Theo Nash
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, is a common medical condition. People suffering from this condition are unable to stop drinking, despite the negative impact it has on their lives and the lives of those around them. The symptoms of alcoholism can vary, ranging from changes in mood and behaviour to physical issues. While the specific reasons for the development of alcoholism are not fully understood, certain factors such as genetics and mental health conditions have been identified as potential contributors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol use disorder | Mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5 symptoms), severe (6+ symptoms) |
| Inability to function without alcohol | Inability to work or carry out daily tasks |
| Alcohol as a priority | Alcohol becomes the most important thing in life |
| Lack of control | Difficulty controlling amount and frequency of drinking |
| Negative consequences | Drinking continues despite negative impact on self and others |
| Withdrawal symptoms | Trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, racing heart, dysphoria, malaise, feeling low, seizures, hallucinations |
| Increased tolerance | Need to drink more to achieve desired effect |
| Health complications | Alcohol-induced hepatitis, alcohol poisoning, cerebellar degeneration, cirrhosis of the liver, delirium tremens, esophageal cancer |
| Genetic and environmental factors | Family history of alcohol problems, mental health conditions, trauma |
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What You'll Learn
Craving alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Craving Alcohol
Alcohol cravings can be intense, and they often occur when a person is not drinking. These cravings can be driven by several factors, including changes in brain chemistry and the desire to experience the positive feelings associated with drinking. Over time, alcohol use can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to increased tolerance and a heightened sensitivity to alcohol's effects. This can result in a cycle where individuals need to drink more to achieve the desired effects, further reinforcing their cravings.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who has been drinking heavily reduces or stops their alcohol consumption. 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 may include anxiety, emotional distress, and strong cravings. More serious symptoms can develop within 12-48 hours and may include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs). DTs are the most serious form of alcohol withdrawal and can be fatal, requiring immediate medical attention.
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 24-72 hours after the last drink and gradually improve over the next few days as the body adjusts. However, some symptoms may linger for weeks or months. It is essential to seek medical advice before attempting to detox, as withdrawal can be dangerous without proper support. Medications such as acamprosate and disulfiram can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse, while tranquilisers like chlordiazepoxide may be used to manage severe withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment for AUD and alcohol cravings involves addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. Behavioural treatments, such as counselling and therapy, can help individuals change their drinking behaviour and address underlying issues. Medications, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin, can also be prescribed to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Support groups, 12-step programs, and brief interventions can provide additional support and guidance during recovery.
It is important to note that treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and the severity of their condition. Recovery from AUD is a journey that takes time, and seeking professional help is a crucial step towards managing cravings and achieving long-term sobriety.
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Drinking despite relationship, work, and health issues
Alcohol dependence can manifest in various ways, and it is challenging to predict when someone will become dependent on it. One of the signs of alcohol use disorder is continuing to drink despite the negative consequences on personal relationships, work, and health.
People with alcohol use disorder may find it difficult to stop drinking, even when they know it is harming their productivity at work or could lead to disciplinary action. They may also neglect responsibilities and activities that were once important to them, choosing to drink instead. For instance, they may miss a child's school event because they are recovering from a drinking episode.
Alcoholism can affect an individual's ability to function without alcohol. Drinking may become the most important thing in their life, and they may not be able to plan with certainty how much they will drink on a given occasion. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking or anxiety if they haven't consumed alcohol for a certain period.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol misuse, it is important to seek help. This could involve speaking to a healthcare provider, therapist, or counsellor, or reaching out to support services and helplines. Recognizing the problem is the first step towards getting better, and there are various treatment options available, including detox, inpatient rehab, and medication.
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Negative health impacts on the liver, brain, gut, and heart
Alcoholism can have detrimental effects on the liver, brain, gut, and heart. Here are some of the negative health impacts associated with alcoholism on these vital organs:
Liver
Alcoholism can lead to fatty liver or hepatic steatosis, which is the excessive buildup of fat in the liver. This condition is reversible if treated early, but if left untreated, it can progress to alcoholic hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed, swollen, and liver cells are destroyed. Alcoholic hepatitis can cause jaundice, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Cirrhosis, a late-stage complication of alcoholism, is characterised by irreversible liver scarring and can lead to fatal liver failure or liver cancer.
Brain
Alcohol abuse can cause both short-term and long-term cognitive deficits. In the short term, alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting coordination, memory, and judgment. This can lead to blackouts, temporary loss of consciousness, and increased risk of injuries. Higher blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) can result in alcohol poisoning, disorientation, and even coma. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to severe and potentially permanent brain damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), which is marked by amnesia, extreme confusion, and eyesight issues. Alcohol abuse can also increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Gut
Alcohol misuse can contribute to a "leaky gut," allowing toxins and other harmful substances to enter the body through the intestines. This can disrupt the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to an imbalance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Alcohol can also cause digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and contribute to the development of gastrointestinal diseases.
Heart
Long-term heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle and can lead to cardiomyopathy. Alcohol misuse is associated with an increased risk of heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate. It also raises the risk of ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Even low drinking levels may increase the risk of heart-related issues.
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Increased risk of certain cancers
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), can have various symptoms, including physical, behavioural, and emotional and mental symptoms. One of the risks associated with alcoholism is an increased risk of certain cancers.
Alcoholism can lead to a higher chance of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, and breast. This is due to the toxic effects of alcohol on the cells in these areas of the body. The risk increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption. Even moderate drinking can slightly elevate the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer.
The toxic effects of alcohol on the body are well-documented. Alcohol is broken down in the liver, and this process generates harmful substances, including acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and impede the body's ability to repair that damage. This damage to DNA can lead to cancerous cells forming. Additionally, alcohol can reduce the body's ability to absorb critical nutrients, further hindering the body's capacity to repair DNA and protect against cancer.
The link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is particularly strong for cancers of the upper digestive tract, including the mouth, throat, and oesophagus. These areas come into direct contact with alcohol, and the toxic effects of alcohol can cause cellular changes that lead to cancer. For example, alcohol can irritate the mouth and throat, causing chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for cancer development.
Furthermore, heavy alcohol consumption can negatively impact the liver, increasing the risk of liver cancer. Alcoholic liver disease, which includes conditions such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, is a significant risk factor for liver cancer. Alcohol abuse can also contribute to colon cancer risk, as alcohol can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and other changes in the colon that can promote cancer development.
It is important to recognize that the increased risk of cancer associated with alcoholism is not limited to heavy drinkers. Even moderate drinking can elevate cancer risk, especially for certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer. The exact mechanisms by which moderate drinking contributes to cancer risk are still being studied, but it is believed that alcohol can influence hormone levels and other factors that play a role in cancer development.
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Alcohol poisoning and delirium tremens
Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes life-threatening situation that occurs when there is an excess of alcohol in the bloodstream that the body is unable to process. Alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention. Some signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Passing out (unconsciousness) and being unable to be roused
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. DTs typically occur in people with a history of long-term heavy drinking who then suddenly stop drinking. Symptoms of DTs include:
- Agitation
- Global confusion
- Disorientation
- Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations
- Fever
- High heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Heavy sweating
- Whole-body tremors
- Vomiting
- Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
- Hypertension
- Autonomic hyperactivity
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Seizures
- High body temperature
The outlook for DTs depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the severity of alcohol use disorder, other medical conditions, and how soon medical care is received. Without treatment, about 15% of people with DTs do not survive, and the risk of death is higher if there are other severe medical conditions present. However, with treatment, the survival rate for DTs is about 95%. Treatment for DTs includes providing a calm, quiet, well-lit environment, reassurance, ongoing reassessment, attention to fluid and electrolyte deficits, and treatment for any coexisting addictions. Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of DTs, and antipsychotics may also be administered to manage overactivity and excitotoxicity caused by withdrawal.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common medical condition. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Craving alcohol.
- Drinking despite the damage it causes to relationships.
- Drinking more than intended or for longer than intended.
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from hangovers.
- Failing to meet work or family obligations.
- Giving up social activities because of alcohol.
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Increased risk of stroke.
- Changes in mood and behaviour.
- Impaired memory.
- Lack of coordination.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help.
Alcoholism can have serious physical health consequences, including:
- Leaky gut, allowing toxins to enter the body and increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Damage to the heart, including irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure.
- Weakened immune system.
- Increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and oral cavity cancer.
- Cerebellar degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver.
Alcohol withdrawal can result in a range of symptoms, including:
- Anxiety and agitation.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Insomnia, nightmares, and seizures.
- Tremors and hallucinations.
AUD is a formal diagnosis for alcoholism or alcohol addiction. It refers to a person's inability to control their alcohol consumption despite negative consequences on their health, social life, or occupation. AUD can range from mild to severe, with treatments including medication and behavioural therapy.
Alcohol intoxication presents differently in different people, but some common symptoms include:
- Reduced coordination.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Lowered body temperature.
- Slurred speech.
- Memory blackouts.
