Noah Vinter
Alcoholism is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a person’s inability to control their drinking. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcoholism, is defined as the inability to stop using alcohol excessively despite its negative impacts. It can be challenging to know how to talk to someone about their alcohol use, but there are several warning signs that may indicate a drinking problem, including developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and neglecting responsibilities. If you believe a loved one has a drinking problem, it's important to get help as soon as possible. Treatment for alcohol use disorder may consist of medical detoxification, treating the underlying addiction, and offering aftercare and support for continued sober living.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking more than intended | More than 4 drinks/day or 14 drinks/week for men; more than 3 drinks/day or 7 drinks/week for women |
| Drinking longer than intended | |
| Inability to stop drinking | |
| Drinking heavily and often | |
| Using alcohol as a stress reliever | |
| Making risky decisions while under the influence | |
| Developing a tolerance to alcohol | |
| Experiencing withdrawal symptoms | Nausea, sweating, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, convulsions |
| Continuing to drink despite negative consequences | |
| Neglecting responsibilities | |
| Experiencing relationship problems | |
| Binge drinking | Consuming 5 or more drinks on one occasion |
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What You'll Learn
Recognising signs of alcoholism
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition characterised by a person's inability to control their drinking. While heavy drinking does not necessarily mean someone is an alcoholic, being an alcoholic almost certainly means that one drinks heavily and often. When and how someone drinks is a factor that can differentiate an alcoholic from a heavy drinker. Heavy drinkers may occasionally indulge in binge drinking, but they are able to stop drinking when they want to. On the other hand, someone who is an alcoholic does not feel like they can stop drinking whenever they want, and they often have to drink more and more to feel satisfied.
There are several warning signs that may indicate that someone is an alcoholic. Firstly, social drinking takes on a new meaning for people with AUD. They tend to be drawn to social functions or celebrations that involve drinking and may neglect family commitments if they do not include drinking. Alcohol becomes their main hobby and an escape from everyday life. Secondly, people with AUD tend to make risky decisions while under the influence of alcohol, such as regularly driving drunk or getting into physical fights. They seem unable to stop making dangerous decisions when intoxicated. Thirdly, people with AUD may develop a tolerance to alcohol, needing to drink more to feel the effects. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, or a rapid heartbeat when trying to quit, and may even have severe symptoms like hallucinations or convulsions that require medical attention. Finally, people with AUD continue to drink despite the negative consequences on their lives, such as neglecting responsibilities, experiencing relationship problems, or suffering from mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
It is important to note that the young adult subtype makes up the largest group of alcoholics, with 31.1% of people in this group beginning drinking around age 19 and developing alcoholism by around age 24. This group tends to consist of college-aged males who binge drink. However, the functional subtype group, which makes up another significant portion of alcoholics, manages to prevent their drinking from interfering with other areas of their lives. As a result, their loved ones may not realise they are alcoholics until a serious mental or physical issue arises.
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Speaking to the person about their drinking
If you believe your loved one has a drinking problem, it can be challenging to figure out how to help them. Educating yourself on alcohol use disorders, considering different ways of how to talk to your loved one, and making a plan for your conversation can help you lend your support and get your loved one the help they need. It is important to remember that it may take more than one conversation with a person who has an alcohol use disorder to encourage them to seek help. However, by showing your support and concern, you may be able to help them see they have a problem with alcohol and would benefit from addiction treatment.
It is important to avoid using terms such as "alcoholic" or "addict." These terms are outdated and stigmatizing, and those struggling with substance use disorders can become upset or defensive when they are referred to as such. Instead, present options by saying something along the lines of "I was wondering if you would consider seeing a doctor to talk about your alcohol use," instead of "You need to get help." Even though you think it’s obvious that your loved one should seek help, it’s always up to the person to decide what course of action is best for them. You can suggest they seek help, but you can’t force someone to do something they’re not ready to do.
If you are concerned about the relationship you or a loved one may have with alcohol, it’s helpful to understand the signs of alcohol addiction and learn where to turn for help. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcoholism, is defined as the inability to stop using alcohol excessively despite negative impacts in other areas of someone’s life. Alcoholism is considered to be a disease that affects the brain, and it can be a mild, moderate, or severe disorder. Heavy drinking does not necessarily mean someone is an alcoholic, but being an alcoholic almost certainly means that the person drinks heavily and often. When and how someone drinks is a factor that can differentiate an alcoholic from someone who is a heavy drinker. Heavy drinking may occur on occasion for some people, but they are able to stop drinking when they want. A person who is an alcoholic does not feel like they can stop drinking whenever they want, and they often have to drink more and more to feel satisfied.
There are several warning signs that may reveal if your loved one may need help. Social drinking takes on a new meaning for people with AUD. If an event such as a house party involves drinking, they’ll be the first ones there. Almost every social function or celebration must involve alcohol for them. Family commitments may become irrelevant to them if they don’t include drinking. A person with AUD likely uses alcohol as a stress reliever. The minute they feel frustrated or stressed about something, they want a drink. This person may have had healthy outlets, like exercise, reading, or painting. But now, they use alcohol as their main hobby and an escape from everyday life.
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Suggesting they seek professional help
If you suspect that a loved one is an alcoholic, it is important to suggest that they seek professional help. Here are some ways to do this:
Educate yourself on alcohol use disorders
Before approaching your loved one, take the time to understand alcohol use disorders (AUD) and the signs of alcoholism. This will help you identify the specific ways in which your loved one's drinking has become problematic and enable you to have a more informed conversation with them.
Choose an appropriate time and place
Select a time when your loved one is sober and a private location where you both feel comfortable and will not be interrupted. This will ensure that you have their full attention and create a safe space for an open and honest discussion.
Express your concerns in a gentle and non-judgmental manner
Start the conversation by expressing your concerns about their drinking habits and how it is affecting their life and the people around them. It is important to remain calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental throughout the conversation. Avoid using labels such as "alcoholic" or "addict," as these terms can be stigmatizing and upsetting.
Present specific examples and observations
Provide specific examples of how their drinking has become a cause for concern. For instance, you might say, "I've noticed that you've been drinking more than usual lately, and it seems to be affecting your work and relationships." By offering concrete observations, you can help your loved one recognize the impact of their drinking.
Offer suggestions for seeking professional help
Suggest that they consider speaking to a healthcare professional or seeking treatment for their alcohol use. You could say something like, "I think it would be helpful for you to talk to someone about your drinking. Would you be open to seeing a therapist or counsellor?" Presenting options and offering to help them find a suitable treatment centre or support group can make the idea of seeking help less overwhelming.
Emphasize your support and commitment
Let your loved one know that you are there for them throughout their journey towards recovery. Offer to accompany them to appointments, help them find resources, or simply be a listening ear whenever they need to talk. Knowing that they have your support can make a significant difference in their willingness to seek help.
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Avoiding stigmatising language
When addressing alcohol-related problems, it is important to be mindful of the language used to avoid perpetuating stigma. Stigma is a significant barrier to people seeking help for alcohol problems, affecting their treatment and overall quality of care. It is important to use non-pejorative, non-stigmatising, person-first language.
Instead of using the term "alcoholic", opt for "person with alcohol use disorder (AUD)". This change in terminology helps to reduce stigma and acknowledges that AUD is a treatable medical condition. Similarly, instead of saying "recovering alcoholic", use "person in recovery from alcohol use disorder". By focusing on the person and their behaviour, you can avoid stigmatising language that perpetuates the idea that addiction is a moral failing.
In addition to avoiding labels such as "alcoholic" and "addict", it is recommended to use "alcohol misuse" instead of "alcohol abuse". The latter term, along with "abuser", is associated with negative judgements and punishments. It is also important to avoid blaming, shaming, or making accusations, as this can cause the person to shut down and stop listening.
When discussing alcohol-related liver disease, use "alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD)" instead of "alcoholic liver disease". This substitution helps reduce stigma for people with ALD and other alcohol-related health conditions. Similarly, for alcohol-related hepatitis, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis, use "alcohol-associated hepatitis", "alcohol-associated cirrhosis", and "alcohol-associated pancreatitis", respectively.
Remember, the goal is to approach the conversation with understanding, hope, and kindness. Educate yourself on alcohol use disorders, consider different ways to approach the conversation, and be supportive. It may take multiple conversations for the person to acknowledge their problem and seek treatment.
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Supporting them through treatment
If your loved one agrees to seek help, there are several ways you can support them through treatment. Firstly, educate yourself on alcohol use disorders and treatment options. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and make you better equipped to provide support. You can find resources and support groups specifically for friends and family members of people struggling with alcohol abuse.
Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, such as therapy or support groups, and offer to accompany them to appointments or meetings. It is important to remember that recovery is a process and that relapse may occur. Be patient and continue to offer your support and encouragement throughout their journey.
Help your loved one identify triggers and develop strategies to cope with cravings and high-risk situations. This may include avoiding places or people associated with their drinking, finding new hobbies or activities to replace drinking, and learning relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Offer practical support, such as helping with tasks or responsibilities that your loved one may struggle with during treatment. This could include assisting with household chores, providing transportation to appointments, or simply being present to offer emotional support and companionship.
Finally, take care of yourself during this process. Supporting someone through treatment for alcohol abuse can be emotionally challenging. Make sure to practice self-care and seek your support from friends, family, or a therapist. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you will be better equipped to support your loved one through their recovery journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined as the inability to stop using alcohol excessively despite the negative impacts on other areas of life. Signs of AUD include developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
Educate yourself on AUD, consider different ways of talking to your loved one, and make a plan for the conversation. Present options by saying something like, "I was wondering if you would consider seeing a doctor to talk about your alcohol use," instead of "You need to get help."
They make risky decisions while under the influence, such as driving drunk. They may also neglect responsibilities, such as work or family obligations, and experience relationship problems.
