Is Alcoholism Defined By Success?

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a common medical condition that can have devastating effects on people's lives. It is characterised by a compulsion to drink, even when it interferes with daily life, and can cause physical and emotional harm to both the alcoholic and those around them. While it is possible to have a functioning alcoholic in a relationship, the progressive nature of the disease can erode their ability to function over time, including in personal relationships. The question of whether someone is an alcoholic, even if they seem to have their life together, is important as it can be life-threatening and cause significant damage to the heart, brain, and liver.

Alcoholism and codependency

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a common medical condition where a person compulsively drinks alcohol to the point where it interferes with their daily life. It can cause physical issues like craving alcohol or experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and can also take an emotional toll on both the alcoholic and their partner. Alcoholism can lead to strained relationships, financial problems, and legal issues. It can also cause significant damage to the heart, brain, and liver, and in some cases, even death.

Codependency, on the other hand, is a condition where a person is excessively dependent on another person, often to the point of enabling destructive behavior. In the context of alcoholism, the codependent individual may feel the need to take care of the alcoholic, even if it means enabling their drinking. This can create an unhealthy dynamic where the alcoholic becomes increasingly selfish and addicted to alcohol, neglecting and even abusing their loved ones.

The combination of alcoholism and codependency can be devastating for both parties involved. The alcoholic may become physically and emotionally dependent on their drinking buddies or spouse, while the codependent individual may feel trapped in a cycle of enabling destructive behavior. It's important to recognize that both alcoholism and codependency are serious issues that require professional help.

Treating alcoholism often involves medication and behavioral therapy. It is important to note that withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous and even life-threatening, so seeking professional support is crucial. Treatment programs may include inpatient or residential rehabilitation, counseling, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

For codependency, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the best course of action will depend on the individual situation. However, seeking professional help from a qualified therapist or counselor is often recommended. It is important for the codependent individual to set boundaries, practice self-care, and prioritize their own well-being.

In a relationship where one partner is an alcoholic and the other is codependent, it is crucial for both individuals to seek help. This may involve individual therapy, couples counseling, or support groups specifically for partners of alcoholics. It is important for the non-alcoholic partner to understand that they are not responsible for the alcoholic's behavior and that their own well-being is a priority.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Whether or not you are struggling with alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or addiction, it is important to understand the warning signs and seek help if needed. Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a serious condition that can lead to a range of health problems and negatively impact one's life and the lives of those around them. It is characterised by a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink and a feeling of being unable to function without alcohol.

Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last drink and can last for several days, weeks, or even months. Mild symptoms often start within 6-12 hours, while more serious symptoms can begin within 12-48 hours. Symptoms are often at their worst between 24 and 72 hours after the last drink. However, it is important to note that everyone experiences alcohol withdrawal differently, and the timeline can vary.

Some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Shakiness
• Sweating
• A rapid heartbeat
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

More severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't real)
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens (DTs): a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can cause serious medical issues such as seizures and hallucinations and can be life-threatening.

If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek medical support to help manage the symptoms and safely reduce or stop alcohol consumption. Treatment options may include medication, behavioural therapy, and counselling. It is also crucial to maintain a supportive and safe environment during this time.

Alcoholism as a progressive disease

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a common medical condition characterised by a person's inability to stop drinking, even when alcohol use negatively impacts their life and the lives of those around them. It is a progressive disease, meaning that over time, the condition worsens and can lead to severe health, social, and economic issues.

The progression of alcoholism can be slow, and some individuals may appear to have their lives together despite suffering from the condition. However, as alcoholism advances, it erodes a person's ability to function in various areas of life, including personal relationships. The affected individual becomes increasingly selfish and addicted to alcohol, leading to neglect and even abuse of their loved ones. This can result in domestic violence, with research showing that alcohol-dependent husbands are more likely to perpetrate violence against their wives.

The progressive nature of alcoholism also extends to the physical health of the individual. Even in the early stages of the disease, when a person may seem to have their life together, alcohol consumption can lead to ketoacidosis or metabolic acidosis. This condition occurs when excessive alcohol intake blocks the body's ability to produce glucose and insulin, forcing the body to consume fat for energy production, which can lead to a dangerous buildup of ketones.

As alcoholism progresses, it can cause significant damage to vital organs, including the heart, brain, and liver. Long-term alcohol abuse can result in life-threatening conditions such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, cirrhosis, and steatosis. These conditions can have severe and irreversible consequences, highlighting the importance of addressing alcoholism as a progressive disease and seeking treatment early on.

Treatment for alcoholism is crucial, and it often involves a combination of medication and behavioural therapy. Studies show that with treatment, most individuals are able to reduce their alcohol consumption or achieve abstinence. It is important to recognise that recovery is a process, and relapses may occur. However, seeking professional help and early intervention can improve the chances of successful long-term recovery and mitigate the harmful effects of this progressive disease.

Treatment options for alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a common medical condition. People with this condition are unable to stop drinking, even if their alcohol use upends their lives and the lives of those around them. Treatment options for AUD include medication, behavioural therapy, and mutual support groups, or a combination of these approaches.

Medication

There are currently three medications approved for AUD in the United States: Naltrexone, which is available as a pill or injection and helps reduce the urge to drink; Acamprosate, a pill that decreases the negative symptoms associated with abstinence from alcohol; and Disulfiram, a pill that causes unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed, thus discouraging drinking. These medications are non-addictive and can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment.

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural health treatments for AUD can bring about lasting positive change. This type of treatment focuses on counselling that changes drinking behaviour, and patients may work with addiction counsellors or psychologists.

Mutual Support Groups

Many patients benefit from active participation in mutual support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or secular alternatives such as SMART Recovery.

It is important to note that treatment for AUD is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Different patients require different treatment options, and it is crucial to address any accompanying medical and mental health issues. For example, people with severe or moderate AUD who suddenly stop drinking could develop delirium tremens (DT), a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening. Therefore, seeking professional support during withdrawal is crucial.

The impact of alcoholism on relationships

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism can have a detrimental impact on relationships. It can affect every single relationship a person is a part of, from partners and children to other family members and friends. AUD can lead to lost friendships, estranged marriages, and family conflict.

People with AUD often become secretive and lie to their partners and family about their whereabouts and activities to hide their dependence. This can lead to trust issues and constant dishonesty can cause sadness and resentment between partners. Alcohol addiction can also cause financial troubles, which can strain relationships. The cost of alcohol itself, as well as increased medical expenses and unwise spending while under the influence, can lead to financial difficulties.

Alcoholism can also impact a person's personality, causing them to become unrecognizable to their loved ones. This can affect intimacy and emotional availability within relationships. It can also lead to neglect of children and refusal to participate in activities previously enjoyed together. Research shows that alcohol dependence is linked to an increased risk of domestic violence, with alcohol-dependent husbands more likely to perpetrate violence against their wives.

Partners of individuals with AUD report elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and somatic concerns, as well as decreased marital satisfaction. AUD can also impact the children of alcoholics, with studies showing that teens with alcoholic parents often experience anxiety, depression, and somatic concerns.

It is important to note that people with AUD can change, and treatment is available. Treatment may include medication and behavioral therapy, and studies show that most people are able to reduce their alcohol consumption or stop drinking entirely with help.

Frequently asked questions