Alcoholic Behavior: When To Intervene?

Alcohol abuse and addiction, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a common medical condition that affects not only the drinker but also their families and loved ones. People with AUD are unable to stop drinking even when it negatively impacts their health, safety, and relationships. While it is important to be aware of the signs of AUD, it can be challenging to determine when a loved one's alcohol intake has crossed the line from social drinking to alcohol abuse. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of approaching an alcoholic when they are drunk and explore the potential dangers associated with it.

Alcohol use disorder

The risk of developing AUD is influenced by various factors, including the amount, frequency, and speed of alcohol consumption. Other factors include drinking at an early age, with those starting before the age of 15 being more likely to develop AUD. Genetics and family history also play a role, with hereditability accounting for approximately 60%. Mental health conditions and a history of trauma are also associated with a higher risk of AUD.

The signs that someone may be struggling with AUD include neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school due to drinking or recovering from drinking, binge drinking, lying about alcohol consumption, blacking out, and continuing to drink despite relationship problems. If you are concerned about a loved one's drinking, it is important to remember that you are not alone, and there is help available. It can be difficult to talk to someone about their drinking, but it is important to be open and honest about your concerns.

There are several treatment options available for AUD, including behavioural therapies, mutual-support groups, and medications. Behavioural treatments, also known as alcohol counselling or talk therapy, aim to change drinking behaviour. Mutual-support groups provide peer support for stopping or reducing drinking and are often available at low or no cost in most communities. Three medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help reduce alcohol consumption are naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications can be used alone or in combination with behavioural treatments or mutual-support groups.

If you are concerned about your drinking or someone else's, a good first step is to seek help from a healthcare professional or a support service. SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing substance use disorders.

Physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be life-threatening. These symptoms are caused by the body going into 'fight or flight' mode as the central nervous system adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is a sign that one is becoming dependent on alcohol.

Physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating
• Upset stomach
• Heart palpitations
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Hyperthermia (high body temperature)
• Tremors (shakiness) of hands or other body parts
• Seizures
• Insomnia

Psychological withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Hallucinations

In addition to the above, other factors can increase the risk of severe alcohol withdrawal, including:

• Heavy daily alcohol use
• Age greater than 65
• A history of delirium tremens or alcohol withdrawal seizures
• Coexisting health conditions
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Brain lesions
• Abnormal liver function

Alcohol's impact on families

Alcohol addiction or misuse not only affects the drinker but also their family and friends. Alcohol addiction can have a profound impact on the family unit, straining relationships and causing emotional turmoil. Families of people affected by alcohol misuse often struggle to create strong emotional bonds, even within their family. This starts with the parents, as heavy drinking is connected to lower marital satisfaction and an increased risk of negative interactions, especially among couples. Verbal aggression in marriages is up to two times more likely to occur if either individual has consumed alcohol in the last four hours, with physical aggression three to four times more likely if alcohol has been consumed by the perpetrator.

Alcohol misuse can also lead to financial difficulties, with the costs of alcohol addiction adding up quickly. This can cause stress and anxiety for family members, impacting their emotional health. Family members may also develop symptoms of codependency, inadvertently keeping the addiction alive even though it is harmful to them. Children of parents who struggle with alcoholism are at a higher risk of cognitive, behavioural, and emotional problems. They may be neglected or ignored and witness their parents' drinking and the deterioration of their relationship, triggering distressing emotions such as shame, fear, anger, and self-blame.

It is important to remember that treatment is available and effective for alcohol misuse. Family therapy and rehab can help families heal and recover from the impacts of alcohol misuse. Treatment options such as detox, outpatient and inpatient care, and aftercare can aid those struggling with alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder. Seeking treatment for alcohol addiction can be transformative for both the individual and their loved ones.

Treatment options

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use, there are several treatment options available. It is important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process and there is no quick fix for addiction. The first step is often to talk to a doctor or healthcare provider, who can evaluate drinking patterns, overall health, and co-occurring disorders, as well as provide treatment referrals.

Education and Research

Educating yourself about alcohol use disorder (AUD) and treatment options can be a powerful first step. Understanding the disease of addiction and the resources available can help you make informed decisions about your or your loved one's care.

Medication

Medication can be an effective tool in treating AUD. Currently, there are three medications approved for AUD in the United States: Naltrexone, which reduces the urge to drink, and Acamprosate, which decreases negative symptoms during abstinence, can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Additionally, a person's doctor may prescribe other medications to help treat alcohol dependence.

Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on identifying the feelings and situations that contribute to heavy drinking and managing stress that can lead to a return to drinking. CBT can take place one-on-one with a therapist or in small groups, and its goal is to change the thought processes that lead to alcohol misuse and develop coping skills for everyday situations.

Support Groups and 12-Step Programs

Attending support groups and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, is one of the most common treatment options. These groups provide social connection and allow individuals to spend time with others facing similar struggles. They offer advice, support, and a sense of community, which can help build confidence and strengthen sobriety.

Helplines and Hotlines

Confidential helplines and hotlines, such as the SAMHSA National Helpline, provide free and accessible treatment referral and information services. These services can connect individuals and families with local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. They offer a safe and anonymous way to seek help and support.

Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

Inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities offer structured treatment programs for AUD. These programs may include a combination of therapy, support groups, medication, and other evidence-based methods. Rehab can provide a comprehensive approach to treating AUD and addressing co-occurring mental health issues.

Warning signs

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition, encompassing alcohol abuse, dependence, addiction, and alcoholism. It is characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. While there is no specific amount of alcohol that indicates AUD, it is defined by how drinking affects an individual's life.

• Regularly neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school due to drinking or recovering from drinking.
• Binge drinking or drinking more than intended.
• Lying about or attempting to conceal alcohol consumption.
• Experiencing blackouts or memory loss while drinking.
• Continuing to drink despite problems in relationships and other areas of life.
• Increased tolerance for alcohol, requiring more drinks to feel the effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, racing heart, or seizures when reducing or stopping alcohol consumption.
• Engaging in risky behaviours while drinking, such as driving, swimming, or unsafe sexual behaviour.
• Drinking despite negative emotions or health problems.
• Planning social, work, or recreational activities around alcohol consumption.
• Using alcohol in hazardous situations or in combination with certain medications, which can increase the risk of overdose.
• Failing to fulfil obligations or missing appointments due to drunkenness or hangovers.

If you recognise these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek help and support. AUD can be effectively treated through medication, behavioural therapy, and mutual-support groups.

Frequently asked questions