Alcoholism: Our Culture's Addiction And Its Impact

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, is a prevalent medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to control alcohol consumption despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses conditions such as alcohol abuse, dependence, and addiction. AUD can range from mild to severe, with varying impacts on individuals' lives, including health, career, finances, relationships, and legal status. Treatment options include medication, behavioural therapy, mutual support groups, and detoxification. While it may be challenging to discuss drinking habits with a healthcare professional, recognising the problem and seeking early professional help are crucial steps towards reclaiming a healthy and sober life.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, with severity determined by the number of symptoms present.

People with AUD may experience alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, sweating, fever, seizures, or hallucinations. They may also find that drinking interferes with their family life, work, or education and causes issues with personal relationships. Those with AUD may prioritise drinking over other activities or obligations and continue drinking despite the negative consequences on their health and safety.

If you or someone you know is displaying symptoms of AUD, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider or a local alcohol support service. Treatment for AUD includes behavioural therapy, mutual-support groups, and medications to help reduce alcohol consumption or prevent relapse.

It is important to note that AUD is a treatable condition, and many people are able to reduce their alcohol intake or stop drinking entirely with the right support and interventions.

AUD treatment options

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition where people are unable to stop drinking, even when it negatively affects their health, safety, and personal relationships. AUD can range from mild to severe and is often treated through a combination of medication and behavioural therapy.

Treatment Options for AUD:

Medication

Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate have been approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence. Naltrexone blocks the receptors in the brain that make one feel good when drinking alcohol, helping to reduce cravings. Acamprosate helps individuals avoid alcohol after they have quit drinking by reducing cravings, especially during the initial stages of sobriety. Another medication, disulfiram, causes unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and skin flushing when alcohol is consumed. Knowing that drinking will lead to these adverse effects may help individuals avoid alcohol.

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapies, also known as alcohol counselling, involve working with a healthcare professional to identify and change the behaviours that lead to excessive drinking. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognise the feelings and situations that trigger heavy drinking and teaches them coping skills, including stress management techniques and changing thought patterns associated with drinking. Motivational enhancement therapy helps individuals build and strengthen their motivation to change their drinking behaviour. It typically involves about four sessions over a short period, where individuals work with a therapist to identify the pros and cons of seeking treatment and develop a plan to modify their drinking habits.

Support Groups

In addition to medical and behavioural treatments, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be beneficial for individuals with AUD. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding, allowing individuals to share their experiences and learn from others going through similar struggles.

Residential Treatment Centres

For more severe cases of AUD, individuals may opt for residential treatment centres or rehabilitation (rehab) facilities. Treatment in these centres is highly structured and typically includes various behavioural therapies and medications for detox and managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for AUD treatment. Each individual's needs are unique, and treatment plans should be tailored accordingly. Seeking professional help is a crucial step towards recovery, and it is essential to feel respected, understood, and trusted by the healthcare provider or organisation supporting the journey towards sobriety.

How to recognise if you're an alcoholic

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, is a common medical condition. People with AUD are unable to stop drinking excessively even when it negatively impacts their health, safety, and personal relationships. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and is considered a disease that affects the brain.

• Drinking more than intended or constantly thinking about the next drink.
• Using alcohol to cope with stress or drinking habitually after work.
• Prioritising drinking over other activities or obligations, such as work or family life.
• Continuing to drink despite harmful consequences to health, relationships, or personal life.
• Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping drinking, including cravings, anxiety, depression, or blackouts.
• Developing a higher tolerance to alcohol, requiring more drinks to achieve the same effect.

If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone else, it may be helpful to seek professional advice or support. A good first step is to consult a healthcare provider or a local alcohol support service, who can provide guidance and treatment options, such as medication and behavioural therapy. It is important to remember that recovery from alcohol use disorder is a journey, and most people are able to reduce their drinking or stop drinking entirely with treatment.

The impact of alcoholism on your health

Alcohol use disorder, commonly known as alcoholism, is a prevalent medical condition. People suffering from this disorder are unable to stop drinking even when it negatively affects their health, jeopardises their safety, and damages their personal relationships. Alcoholism can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, ranging from short-term to long-term consequences.

One of the immediate impacts of alcohol consumption is the reduction in the body's ability to fight infections, which can persist for up to 24 hours after drinking. Additionally, alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting mood, behaviour, clear thinking, and coordination. Slurred speech, a common sign of intoxication, occurs due to disrupted communication between the brain and the body. Over time, alcohol can cause damage to the central nervous system, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. It can also impair the frontal lobe, responsible for decision-making, abstract reasoning, social behaviour, and performance.

Long-term alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including liver, breast, colorectal, and oesophageal cancer. Even moderate drinking can negatively impact brain health and increase the risk of cancer. Alcohol consumption can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Alcoholism can also have detrimental effects on mental health. It can cause changes in the brain that affect decision-making, emotional processing, and self-control, making individuals more prone to aggression and violence. Alcohol dependence can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings when trying to reduce or stop drinking.

The impact of alcoholism extends beyond the individual and can have a significant effect on society. It contributes to economic costs, as well as social issues such as intimate partner violence, financial problems within families, impaired decision-making skills, and child neglect or abuse.

The impact of alcoholism on your personal relationships

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, can have detrimental effects on personal relationships. It can cause intimacy issues, financial troubles, and emotional strain, leading to breakups, estranged marriages, and lost friendships. Alcoholism can alter an individual's personality, leading to increased aggression, impulsivity, and irritability, which can negatively impact relationships. Children of parents with alcohol addiction may experience loneliness, depression, guilt, anxiety, and anger issues. Alcoholism can also affect the way individuals interact with their partners sexually, increasing the likelihood of aggressive behaviour and intimate partner violence.

Alcoholism can lead to isolation and social withdrawal, causing a person to neglect their relationships and shared values. It can result in financial difficulties, including increased spending on alcohol, medical expenses, and decreased income due to job loss or reduced productivity. The constant conflict and neglect associated with alcoholism can strain relationships and lead to a loss of trust and respect.

Alcohol dependency often intersects with codependency, where a partner enables the addiction, creating an unhealthy dynamic. Alcohol use disorder can affect an individual's mood, behaviour, and emotional responses, leading to negative behaviours that cause trust issues and emotional turmoil in relationships. The impact of alcoholism on personal relationships is widespread, affecting partners, children, family members, and friends.

Treatment for alcohol use disorder includes medication and behavioural therapy. Studies show that most individuals with this disorder can reduce their alcohol consumption or stop drinking entirely. Seeking professional help and support is crucial for managing relationships impacted by alcoholism.

Frequently asked questions