Alcohol Abuse: Signs And Symptoms

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcoholism, is defined as the inability to stop drinking excessively despite the negative impact on one's life. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the brain and can cause changes in brain chemistry, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, and anxiety. To assess the likelihood of AUD, doctors consider factors such as drinking more than intended, the inability to cut down, interference with daily life, and risky behaviour. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness strategies. Recognising the signs of alcohol addiction is crucial for seeking help and changing habits.

Warning signs and symptoms

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 a disease that affects the brain and can manifest as a mild, moderate, or severe disorder.

• You have continued drinking despite knowing it is causing or exacerbating health problems. Alcohol can damage your liver, heart, brain, pancreas, and immune system, and increase your odds of getting certain cancers.
• You have had multiple run-ins with the law due to your alcohol use.
• You have tried to cut down on your drinking but have been unsuccessful.
• You have found yourself in dangerous or harmful situations as a direct result of drinking, such as driving, swimming, or walking in a dangerous area.
• Your drinking has led to trouble with your family or friends, or made existing problems worse, yet you continue to drink.
• You have given up or cut back on activities that were once important, interesting, or pleasurable to you in order to drink.
• You have built up a tolerance to alcohol, and need to drink much more than before to get the desired effect.
• You have experienced withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, or racing heart when the effects of alcohol wear off.
• You have had cravings or obsessive thoughts about alcohol.
• You have exhibited risky behaviour and neglected relationships.

Seeking help

If you think that someone you know may have a drinking problem, there are several ways to help them. Firstly, it is important to remember that confronting someone about their drinking can be challenging for you too. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek support from a trusted friend, counsellor, or spiritual leader. Organisations like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and Alateen have networks across the country and online to support those dealing with a loved one's heavy drinking.

Before you approach the person, it is a good idea to prepare a plan. For example, you can look for local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, find counsellors that fit their insurance plan, and research treatment facilities. If you are concerned about a young person with alcoholic parents, you can encourage them to seek emotional support from other adults, school counsellors, and youth support groups such as Alateen.

When you approach the person, it is important to choose a time when they are well-rested and clear-headed. Focus on explaining how their drinking could be affecting their health and how it will continue to cause harm. Express your concern for their well-being and remember that it will take them time to change. It is also important to be prepared for pushback, as they may be defensive or deny the problem.

If you are struggling with alcohol yourself, it is important to seek help from a health professional, such as your doctor, a therapist, or a counsellor. There are also prescription medications that can help reduce alcohol dependence, and newer approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness strategies have been shown to be effective.

Treatment options

Prescription medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram can help reduce alcohol dependence. Newer treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness strategies for addiction are also proving effective.

There are also several support helplines, such as SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The helpline provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organisations.

If you are concerned about a loved one's drinking, it is important to remember that you cannot fix the problem or change their behaviour. However, you can present your concerns in a way that helps them see things more clearly and encourages them to seek help. It is recommended that you learn about the effects of alcohol and the signs of misuse, choose a good time to talk, and focus on explaining how their drinking is affecting their health. It is also important to seek support for yourself by talking to a trusted friend, counsellor, or spiritual leader, or finding a support group.

Helping a loved one

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 life. Alcoholism is considered a disease that affects the brain, and it can be a mild, moderate, or severe disorder.

If you are concerned that a loved one might have a drinking problem, here are some steps you can take to help them:

Educate yourself — Find out as much as you can about the effects of alcohol and the signs of alcohol misuse. Understand the criteria for diagnosing alcohol use disorder, which includes exhibiting at least two out of a list of criteria over a 12-month period. The more criteria that are met, the more severe the disorder is considered.

Prepare a plan — Have concrete next steps ready for your loved one if they are willing to seek help. Look for local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, find counsellors that fit their insurance plan, and research treatment facilities. Offer to provide transportation if needed.

Seek support for yourself — Confronting someone about their heavy drinking can be emotionally challenging. It is important to take care of your own well-being during this process. Talk to a trusted friend, counsellor, or spiritual leader about what you are going through. Consider joining support groups such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, or Alateen, which offer networks of people dealing with similar situations.

Choose the right time to talk — Avoid approaching your loved one when they have been drinking or are stressed, as this may trigger strong emotions. Instead, choose a time when you are both well-rested and clear-headed.

Focus on their health and well-being — Explain how their drinking is affecting their physical and mental health and how it will continue to cause harm if left unaddressed. Express your concern as someone who cares for them. Remember that change takes time, and they may need multiple attempts to maintain sobriety.

Expect resistance — Your loved one may react defensively or deny that they have a problem. Try not to take this personally. Think of your conversation as planting a seed that will hopefully grow into new, healthy habits.

Set boundaries — While you want to support your loved one, it is also important to set limits on what you are willing to tolerate. Ensure that your own safety and emotional well-being are prioritised. In extreme cases, this may include considering leaving the relationship if your boundaries are not respected.

Remember, you cannot fix the problem or change their behaviour, but by presenting your concerns in a compassionate and non-judgmental way, you can encourage your loved one to seek the help they need.

Alcohol withdrawal

When someone stops or reduces their alcohol intake, they may experience a range of mental and physical symptoms due to changes in their brain activity. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be life-threatening. Mild symptoms often start within 6-12 hours of the last drink and are usually at their worst between 24 and 72 hours after stopping drinking, although they can linger for weeks or even months.

Delirium Tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that affects about 1%-1.5% of people with alcohol withdrawal. It typically occurs 2-4 days after the last drink, but symptoms can emerge as early as 12 hours or as late as 10 days after quitting alcohol. DTs can cause dangerous changes in body temperature, breathing, or blood circulation, leading to life-threatening complications such as sepsis, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, seizures, or an electrolyte imbalance. Hallucinations are another symptom of DTs, although they are less common. DTs can be fatal if left untreated, so immediate medical attention is crucial.

To determine the stage of alcohol withdrawal, doctors may use a questionnaire called the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA). This tool helps assess the severity of symptoms and guide treatment decisions. Mild cases may require only rest and support, while moderate cases may benefit from certain medications and close monitoring by a healthcare professional. Treatment for severe cases, such as DTs, often involves hospitalization, sedatives, and, in some cases, anesthesia to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Frequently asked questions