Mason Delacroix
Alcoholism is a widespread problem that can be challenging to identify due to its deep roots in society and culture. However, recognizing and acknowledging a drinking problem is a crucial first step towards recovery. If alcohol is causing issues in your life or you are experiencing cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or a lack of control over your drinking, it may be time to seek help. Treatment options range from cutting back to responsible drinking levels, seeking support from local community groups or mutual aid groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, or in severe cases, inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation. SAMHSA's National Helpline and other confidential helplines are valuable resources for individuals and their families facing alcohol-related issues, providing referrals to treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol causing problems in your life | Alcohol may be causing issues with work, school, relationships, or the law. |
| Craving the next drink | Alcohol use disorder may be indicated by a craving for the next drink. |
| Tolerance | Alcoholics may need more alcohol than they used to in order to get the same effect. |
| Withdrawal symptoms | Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and life-threatening, causing delirium tremens (DT), seizures, and hallucinations. |
| Trying to control or cut back drinking | Alcoholics often feel like they should drink less or stop drinking but are unable to. |
| Getting drunk regularly | Getting drunk more than four times a year may be a sign of alcoholism. |
| Constant thoughts about drinking | Alcoholics may think about drinking first thing in the morning or when they come home from work. |
| Physical examination | A healthcare provider may diagnose alcohol use disorder through a physical examination, looking for symptoms and conditions caused by excessive drinking. |
| Genetics | A family history of alcohol use disorder increases the risk of developing it. |
| Mental health conditions | Depression, PTSD, and ADHD may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder. |
| Hangovers and withdrawal | Alcoholics may experience severe hangovers and withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. |
| Treatment | Treatment options include inpatient medical treatment, residential rehabilitation, behavioral treatment, counseling, medication, therapy, exercise, and recovery support groups. |
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What You'll Learn
Signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that can have severe consequences on a person's life. AUD can cause problems with work, school, relationships, and the law. It can also negatively affect one's health and increase the risk for alcoholism. The first step to getting better is realizing that one has a problem with alcohol, which can often be the hardest step. If you are craving your next drink, it may be a sign that you have AUD. Here are some other signs and symptoms to look out for:
Tolerance
One of the signs of AUD is developing a tolerance to alcohol, which means that you need to drink more than you used to in order to get the same effect. This can lead to drinking more than the recommended amount, which is two standard drinks per day for men and one standard drink per day for women.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you experience negative physical or mental symptoms when you have not had a drink, this may be a sign of AUD. People with AUD who suddenly stop drinking can experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens (DT), which can cause seizures and hallucinations and require immediate medical care.
Loss of Control
If you feel that you should drink less or stop drinking but are unable to cut back, you may have AUD. This loss of control over your drinking can be a sign that you have become dependent on alcohol.
Regular drunkenness
Getting drunk more than four times a year is considered a sign of AUD. If you find yourself getting drunk regularly, it may be a sign that your drinking is becoming a problem.
Constant thoughts about drinking
If you find yourself constantly thinking about drinking, such as when you first wake up in the morning or when you come home from work, it may be a sign that alcohol is interfering with your life.
Genetics and Mental Health
It is important to note that certain factors can increase the risk of developing AUD, such as genetics and mental health conditions. Studies have shown that people with a family history of AUD are at an increased risk, and having conditions like depression, PTSD, or ADHD may also contribute to the development of AUD.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs and symptoms, it is important to seek help. Treatment options include behavioural therapy, inpatient medical treatment, residential rehabilitation, and support groups.
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Treatment options for alcohol abuse
Behavioural Therapies
Behavioural therapies aim to help individuals change their drinking habits and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their alcohol abuse. This can include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which teaches skills to help reduce or stop drinking. CBT can be accessed through self-guided web-based programs or in-person with health professionals.
Medications
Medications can be used to help manage alcohol abuse and dependence. All medications approved for treating alcohol use disorders (AUD) are non-addictive and are designed to help manage chronic disorders, similar to how medications are used for asthma or diabetes. These medications can often be taken at home or under the supervision of a local service. However, some individuals may require a short stay in a medically supported unit to safely manage their withdrawal symptoms.
Mutual-Support Groups
Mutual-support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), offer a free self-help approach to achieving sobriety. AA follows a "12-step" programme that involves regular support group meetings. These groups provide a sense of community and shared experience, which can be crucial in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
In some cases, individuals may require intensive rehabilitation and recovery support, especially if they have medium to high levels of alcohol dependence. This can be provided through inpatient programmes or residential rehabilitation services, which offer a structured and immersive environment for recovery.
Local Community Support
Local community alcohol services, support groups, and counselling can provide valuable assistance in managing alcohol abuse. These services can be accessed through referrals from a General Practitioner (GP) or through local support hotlines and websites.
It is important to remember that seeking treatment for alcohol abuse is a personal journey, and different approaches work for different people. The first step is often the hardest, but it is crucial to recognise the problem and actively seek out the support options available to you.
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Withdrawal and detox
The severity and duration of alcohol withdrawal vary based on several factors, including the individual's drinking history and biology. Generally, mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms tend to peak within 24 to 72 hours and then begin to resolve. However, some individuals may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia and mood changes, that can last for weeks or even months.
To determine the stage of alcohol withdrawal, healthcare providers may use the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) questionnaire. This tool assesses the presence and severity of withdrawal symptoms, helping to guide treatment decisions.
Treatment for alcohol withdrawal aims to manage symptoms and prevent complications. For mild cases, a supportive environment and rest may be sufficient. Moderate cases may require short-term medications and regular medical supervision. In severe cases, inpatient treatment programs are often recommended to provide 24/7 support and access to stronger medications if needed. Detoxification (detox) is a critical component of inpatient treatment, typically lasting two to seven days, during which medical professionals manage withdrawal symptoms and provide necessary interventions.
It is important to note that withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous, and it is always recommended to seek professional help when attempting to detox. Healthcare providers can assess your specific situation and make appropriate treatment recommendations to ensure a safe and effective recovery process.
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Support groups and therapy
Support Groups:
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery, offer a peer-based approach to recovery. These groups are typically free and easily accessible in most areas. The 12-step programme of AA guides individuals towards sobriety through regular support group meetings. SMART Recovery groups help individuals assess their relationship with alcohol, build motivation for change, and provide practical tools and techniques for recovery. Support groups like Al-Anon Family Groups extend assistance to family members and friends of those struggling with alcohol use, offering them support and understanding regardless of the drinker's current status.
Therapy and Counselling:
Therapy and counselling play a vital role in addressing the underlying causes and triggers of alcohol misuse. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common approach, focusing on identifying feelings, situations, and stressors that contribute to heavy drinking. It aims to change thought processes and develop coping mechanisms to prevent relapse. This therapy can be conducted individually or in small groups, depending on the individual's preference and needs. Brief interventions are short, time-limited counselling sessions that provide information about drinking patterns, risks, and personalized feedback to set achievable goals. Couples and family counselling involve spouses and family members, fostering improved family relationships and increased chances of maintaining abstinence.
Finding the Right Treatment:
It is essential to recognize that no single treatment suits everyone. Matching the right therapy to the individual is crucial for success. When seeking professional help, it is important to feel respected, understood, and able to trust the provider. Understanding the available treatment options, such as behavioural therapies, medications, and support groups, is the first step. Local authorities often oversee alcohol treatment services, and information about these services can be obtained through local health services or national helplines.
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Preventing relapse
Recognising that one has a problem with alcohol is often the hardest step in recovery. Relapses are common in the recovery journey, and it is important to remember that a relapse is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a normal part of the recovery process, and one can learn from the experience and use that knowledge to prevent future relapses.
To prevent a relapse, it is crucial to understand what triggers it. Triggers could be people, places, or things that remind one of their drinking habit. It could also be stressful situations or emotional periods, like a birthday or anniversary. One should try to avoid these triggers as much as possible. Keeping oneself busy and productive can be a good strategy. Taking up a new hobby, volunteering, or planning out weekly activities can help one stay focused on positive things.
It is also beneficial to build a positive self-image and set future goals, including those unrelated to alcohol use. One should also focus on self-care routines, such as diet, exercise, and rest. For those with ongoing emotional, physical, and/or mental health issues, additional strategies like finding the right mix of medications and alternative therapies like meditation and mindfulness can be beneficial.
Finally, it is important to have a long-term plan and the right support to stay in control or remain alcohol-free. This could include support from family and friends, local community alcohol services, free local support groups, alcohol counselling, or self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is a condition that is diagnosed by a healthcare provider. They will perform a physical examination and use the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). However, if alcohol is causing problems in your life and you are unable to cut back, you may be an alcoholic.
If you are physically dependent on alcohol, you may need rehab. Rehab provides a safe and supervised environment for detox and withdrawal, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Rehab also provides therapy, exercise, and recovery support to help you achieve a sober lifestyle.
A typical day in alcohol rehab may include yoga, access to a gym, outdoor activities, group therapy, and recovery support. The goal is to improve physical and mental health, build connections, and learn how to manage challenges in a sober life.
You can start by contacting your healthcare provider or a local alcohol service, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). There are also free and confidential helplines available, such as SAMHSA's National Helpline in the US, which provides treatment referrals and information.
