physically dependent on alcohol. This means that their bodies need the substance to function normally. Without it, they may develop withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens, and coma. These withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 24 hours of stopping drinking.
Both forms of AUD can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. In addition, people who have alcohol problems are much more likely to commit suicide than people without this disorder.
An alcoholic is someone that has a severe drinking problem. They cannot function well without alcohol. A person suffering from alcoholism cannot control their drinking habits, despite the adverse consequences. A person suffering from alcoholism usually feels guilty about having a drinking problem.
Binge drinking refers to consuming five or more drinks in one sitting. It is common among students and young adults. Binge drinking occurs most often during parties and celebrations.
Binge drinking does not always imply that someone is an alcoholic and has severe AUD. On the other hand, binge drinking may increase a person’s chances of developing AUD later in life.
Alcohol is classed as a depressant of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which implies that it slows down brain function, neural activity, and the functioning of different critical processes in the body.
Many people believe that drinking alcohol makes them feel better than they would without alcohol. This belief is called the “euphoria effect. The euphoria effect is produced by chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that travel from one nerve cell to another. They carry messages between neurons. When you drink alcohol, your brain releases certain neurotransmitters into the bloodstream. These neurotransmitters then go to various parts of your brain, affecting how you think and behave. Neurotransmitter levels return to normal after you stop drinking. However, if you continue to drink, these levels may become too low again, causing you to crave alcohol even though you don’t need it.
Your brain controls all of your bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, digestion, muscle movement, and sexual function. It also helps you process information and make decisions.
When you drink alcohol, your liver breaks down the alcohol into smaller acetaldehyde molecules. Acetaldehyde is a toxic compound that damages cells in your brain. As a result, alcohol affects different areas of the brain differently.
For example, research has shown that alcohol increases activity in some regions of the frontal cortex, responsible for planning, decision making, judgment, and impulse control.
In addition, alcohol affects the limbic system, which is involved in emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, and pleasure. Limbic system damage can lead to depression, aggression, impulsivity, and emotional instability.
Research also suggests that alcohol changes the way the hippocampus works, which plays a role in memory formation and retrieval. Damage to this part of the brain can cause forgetfulness and poor concentration.
Other studies show that alcohol interferes with the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates attention, motivation, learning, and reward. Dopamine deficiency leads to decreased interest in activities that were once pleasurable.
The effects of alcohol on the brain last longer than alcohol itself. For example, when you drink alcohol, your body produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves your mood. After you stop drinking, your body stops producing serotonin. If you drink alcohol regularly, you may have trouble feeling good.
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These signs do not mean that you have a problem with alcohol. But if you experience two or more of them, talk to someone about your concerns.
Behavioural symptoms of alcoholism include:
Alcohol physical dependence occurs when repeated exposure to alcohol results in tolerance to its effects; withdrawal symptoms occur when alcohol is abruptly stopped, and craving persists after prolonged abstinence.
Tolerance means that you need progressively larger amounts of alcohol to get the same effect. If you stop drinking, would experience withdrawal symptoms that can include tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, seizures, delirium, and hallucinations. Craving persists even after prolonged alcohol abstinence.
Physical dependence does not mean addiction. People who have been physically dependent on alcohol do not necessarily become addicted. However, many people who drink excessively also experience other signs of substance abuse. These signs include:
Some people develop a psychological dependence on alcohol, besides their physical dependency.
Psychological dependence is a state of mind that develops over time. It involves thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that make it difficult to quit using alcohol.
A person becomes psychologically dependent on alcohol when they experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back on alcohol use. This usually happens within days or weeks after stopping.
People who are psychologically dependent on alcohol often continue to use alcohol because they believe that they cannot live without it. They also typically find it hard to resist the urge to drink once they start.
People who are psychologically dependent on substances such as alcohol tend to be unable to cope with life’s stresses. They may also have difficulty controlling their anger and aggression.
Some people who are psychologically dependent on alcohol try to avoid situations where they might encounter these substances. Others seek out places where they can buy them. Many psychologically dependent people will go through periods of sobriety followed by relapses.
The following are characteristics of someone who has developed a psychological dependency on alcohol:
Tolerance means your body gets used to the amount of alcohol you consume each day. As a result, you require more alcohol to feel the same effects.
When you stop drinking alcohol, your brain sends signals to your body to produce certain chemicals called neurotransmitters. If you’ve been drinking regularly for several months, your body produces fewer of these chemicals than if you had only recently started drinking. The result? You experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms vary depending on how much alcohol you drank and how long since you stopped drinking. Some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
Many factors contribute to the development of alcoholism. These include genetic predisposition, family history, personality traits, stressors, and environmental influences.
Research shows that there is a strong hereditary component to the risk of developing AUD. People whose parents or siblings have AUD are more likely to develop this problem themselves.
If one parent has AUD, then the child has a 50% chance of having AUD.
If both parents have AUD, then the child’s chances increase to 80%.
Certain personality traits may make some people more vulnerable to developing AUD. For example, those who are impulsive, sensation-seeking, or rebellious are more likely to abuse alcohol.
Stressful events such as divorce, the death of a loved one, financial problems, relationship difficulties, or moving away from home can trigger episodes of heavy drinking.
Traumatic experiences during childhood or adolescence can lead to substance abuse later in life. Research suggests that trauma exposure during early childhood is associated with an increased risk of developing alcohol dependence. This association appears most substantial among individuals exposed to multiple types of traumatic events.
People who live in areas with high unemployment rates, poverty, crime, violence, and other unfavourable circumstances are more likely to drink heavily.
If your loved one needs support dealing with an Alcohol Addiction, contact us today on 0800 999 1083. We can help you by recommending treatment options.
Mental disorders can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Co-occurring disorders exist when two or more conditions coexist within the same individual.
People with depression are twice as likely to develop an alcohol problem compared to those without depression.
Studies have shown that people with a major depressive disorder are more vulnerable to developing an alcohol use disorder.
It has been estimated that up to 40% of depressed individuals will eventually develop an alcohol use disorder. This means that 1 out of every 2 people with MDD will eventually develop an AUD.
People who suffer from bipolar disorder are much more likely to abuse alcohol than those without it.
They feel less anxious and more relaxed. This is because alcohol helps them deal with their mood swings. It also makes them sleep better.
People with bipolar disorder often experience manic episodes where they become very energetic, talkative, and impulsive. During these episodes, they may engage in risky behaviours such as driving while intoxicated.
Traumatic events can lead to PTSD. People who have PTSD tend to avoid certain situations and places.
In addition, they may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms related to traumatic memories.
PTSD is associated with an increased risk of substance abuse. Studies show that people with PTSD are more prone to abuse drugs and alcohol.
Individuals with MDD are more likely to abuse alcohol. This is because alcohol relieves some of the symptoms of depression.
The following tips can help you identify if someone you know is struggling with depression:
Many people turn to alcohol for relief when faced with stressful life circumstances.
However, alcohol does not solve problems. It only masks them. If you suspect that someone you care about is using alcohol to cope with stress, here are some signs to look for:
These are some tips for keeping your alcohol consumption under control and avoiding the development of alcohol addiction:
1. Know Your Limits
2. Avoid Drinking Alone
3. Stay Away From Places Where You Drink
4. Get Help if You Need It
5. Don’t Let Others Influence You
6. Keep Track of Your Drinking
7. Be Honest With Yourself About Your Drinking Habits
8. Seek Out Support Groups
9. Make Friends Who Have Been There Before
10. Find Ways To Manage Stress
11. Practice Self-Care
12. Take Care Of Your Body
13. Learn How to Relax
14. Learn How to Cope When Things Go Wrong
15. Remember That The Recovery Process Takes Time
16. Consider Seeking Professional Addiction Treatment
Drinking too much alcohol can harm your body and mind. It can lead to physical damage, including liver disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. It can also affect your mental state, causing depression, anxiety, memory loss, and personality changes.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects, miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, and death. Children born to mothers who drank alcohol while pregnant are at increased risk of developmental delays and behavioural problems.
When you become physically dependent on alcohol, your body changes in ways that make you more vulnerable to disease.
For example, your liver produces less protective enzymes. These enzymes help prevent damage to cells caused by toxins. Without enough enzyme production, your liver can get damaged. In addition, your immune system gets weaker because it doesn’t produce enough antibodies.
Your brain also changes. It develops physical alcohol dependence. This makes your brain sensitive to alcohol’s effects. When you’re exposed to alcohol, your brain releases chemicals that cause feelings of pleasure. These chemicals keep you coming back for more.
High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and arrhythmias can develop. Your heart also becomes affected. All of these conditions put you at risk for stroke and heart attack.
Alcohol abuse and addiction can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Some of these complications include:
Pregnant women should not consume alcoholic drinks because they can harm their babies. Heavy drinking during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome, and birth defects. Women who drink heavily during pregnancy should not breastfeed as well. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid heavy drinking. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should discuss their alcohol consumption with their healthcare provider before starting to drink again after giving birth.
Chronic alcohol abuse results in damage to the brain cells and nerve fibres. This damage leads to memory loss, poor judgment, confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and slow reaction time. In severe cases, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to coma, seizures, and death.
Overdoses of alcohol occur when someone consumes too much alcohol over a short period of time. A person who drinks too much alcohol very quickly will feel sick, confused, dizzy, and disoriented. He may vomit and pass out. If he does not receive immediate medical attention, he could die from alcohol poisoning. The symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication include:
Acute alcohol overdose usually occurs when someone takes more than one drink at once. It can happen if someone has been drinking steadily for several hours and then suddenly stops drinking. Or it can be caused by taking too many drinks within a short time, especially if the person is already feeling drunk.
Acute alcohol toxicity is treated with medical care. Treatment includes:
Regarding the impact of Alcohol Abuse on suicide risk, studies show some remarkable findings:
The rate of suicide by alcohol abusers was three times higher than the general population.
The average age of onset for alcohol dependence is 31 years old.
About half of all men and women who commit suicide were abusing alcohol when they died. Most of those victims had previously attempted suicide.
Most suicides occurred during the first year after diagnosis of alcoholism. After that, the number of deaths decreased.
Early detection and intervention can reduce the incidence of suicide by alcohol abusers.
Clinicians should ask patients about previous suicide attempts and screen for alcohol abuse and alcoholism problems.
Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect that your loved one is abusing alcohol and feeling suicidal.
By interfering with normal brain function, alcohol may promote anger or violence. According to the disinhibition hypothesis, alcohol inhibits brain processes that typically limit impulsive actions such as inappropriate aggression.
Some common combinations of alcohol and other drugs include:
Individuals who consume multiple substances have a greater risk of experiencing drug interactions. These interactions can cause dangerous side effects. Some examples include:
The following list includes some of the most commonly used drugs that should never be mixed with alcohol:
These are some of the reasons why certain drugs should never be taken with alcohol:
Approximately 1 out of every 10 teenagers has used alcohol. Some teens start experimenting with alcohol when they are very young. Others begin drinking after being exposed to alcohol through friends or family members. For those exposed to alcohol, there are warning signs that indicate that they might be affected by alcohol abuse and addiction.
Here are some common signs of teenage alcohol abuse:
Many factors contribute to adolescent alcohol abuse. Some of these include:
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
The effects of alcohol abuse and dependence are far-reaching. In fact, it can affect relationships in many different ways.
One way that alcohol impacts relationships is by causing arguments between couples. Couples argue because of disagreements over money, sex, and other issues.
Another way that alcohol can impact relationships is by creating jealousy. This leads them to feel insecure about their relationship and might even lead to cheating.
In addition, alcoholism and alcohol abuse can cause problems within families. It can lead to fights among siblings, parents fighting, and even divorce.
People who abuse alcohol tend to lose control over themselves. They often get angry and act violently towards others. In severe cases, alcohol abuse can also lead to domestic violence.
There are several things you can do if you know someone who has developed a problem with alcohol. Here are some suggestions:
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
You may notice signs of alcohol abuse in your loved ones. These signs include:
An intervention is a meeting held to discuss a family member’s alcohol abuse. The purpose of this meeting is to encourage the person to seek professional help.
During the intervention, it is vital to remain calm. You must avoid yelling or threatening your loved one. Instead of arguing, you should focus on helping them change.
Here are some tips for staging an effective intervention:
If you have an alcohol addiction, here are some steps you can take to help yourself:
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
The first step towards treating alcohol addiction is to diagnose it correctly. To do so, your GP will ask about your symptoms, medical and family history, lifestyle and drinking habits. Your doctor may conduct a physical examination and order blood tests. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist.
Once your diagnosis has been confirmed, your doctor will recommend the best course of action based on your specific needs.
There are many different treatments available for people suffering from alcohol addiction. These include individual and group counselling, medications, detoxification, and rehabilitation programs.
Individual counselling is a very effective way to treat alcohol addiction. In this type of therapy, the patient meets with a counsellor one-on-one. During this session, he will discuss his feelings and thoughts regarding alcohol abuse. He will also learn how to cope with stress and deal with other issues related to alcohol abuse.
Group therapy is another form of treatment for alcohol addiction. Group counselling sessions give you the chance to meet others who share similar experiences. These support groups often include 12-step programs like AA. These groups meet regularly to share their experiences and encourage each other’s sobriety. They also provide mutual support.
Family counselling sessions focus on helping you improve your relationship with your loved ones. Family members can encourage each other to stay sober.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps you identify negative thoughts and behaviours associated with alcohol addiction. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking and behaving so that you can overcome cravings and temptations.
Detoxification involves removing alcohol from the body through the use of certain medications. This process helps patients eliminate toxins from their bodies. It also reduces the risk of developing liver disease. Patients undergoing detoxification must follow a strict diet and take vitamins and minerals. They also receive intravenous fluids to replace fluid lost during the process.
Medication is used to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Antabuse: Antabuse works by blocking the brain’s dopamine receptors. Dopamine plays a role in controlling pleasure centres in the brain. When you drink alcohol while taking Antabuse, the chemical reaction causes unpleasant physical side effects.
Naltrexone: Naltrexone blocks the action of opiates in the brain. Opioids are natural substances found in the body. They play a role in pain relief and mood regulation. Naltrexone reduces the euphoric effect of opioids.
Disulfiram: Disulfiram triggers a strong desire to avoid drinking alcohol. It does this by interfering with the metabolism of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic substance produced when alcohol breaks down in the liver.
Acamprosate: Acamprosate is designed to block the craving for alcohol. It is believed to work by increasing levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
In some cases, alcohol addicts cannot quit drinking on their own. Therefore, they need to undergo rehab. Rehabilitation programs teach individuals how to manage their emotions better and how to handle stressful situations. They also help them develop coping skills and ways to relax.
If your addiction is severe and you have co-occurring disorders, you should seek alcohol treatment at an inpatient treatment facility, where you can receive medically assisted detox as well as round-the-clock care from medical professionals.
Your rehabilitation can be supervised in a controlled atmosphere at an inpatient treatment facility, allowing you to stay focused on sobriety and avoid pressures and triggers that would otherwise induce you to drink.
Individuals with less severe alcohol addiction who choose a therapy compatible with their regular activities, including a job or school, may benefit from an outpatient treatment programme.
If your loved one needs support dealing with an Alcohol Addiction, contact us today on 0800 999 1083. We can help you by recommending treatment options.
Recovery is not easy. But if you’re willing to make changes, you can live a fulfilling life without alcohol. Here are some tips for living successfully after treatment:
Learn to say no. Ask yourself whether what you want to do will be good for you or just for someone else. If you decide to go ahead with something, make sure it doesn’t involve alcohol.
Get enough sleep. Try to get at least seven hours every night. Lack of sleep makes you more likely to drink.
Eat well. Make sure you eat nutritious foods that keep you feeling full. Avoid junk food. Also, avoid caffeine and sugar because they affect moods and increase cravings.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise reduces anxiety and improves self-esteem. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week.
Take care of yourself. Maintain healthy skin and hair. Wash your clothes frequently. Keep your home clean and organised.
Stay connected. Find activities you enjoy doing with friends and family. Don’t isolate yourself; seek out people who don’t drink.
Take time off. When you’re stressed, it’s hard to maintain abstinence. So take breaks from drinking. Go away for a weekend or vacation. Or schedule regular days off.
Keep busy. Stay involved in work, school, hobbies, sports, and religious activities. They help distract you from alcohol.
Ask for help when needed.
If you have questions about coping with stress, ask your doctor or therapist for advice. You may also find support through Alcoholics Anonymous, Alateen, or another local group.
The following data refer to the period 2019-2020 according to the National Statistics:
Alcohol-only therapy accounts for the second-largest group of individuals in substance abuse treatment (28%).
Compared to the previous year (2018-2019), there were fewer fatalities in the alcohol categories. There was a 7.3 per cent decline in the alcohol-only group.
Between April 1 and March 31, 2020, more than a quarter (28%) of all people in substance abuse treatment had alcohol issues.
Long term effects of alcoholism vary according to the amount consumed, the length of time it has been going on, and the age at which it started. The most common long term effects include: • Liver disease • Heart disease • Stroke • Cancer • Memory impairment • Depression • Anxiety • Problems sleeping • Poor concentration • Loss of sexual function • Impotence • Weight gain • Diabetes • Kidney failure
Treatment for alcohol addiction varies depending on the individual. Generally speaking, however, treatment involves a combination of counselling and medication.
Counselling aims to identify the underlying causes of the person’s behaviour. It also helps them understand how their actions affect themselves and others. Counsellors may be able to offer advice on how to avoid future relapses.
Medication is used to treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medications such as naltrexone (ReVia) and acamprosate (Campral) reduce the craving for alcohol. Naltrexone blocks the effects of alcohol in the brain. Acamprosate reduces the frequency and intensity of cravings.
Other medications that are sometimes used to treat alcohol dependence include disulfiram (Antabuse), which makes drinkers feel sick when they consume alcohol; topiramate (Topamax), which reduces the desire to drink; and baclofen (Lioresal), which reduces the urge to drink.
No. Even though you might think that you no longer want to drink, your body needs time to adjust to the new lifestyle. During this period of adjustment, you could experience uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, depression, irritability and restlessness. You will also need to learn how to cope with these feelings without turning to alcohol.
If you continue to drink after completing a detoxification programme, you will probably find yourself experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This includes headaches, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, sweating, shivering, tremors, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, agitation, diarrhoea, heart palpitations, hot flushes and cold sweats. If you try to stop drinking before the withdrawal symptoms subside, you run the risk of developing delirium tremens, a potentially fatal medical emergency.
In addition, if you continue to drink even after completing a detoxification program, you will still need to undergo a formalised recovery programme. This involves learning coping strategies and skills so that you can maintain abstinence.
If you decide to abstain from alcohol permanently, you should seek out support groups and counselling services. They will help you deal with any emotional problems that arise and provide you with information about other substances that cause health problems.
When you enter a rehab centre, you will be assessed by a team of doctors, nurses and therapists. Your doctor will determine what type of therapy is appropriate for you based on your personal situation.
You will then begin individual or group counselling sessions designed to teach you coping skills and how to avoid relapse. You will also receive medication to treat any underlying conditions that contributed to your alcohol abuse.
You will attend daily meetings where you will discuss issues related to your addiction and participate in activities that promote healthy living.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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