Theo Nash
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol dependence, alcohol misuse, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious condition characterized by a strong, often uncontrollable, urge to drink. It can be challenging to identify an alcohol addiction, as individuals with AUD may hide symptoms or be in denial about their condition. However, there are several warning signs that may indicate a person is struggling with alcohol addiction, including impaired control over alcohol consumption, prioritizing alcohol over other activities and responsibilities, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, developing a high tolerance, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences. If you suspect that someone is addicted to alcohol, it is important to approach the situation with sensitivity and encourage them to seek professional help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol use disorder | Craving the next drink, impaired control over alcohol use, giving priority to alcohol, developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, continuing to drink despite negative consequences |
| Alcohol dependence | Feeling unable to function without alcohol, drinking is a significant factor in their life, using alcohol as a stress reliever, drinking in inappropriate places or occasions, drinking despite relationship problems |
| Treatment | Behavioral therapy, medication, detoxification, self-help groups |
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What You'll Learn
Spotting signs of alcohol dependence
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and is also known as alcohol addiction, alcohol misuse, or alcohol dependence.
- They use alcohol as a stress reliever. When they feel frustrated or stressed, they turn to alcohol.
- They prioritize drinking over other daily activities and responsibilities.
- They experience relationship problems and neglect responsibilities, such as work or family obligations.
- They undergo personality changes while under the influence, such as becoming loud and boisterous or aggressive and violent.
- They have an increased tolerance for alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, including trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, and a racing heart.
- They drink in inappropriate places or at inappropriate times and are unable to stop once they start.
- They make excuses for their drinking or minimize the issue when confronted.
If you are worried that someone close to you is showing signs of alcohol dependence, it is important to approach them at the right time and in a calm manner. Encourage them to seek help from a healthcare professional or support group, and offer your support and patience throughout their recovery journey.
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Understanding alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and is sometimes referred to as alcoholism. It is considered a brain disorder, and those with AUD may experience lasting changes in the brain that make them vulnerable to relapse.
People with AUD may develop a tolerance to alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria, malaise, feeling low, or seizures. They may also continue to drink despite the negative consequences on their lives and the lives of those around them, neglecting responsibilities and experiencing relationship problems. AUD can cause personality changes, and those with the disorder may become aggressive or violent while drinking. They may also prioritise drinking over other daily activities and try to hide their drinking from others, for example by brushing their teeth several times a day to mask the smell of alcohol.
There are several risk factors for AUD. Genetics play a role, with hereditability accounting for approximately 60%. Mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with an increased risk of AUD, and people with a history of childhood trauma are also more vulnerable to the disorder.
Treatment for AUD typically involves behavioural therapy, mutual-support groups, and/or medications. Doctors can prescribe medications to address withdrawal symptoms and make the process of quitting drinking safer and less distressing.
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Seeking professional help
Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a serious form of high-risk drinking, with a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink. It means drinking at a level that causes harm to your health. It can be tricky to spot the signs of alcohol dependence, and people with an alcohol use disorder can feel ashamed about their drinking and may get upset if confronted.
If you are concerned about someone's drinking, it is important to choose the right moment to talk to them about it, and make sure you are both in a calm mood. Doctors assess whether someone is dependent on alcohol by looking for signs that show they cannot regulate their drinking and that they have a strong urge to drink.
If you are concerned about someone's alcohol consumption, there are several ways to seek professional help. Firstly, you can contact your primary care provider, health insurance company, local health department, or employee assistance programme to obtain information about specialty treatments. Additionally, organisations such as the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the American Psychological Association, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine can provide further guidance and support.
If the person struggling with alcohol addiction is a teenager, exposing them to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, or after-school clubs, can help discourage alcohol use. Seeking outside help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counsellor can also be beneficial.
For the person struggling with alcohol addiction, their GP or a local self-referral alcohol or substance use support service can be a good first step. They can provide confidential advice on accessing the right support and guidance on self-referral or referral into a service. Detoxification, or detox, can be a key stage of treatment, involving stopping drinking completely under medical supervision.
It is important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process that requires time and patience. Relapse is a common part of recovery, and it does not mean that treatment has failed. Instead, it indicates that additional or alternative forms of treatment may be necessary. Seeking professional help can prevent a return to drinking, as behavioural therapies can help individuals develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress.
Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can be beneficial for many people struggling with alcohol dependence, providing support and helping to adjust their thinking and attitudes. Additionally, pharmacological treatments, such as medications, can play a role in preventing relapse for some individuals.
Signs of alcohol addiction
- Inability to function without alcohol, such as difficulty performing daily tasks or carrying out job responsibilities.
- Drinking has become the most important thing in life, taking precedence over other activities and responsibilities.
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences for oneself or loved ones.
- Difficulty controlling the amount or frequency of drinking, including not being able to stop drinking once started.
- Experiencing severe symptoms when unable to obtain alcohol, such as visual hallucinations or seizures.
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Treatment options
Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a recognised type of 'alcohol-use disorder' that can be treated. Treatment options have advanced significantly over the past decades, and there are now many options available.
Behavioural Treatments
These treatments are aimed at changing drinking behaviour through counselling. They are led by healthcare providers and are supported by studies that show these treatments can be beneficial.
Medications
Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking. These medications are prescribed by a primary care provider or other healthcare provider and may be used alone or in combination with counselling.
Detoxification
Detox involves stopping drinking completely, while under medical supervision, so that the body can adjust to being without alcohol.
Self-help Groups
Many people who are alcohol dependent find it useful to attend self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups can help people adjust their thinking and attitudes to themselves and others.
Specialist Support
Specialist treatment can be sought by contacting your primary care provider, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program.
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Helping a loved one
Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is defined as the inability to stop using alcohol excessively despite the negative impacts on one's life. It is a disease that affects the brain and can manifest as a mild, moderate, or severe disorder. While occasional drinking or even nightly drinking does not automatically indicate alcoholism, the inability to stop drinking and the need to consume more alcohol to feel satisfied are signs of alcohol addiction.
If you suspect that a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to recognize the warning signs and understand the different stages and forms of alcoholism. Here are some steps you can take to help a loved one dealing with alcohol abuse or addiction:
Educate Yourself and Seek Professional Help:
Learn as much as you can about alcohol use disorders, treatment options, and rehab methods. Understand the disease of addiction, its biological and environmental underpinnings, and the resources available. Contact your loved one's primary care doctor or GP to evaluate their drinking patterns, overall health, and any co-occurring disorders. The doctor can also provide treatment referrals or prescribe medication to help treat alcohol dependence. Additionally, consider reaching out to hotlines, such as SAMHSA's National Helpline, for confidential support and referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations.
Talk to Your Loved One:
Express your concerns to your loved one in a caring, compassionate, and tactful manner. Choose a time when they are sober and have the time to talk. Be open and honest about your feelings, but remember that you cannot force them to stop abusing alcohol. They may react with anger, denial, or defensiveness, but it is important to speak up as their drinking is unlikely to improve without intervention.
Encourage Treatment and Offer Support:
Provide your loved one with information about treatment options, accommodations, and amenities. Help them understand the consequences of their actions and the benefits of seeking help. Offer to accompany them to meetings or therapy sessions, and support their participation in 12-step programs or support groups like AA meetings. These groups can provide valuable social connections and advice on staying sober.
Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care:
While supporting your loved one, it is crucial to set healthy personal boundaries and prioritize your own mental health and well-being. You may consider letting your loved one know that you will no longer make excuses for their drinking-related behavior. Focus on restoring calm and stability to your life and your relationship with your loved one. Remember that you are not alone in this struggle, and seek support from family therapy, youth support groups, or other resources as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol dependence, is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition. It is characterized by a person's inability to control their drinking. Signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol, needing to consume larger amounts to experience the same effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as night sweats, visual hallucinations, or seizures when trying to quit.
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
- Prioritizing drinking over other daily activities and responsibilities.
- Being unable to stop drinking once they start.
It is important to choose the right moment to talk to them about it, and make sure you are both in a calm mood. Encourage them to seek help from a healthcare professional, and offer your support throughout their recovery journey. Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous can also be beneficial.
Treatment options include behavioural therapy, medication, and detoxification (detox). Behavioural therapy involves counselling to change drinking behaviour, while medication such as naltrexone and acamprosate can help prevent relapse. Detox involves stopping drinking completely under medical supervision.
