Signs Of Alcoholism: Are You An Alcoholic At 23?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common medical condition that can manifest in various forms. It is characterised by an inability to stop drinking excessively, even when it negatively impacts one's health, safety, and relationships. While the signs of alcohol addiction may not always be apparent, certain behavioural, physical, and emotional indicators can suggest a potential problem. These include frequently drinking more than intended, experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and drinking despite awareness of the harm it is causing. Understanding these signs is crucial to identify whether oneself or a loved one may be at risk and to seek appropriate treatment, which can include medication and behavioural therapy.

Alcohol's impact on your work, school, and relationships

Alcoholism can have a detrimental impact on several areas of your life, including work, school, and relationships.

At work, alcoholism can lead to neglecting responsibilities and increased conflict with colleagues. It can also result in risky behaviours, such as operating heavy machinery while under the influence. Additionally, legal consequences may arise if an employee violates workplace policies or laws related to alcohol, potentially leading to termination. Visible intoxication or disruptive behaviour in the workplace should be addressed immediately by employers, who should follow appropriate assistance protocols and refer employees to support services.

In terms of education, research suggests that alcohol consumption among adolescents can negatively impact their brain development and learning quality, which may, in turn, affect their college admissions and future career prospects. Studies have found a correlation between drinking and lower GPAs, indicating a potential negative impact on academic performance. However, some research also suggests that moderate drinking may not significantly affect educational attainment.

Alcoholism can also strain relationships. It can lead to mood changes, making individuals more prone to anger, aggression, or irritability, which can result in more frequent arguments with partners. It can also negatively impact sex lives and create a cycle where partners encourage each other to drink more or instigate drinking at harmful levels. Feelings of loneliness or boredom may also contribute to increased alcohol consumption.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek support and make use of available resources, such as counselling services or support groups.

Craving alcohol and withdrawal symptoms

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is an addiction to alcohol. Craving alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms are key indicators of this addiction.

Craving Alcohol

Alcohol cravings can be caused by the effect that alcohol has on the brain's neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers. Over time, alcohol use can lead to tolerance, causing a need to drink more to feel the same effects. This can also lead to increased sensitivity to alcohol's effects and a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms. People may begin to use alcohol regularly because it improves their mood or helps them relax.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone stops or cuts back on their usual amount of alcohol. These symptoms can range from mild to serious and life-threatening and can sometimes be fatal. They can include:

• Delirium tremens (DTs)
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Overstimulated mind
• Night sweats

Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last drink and are often at their worst between 24 and 72 hours after stopping drinking, although they can linger for weeks or months. The symptoms experienced and their timing vary from person to person.

High-stress lifestyle and self-medication

A high-stress lifestyle can lead to self-medication with alcohol, which is the most common method of self-medication and the most commonly abused substance due to its accessibility. While self-medication may provide short-term relief, it can lead to a worsening of the underlying problem and other negative consequences. For example, alcohol is a depressant, so using it to self-medicate stress or anxiety will only exacerbate symptoms in the long run. Regular self-medication can also lead to addiction, mood disorders, and health problems, as well as damage relationships.

Young adults who start drinking at an early age, around 15 to 19, are more likely to develop alcoholism by their mid-twenties. This group tends to be college-aged males who binge drink and may have co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have a family history of alcoholism.

If you are 23 years old and concerned about your drinking habits, it is important to reflect on your reasons for drinking and the impact it has on your life. Alcohol use disorder is characterised by a person's reasons for drinking and the amount they consume, rather than simply how often they drink. If you are drinking to cope with stress, it is important to seek healthier alternatives to manage your stress levels and improve your overall well-being.

There are numerous healthy coping strategies that can be practiced to manage stress effectively. These include exercising, which reduces stress hormones and boosts mood by releasing endorphins; taking breaks and engaging in relaxing activities such as meditation, stretching, or listening to music; connecting with supportive friends and family; engaging in hobbies and distractions; and helping others through volunteering or small acts of kindness. Additionally, talking about your worries with a trusted person can provide a different perspective and potential solutions. Understanding your triggers and practicing self-care during less stressful times will better equip you to handle stress when challenges arise.

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, mental health issues, or both, professional help is available. Services such as the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline offer confidential support and can refer you to appropriate treatment facilities.

Drinking in hazardous situations

Drinking alcohol is a common activity, with more than 80% of adults reporting lifetime alcohol use in most high-income countries. While drinking in moderation is often considered acceptable, drinking in hazardous situations can lead to negative consequences and even indicate a potential alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Hazardous drinking is defined by the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption and can lead to acute and chronic morbidity. Drinking in hazardous situations can include binge drinking, heavy alcohol use, and drinking in situations that require skill, coordination, and alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks (for males) or four or more drinks (for females) in about two hours, leading to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hazardous drinking or potential AUD, it is important to seek help. There are evidence-based psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), that can help individuals manage their drinking behaviour and address the underlying motives for drinking. Additionally, support groups and treatment centres, such as the Columbus Recovery Center, can provide guidance and resources for individuals and their families affected by alcohol misuse.

It is important to note that drinking in hazardous situations is not limited to the individual but can also impact those around them. Family members, especially children, of people with alcohol misuse problems can suffer negative consequences and may need support and assurance that they are not to blame. By seeking help and treatment, individuals can take control of their lives and reduce the harm associated with hazardous drinking.

Negative health impacts

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a condition that can develop from heavy alcohol use. While drinking in moderation is generally defined as one daily drink for women or two for men, some may develop a tolerance and require more to feel the same effects. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of drinking more and more, which can have severe negative health impacts.

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause both immediate and long-term harm to the body and brain. Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, impacting mood, behaviour, clear thinking, and coordination. It can also damage the heart, leading to problems like cardiomyopathy, and cause a variety of liver inflammations.

The negative health consequences of alcohol consumption are largely determined by the total volume consumed and the drinking pattern. Those who drink heavily or binge drink are at a significantly increased risk of harm. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more for men in one sitting. This pattern of drinking is common among the young adult subtype of alcoholics, which makes up 31.1% of alcoholics and tends to consist of college-aged males.

Alcohol consumption is also linked to a higher risk of several types of cancer, including esophageal, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Even drinking as little as one drink per day can increase the risk of breast cancer in women by 5-15%. Alcohol weakens the immune system, making it easier to get sick, and chronic drinkers are more susceptible to diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

In addition to the physical health impacts, excessive alcohol use can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and social phobias. It can also cause learning and memory problems, including dementia, and negatively impact relationships with family and friends.

Frequently asked questions