Arielle Cruz
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a serious form of high-risk drinking, characterized by a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It can be challenging to recognize the signs of alcohol dependence, as it can affect anyone, and there are varying degrees of dependence. However, some common warning signs include frequently craving drinks, prioritizing drinking over other activities or obligations, and experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop drinking. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, it is important to seek professional help and support to manage alcohol consumption and mitigate potential health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Craving the next drink | Alcohol use disorder |
| Compulsive drinking | Alcohol use disorder |
| Loss of control over intake | Alcohol use disorder |
| Negative emotional state when alcohol is not available | Alcohol use disorder |
| Impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use | Alcohol use disorder |
| Increased tolerance | Alcohol dependence |
| Need to drink more to get the same effect | Alcohol dependence |
| Spending time thinking about alcohol | Alcohol dependence |
| Prioritizing drinking over other activities | Alcohol dependence |
| Continuing to drink despite harmful consequences | Alcohol dependence |
| Physical withdrawal symptoms | Alcohol dependence |
| Psychological dependence | Alcohol dependence |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
People with AUD may experience intense cravings for alcohol and may need to drink more to achieve the desired effect. They may prioritise drinking over other activities or obligations, such as work or family life, and may continue drinking despite the negative impact on their physical and mental health. They may also experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as shakes, trouble sleeping, restlessness, nausea, sweating, and a racing heart when they try to cut down or stop drinking.
If you think you may have AUD, it is important to consult a doctor or another medical professional. They can help determine the severity of the condition and develop a treatment plan, which may include behavioural therapy, medication, and support groups. It is important to seek help early to make necessary changes and reduce the risk of relapse.
Treatment for AUD typically involves behavioural therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Behavioural treatments, also known as alcohol counselling or talk therapy, aim to change drinking behaviour and build motivation and skills to prevent a return to drinking. Medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can help reduce cravings and prevent a return to drinking. It is important to note that the treatment approach may vary depending on the individual, and a combination of therapies may offer the best outcome.
In addition to professional treatment, support groups can provide valuable peer support for those with AUD. These groups are typically mutual-support groups, which means they provide peer-to-peer assistance rather than professional counselling. They are often free or low-cost and can be easily accessed in most communities or online.
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Signs of alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a condition resulting from the excessive drinking of beverages that contain alcohol. It is a disease that can have serious effects on one's physical and mental health. Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body.
- A strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink, even when drinking affects one's health, safety, and personal relationships.
- Increased tolerance to alcohol, meaning that a person needs to consume more alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
- Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, seizures, or hallucinations when blood alcohol levels drop.
- Intense urges to drink, sometimes multiple times a day, and spending money on alcohol even when one cannot afford it.
- Giving priority to drinking over other activities or obligations, such as work or family life, and continuing to drink despite the negative consequences.
- Difficulty controlling the amount or frequency of drinking, and not being able to stop drinking once started.
- Using alcohol to cope with problems, pain, or difficult emotions, and relying on alcohol to feel good or normal.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional or a support service.
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Treatment for alcohol addiction
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a serious form of high-risk drinking, with a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink. Treatment for alcohol addiction typically involves a combination of therapies and medications.
Treatment Options
Behavioural Treatment
Behavioural treatment focuses on counselling that changes drinking behaviour. This may involve working with addiction counsellors or psychologists. Brief behavioural interventions can help individuals decrease their alcohol use.
Medication
While there is no medication that can "cure" alcohol use disorder, certain medications can help manage cravings and reduce drinking. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved naltrexone and acamprosate as alcohol use disorder treatments. Topiramate, gabapentin, and valproic acid have also shown some effectiveness in reducing cravings and drinking. Other medications, such as disulfiram, cause unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is ingested, but do not reduce cravings.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery, provide peer support, understanding, and accountability. Many individuals find ongoing support and long-term recovery through these groups.
Inpatient and Outpatient Programs
Inpatient programs involve staying at a treatment centre or hospital full-time, providing 24-hour support during withdrawal. Outpatient programs allow individuals to live at home and receive treatment during the day. The severity of the drinking problem determines which program is most suitable.
Combination of Treatments
A combination of treatments often works best, and tailored programs can be designed to meet individual needs and goals.
Seeking Help
If you think you may have an alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, it is important to consult your doctor or another medical professional. They can help with diagnosis, treatment planning, and referrals to treatment centres or experts. Additionally, there are national alcohol support services and hotlines that provide confidential advice and support. Recognising the problem and seeking help are crucial steps towards recovery.
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Alcohol's effect on the brain
Alcohol has a profound effect on the brain, and this is a key factor in the development of alcohol addiction or dependence. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and spreads to all tissues in the body, including the brain, which it reaches in just five minutes.
Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting the way the brain works and looks. It impairs the areas of the brain that control balance, memory, speech, and judgment, leading to a higher risk of injuries. This is due to the effect alcohol has on the brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, GABA and glutamate. GABA calms the brain and body, and alcohol increases its effect, leading to a feeling of relaxation and reduced anxiety. Glutamate stimulates the brain and body, and alcohol reduces its effect, leading to a reduction in alertness. Alcohol also increases the release of dopamine, a chemical linked with pleasure, which may cause a person to seek more alcohol.
The brain continues to be affected as a person continues to drink over time. Progressive changes occur in the brain's structure and function, compromising brain function and driving the transition from controlled, occasional use to chronic misuse. Brain scans of people dependent on alcohol often show changes in the areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Long-term heavy drinking causes alterations in neurons, such as reductions in their size. Adolescent brains are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol, with misuse during this period potentially resulting in long-lasting changes in brain structure and function. Alcohol-induced blackouts are another consequence of alcohol misuse, where a person's memory of events that occurred while intoxicated is blocked.
Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) can occur in those who drink at high levels daily for a long time. This damage can cause changes in memory and thinking, and can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
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Support for alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, is a disease resulting from excessive drinking of beverages that contain alcohol. It is a serious medical issue that can have permanent consequences, such as brain damage and an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. If you think you might be dependent on alcohol, it is important to seek help.
Talk to your doctor
Your doctor can discuss the problem with you and help you find a counsellor. They may also order tests that measure your liver enzymes and blood tests, and examine you for other signs of alcohol dependence, like jaundice.
Treatment options
There are many treatment options available, including behavioural treatment, medication, and support groups. Behavioural treatments aim to change drinking behaviour through counselling, and are led by healthcare providers. Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking: naltrexone, acamprosate, and topiramate or gabapentin (which can decrease cravings).
Support groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by healthcare providers, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support.
Rehabilitation
If your condition is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation. At rehabilitation centres, a treatment team will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs, ranging from therapeutic approaches to medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Hotlines
If you are in the United States, you can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. This is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol addiction or dependence, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is defined as the inability to stop consuming alcohol excessively despite negative impacts in other areas of life. Some signs that may indicate alcohol addiction include:
- Drinking more than intended
- Constantly thinking about the next drink
- Using alcohol to cope with stressful situations
- Experiencing cravings or a strong urge to drink
- Developing a high tolerance and needing larger amounts to feel the same effects
There are different subtypes of alcoholics, and individuals struggling with alcohol addiction come from all backgrounds and age groups. The young adult subtype, for example, makes up 31% of people addicted to alcohol in the US. They drink less frequently but tend to binge when they do, and often have a family history of low alcoholism rates. Another subtype is the chronic severe alcoholic, who drinks more often but not as much as the young adult subtype. This group tends to experience interpersonal issues due to their alcoholism.
Alcohol addiction can lead to various health complications and negatively impact several areas of life, including physical and mental health, relationships, careers, finances, and legal status. It can also cause changes in the chemical makeup of the brain, as excessive drinking increases dopamine levels, leading to cravings over time.
Recognizing signs of alcohol addiction is the first step. If you think you may have an addiction, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist for guidance and support. Treatment options include behavioural therapy, medication, inpatient medical treatment, and residential rehabilitation. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can also provide valuable resources and community during recovery.
