Alcoholism: A Battle I Faced Too Young

Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol drinking, the loss of control over intake, and negative emotional states during abstinence. The transition from experimental drinking to regular drinking is a gradual process, influenced by various factors such as age at drinking onset, frequency of drinking, and emotional attachment to alcohol. Research suggests that starting to drink at an early age is associated with developing alcohol dependence at a younger age. Young antisocial alcohol dependents, with an average age of 26, have the earliest age of drinking onset, typically under 16 years old, and the earliest age of alcohol dependence, around 18 years old. The average age of onset for alcohol dependence among young adults is around 20 years old. As drinking patterns progress, individuals may experience symptoms of alcohol misuse, such as binge drinking, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, indicating a potential alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is characterized by the inability to control alcohol intake despite negative consequences, impacting social, occupational, and health domains.

Alcohol misuse and binge drinking

Binge drinking has immediate and long-term health implications. Even a single episode can compromise the immune system and lead to acute pancreatitis in individuals with underlying pancreatic issues. Additionally, binge drinking increases the risk of blackouts, overdoses, unsafe sexual behaviour, and sexually transmitted infections. It also heightens the likelihood of unintended pregnancy and contributes to a range of chronic diseases, including liver disease and several types of cancer. The financial cost of binge drinking is significant, accounting for approximately $191.1 billion in economic costs in 2010 in the United States alone.

The transition from experimental drinking to regular alcohol use marks a critical stage in the development of alcohol misuse. Regular drinkers often exhibit a higher emotional attachment to alcohol and drink more frequently, such as every weekend. As drinking increases, so does the risk of developing alcohol dependence and alcoholism. This progression can lead to negative consequences such as depression, anxiety, and sleep loss.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of binge drinking. Research indicates that repeated episodes of binge drinking during adolescence can disrupt brain development, resulting in long-term deficits in social skills, attention, memory, and other cognitive functions. Alarmingly, high-intensity drinking peaks around the age of 21 and is most prevalent among college students. Early drinking onset is associated with a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence at a younger age.

Addressing alcohol misuse and binge drinking requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, education, and treatment. Public health initiatives should focus on raising awareness about the dangers of binge drinking, promoting responsible drinking, and providing resources for those struggling with alcohol dependence. Early intervention and support are crucial in preventing the severe and sometimes deadly consequences of alcohol misuse.

Age of onset and dependence

The age of onset and dependence on alcohol vary from person to person and are influenced by a multitude of factors. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that 17 million American adults have alcohol use disorders, with an additional 855,000 Americans aged 12 to 17 years old also struggling with alcohol use disorders.

Young antisocial alcohol dependents make up 21.1% of alcoholics, with an average age of 26 years. This group has the earliest age of drinking onset, starting at an average age of under 16 years old, and the earliest age of alcohol dependence, with an average onset age of 18 years. The young adult subtype is the most prevalent subtype, making up 31.5% of people who are alcohol-dependent, with an average age of onset of around 20 years old.

Research has shown that individuals who start drinking at an early age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence at a younger age. For example, among people aged 26 and older, those who began drinking before the age of 15 were more likely to report having an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year compared to those who started drinking at 21 or later. AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

As alcohol consumption increases, individuals may find themselves drinking more frequently and developing a higher emotional attachment to alcohol. This can lead to a dangerous path toward addiction and alcohol dependence. Frequent, uncontrolled alcohol abuse can result in problem drinking, where individuals start experiencing negative impacts on their lives, such as increased depression, anxiety, or sleep loss.

The cycle of alcohol addiction involves compulsive alcohol drinking, a loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state during periods of abstinence. Behavioral therapies and medications can help individuals develop skills to avoid triggers and manage their drinking.

Addiction and negative emotions

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact age at which one becomes an alcoholic, as it varies from person to person. However, it is clear that the onset of alcohol consumption at a young age is linked to a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence. The transition from experimental drinking to frequent drinking is a crucial stage, where individuals may find themselves drinking every weekend instead of just at parties. This progression towards regular alcohol use often involves a higher emotional attachment, with individuals using alcohol to feel good or to numb negative emotions.

The relationship between addiction and negative emotions is bidirectional. While negative emotions can lead to increased substance use, addiction itself can impair one's ability to regulate emotions effectively. Long-term drug use can make it harder to deal with intense emotions, leading to further emotional dysregulation. This cycle perpetuates the addiction, as individuals may continue substance use as a temporary solution to numb negative emotions.

Depression and addiction are closely related, with a strong link between alcohol and depression specifically. Those struggling with both conditions are at a higher risk of suicide attempts. Anger is also a significant emotion in the context of addiction and recovery. It can be a response to discomfort and a predictor of aggressive behaviour.

To break the cycle of addiction and negative emotions, it is crucial to learn healthy coping strategies. Addiction recovery often involves identifying triggers, understanding negative emotions, and developing skills to express and manage them effectively. While it can be challenging, facing and expressing negative emotions in healthy ways can strengthen one's recovery and promote emotional growth.

Alcoholism and mental health

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex condition that affects over 10% of the population in the US. It is not classified as a standalone mental illness but is closely associated with mental health. The relationship between alcoholism and mental health is intricate and bidirectional. Many individuals with alcoholism also experience mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders. These co-occurring disorders can complicate the management and treatment of alcoholism.

One key aspect of the relationship between alcoholism and mental health is the use of alcohol as self-medication. Individuals struggling with mental health issues may turn to alcohol to numb emotional distress, alleviate symptoms, or cope with their condition. While alcohol may provide temporary relief, it ultimately contributes to the development of alcohol addiction and exacerbates the underlying mental health problems. The neurochemical changes caused by chronic alcohol use can lead to alterations in brain function, affecting mood, cognition, and behavior.

The co-occurrence of AUD and mental health disorders is common, and they often influence each other. Pre-existing mental health disorders may increase the risk of developing AUD, as individuals try to manage their symptoms with alcohol. Conversely, alcohol use, especially at an early age and with long-term exposure, can predispose individuals to developing psychiatric disorders. AUD and mental health disorders share genetic risks and environmental factors, such as trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

The complex interplay between alcoholism and mental health disorders creates a challenging cycle to break. Effective treatment requires recognizing these connections and addressing both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues. Comprehensive care typically involves therapy, counseling, and, in some cases, medication. Treating both conditions simultaneously improves the likelihood of recovery.

Recovery and treatment

Recovery from alcohol addiction is a challenging journey that requires a deep commitment to change. Here are some steps and strategies to consider when seeking recovery and treatment for alcoholism:

Recognizing the Problem

The first step towards recovery is recognizing that alcohol consumption has become a problem. This involves acknowledging the negative impacts that drinking is having on one's life, such as health, social, or occupational consequences. It is common for individuals to actively avoid thinking about these negative consequences, which can delay their willingness to seek help.

Seeking Professional Help

Talking to a primary care provider or a healthcare professional is an important step. They can assess the severity of the condition and guide individuals toward the most suitable treatment options. It is crucial to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the right treatment plan may vary from person to person.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available, including 12-step programs, inpatient treatment centers, and behavioral treatments. Behavioral treatments aim to change drinking behavior through counseling, which can be combined with mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to provide additional support. Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help reduce drinking and prevent relapse, which can be prescribed by healthcare providers.

Detoxification and Therapy

For individuals in the preparation stage of recovery, medically assisted detoxification is often the first step. This process helps individuals safely withdraw from alcohol and achieve physical stability. Following detoxification, psychological treatment, including therapy and counseling, addresses the underlying causes of alcoholism and equips individuals with tools for maintaining sobriety.

Ongoing Support and Vigilance

Recovery is an ongoing process, and vigilance against relapse is crucial. Even after completing treatment, ongoing support through regular therapy sessions, mutual-support groups, or family therapy can help maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. It is important to remember that recovery is a journey, and ongoing treatment can provide stability and continued improvement.

National Resources

In the United States, individuals can access free and confidential support through SAMHSA's National Helpline, which provides treatment referral and information services for those facing substance use disorders. Additionally, online tools like the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator® help individuals find qualified treatment providers near them.

Frequently asked questions