Lena Savoie
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction, alcohol misuse, or alcohol dependence, 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. Alcoholism is a term used to describe the most serious form of high-risk drinking, with a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink. It is characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. While the specific symptoms and signs of alcoholism vary across individuals, there are several general indicators that may suggest a person is struggling with alcoholism.
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What You'll Learn
Withdrawal symptoms
Mild withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours of the last drink and may include headache, mild anxiety, insomnia, upset stomach, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate. These symptoms tend to peak within 24 to 72 hours and then start to resolve. However, some people may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia and mood changes, that can last for weeks or even months.
More severe withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, hyperthermia (high body temperature), and tremors (shakiness). The risk of seizure is highest between 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, and it is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.
The severity and duration of alcohol withdrawal vary depending on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the frequency of consumption, and individual health factors. Withdrawal symptoms can be effectively managed through treatment, including medication and behavioural therapy. It is important to seek professional help and support when dealing with alcohol withdrawal to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that can have significant physical and psychological impacts. The presence of withdrawal symptoms indicates a dependence on alcohol and the need for professional intervention to achieve and maintain sobriety.
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Relationship damage
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be extremely detrimental to relationships, and can lead to a variety of negative outcomes.
Firstly, alcohol misuse can cause individuals to neglect important roles and responsibilities, which can have a significant impact on their partners and family members. This can result in increased stress and burden on loved ones, leading to behavioural, physical, and mental health problems. For example, studies have shown that females in relationships with males struggling with AUD experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, physical health issues, and occupational and social disruptions.
Secondly, alcohol addiction can lead to personality changes, including aggression and violence within relationships. Alcohol abuse has been linked to changes in the brain that affect planning, problem-solving, and impulse control, which can result in reckless and unpredictable behaviour. This can manifest as violent or aggressive outbursts, creating an unsafe and unhealthy dynamic within the relationship.
Additionally, AUD can interfere with intimacy and trust in relationships. Alcohol consumption can negatively impact sexual intimacy by contributing to sexual dysfunction and disrupting normal body processes. It is also associated with increased infidelity, which can break the bond of trust between partners and lead to divorce or relationship dissolution.
Furthermore, AUD can create financial strain and instability within relationships. The financial consequences of alcohol misuse, such as increased spending on alcohol and potential job loss due to impaired performance, can place significant stress on couples. This can lead to arguments, tension, and a deterioration of the relationship dynamic.
Finally, AUD can lead to isolation and detachment from loved ones. Individuals with AUD may prioritise drinking over spending time with their partners, family, and friends. They may become emotionally distant, unavailable, and disconnected from their relationships, further exacerbating the strain on their connections.
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Increased tolerance
Alcohol tolerance refers to the bodily responses to the functional effects of ethanol. This includes direct tolerance, speed of recovery from insobriety, and resistance to the development of alcohol use disorder. Tolerance is a state where alcohol does not affect you as strongly as it did initially. If you used to feel drunk after two drinks and now you need much more, it is because you have developed a tolerance to the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol tolerance is increased by regular drinking. This reduced sensitivity to the physical effects of alcohol consumption requires that higher quantities of alcohol be consumed to achieve the same effects as before tolerance was established. Alcohol tolerance may lead to or be a sign of alcohol dependence.
The development of alcohol tolerance is influenced by several factors. Firstly, body weight and composition play a role. Higher body masses and higher levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol, generally result in increased alcohol tolerance. However, the relationship between body weight and tolerance is complex, as other factors such as biological sex, medications, and food intake also influence how alcohol affects an individual's BAC.
Genetics also impact alcohol tolerance. Studies show that children of people with alcohol use disorders develop tolerance at a different rate than others. Additionally, certain enzymes in the body can cause tolerance to increase more rapidly. Socio-economic and cultural differences, including diet, average body weight, and patterns of consumption, also contribute to variations in tolerance levels.
Finally, environmental factors can lead to learned tolerance. For example, if an individual regularly drinks in a specific setting, such as a bonfire, their body may begin to associate the cues of that environment with alcohol consumption, triggering adjustments in anticipation of intoxication. Similarly, engaging in activities requiring skill or coordination while drinking, such as bowling or darts, can result in quicker tolerance development.
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Craving alcohol
Cravings for alcohol can be intense, especially during the early stages of recovery. They are often triggered by external factors such as places, times, people, or situations associated with drinking. For example, a person may crave a drink after an argument with their partner or a challenging day at work. The pleasant euphoria experienced when drinking becomes a reward, reinforcing the desire to drink in similar situations. Over time, cravings may occur in response to new triggers.
The intensity of alcohol cravings typically lasts for a short duration, usually passing within a few minutes. Acknowledging the craving and distracting oneself with alternative activities can help manage the urge to drink. However, cravings can be challenging to overcome, and seeking support from mental health professionals is recommended.
Alcohol misuse, including binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption, increases the risk of developing AUD. Other risk factors include drinking at an early age, genetics, and co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is important to note that experiencing alcohol cravings does not necessarily indicate AUD. However, if cravings interfere with one's life or are accompanied by other symptoms, seeking professional help is advised. Treatment for AUD includes medication, behavioural therapy, and mutual support groups, which can effectively help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption or achieve abstinence.
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Health consequences
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse health, occupational, or social consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and it affects millions of Americans.
Short-term health consequences
Alcoholism can lead to acute alcohol-related medical emergencies and even death. A single binge-drinking episode can significantly increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes, atrial fibrillation, drowning, hypothermia, trauma, sexual violence, falls, burns, suicides, and overdoses.
Long-term health consequences
Alcoholism can contribute to more than 200 health conditions and is one of the leading causes of preventable death. More than half of the deaths related to alcoholism are due to chronic heavy alcohol consumption, while the rest result from acute injuries sustained while intoxicated.
Long-term alcohol misuse can also cause lasting changes in the brain, perpetuating AUD and making individuals vulnerable to relapse. It interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting mood and behaviour and making it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
Increased risk of certain cancers
Research has found a strong link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including head and neck cancers (oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx). The more alcohol a person drinks, especially over an extended period, the higher their risk of alcohol-associated cancer. Even those who have no more than one drink per day have a modestly increased risk.
Endocrine-related health issues
Alcohol misuse can lead to endocrine-related health conditions, including thyroid diseases, abnormal cholesterol levels (dyslipidemia), reproductive dysfunction, stress intolerance, and diabetes.
Respiratory issues
Long-term heavy drinking increases the risk of respiratory infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care.
Weakened immune system
Alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases. This is especially concerning during the COVID-19 pandemic, as heavy drinking may exacerbate ARDS and worsen the prognosis for patients with severe COVID-19.
Digestive problems
Alcohol can contribute to a 'leaky gut', allowing toxins and other harmful substances to enter the body through the intestines. This can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and lead to digestive problems.
High blood pressure and cardiovascular issues
Excessive alcohol use is associated with increased blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular events and heart disease.
Liver disease
The liver is one of the organs most affected by alcohol consumption. It can only process small amounts of alcohol, and excessive drinking can lead to liver disease and other severe health issues.
Mental health issues
Alcoholism is often associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also lead to memory problems, including dementia, and learning difficulties.
Relationship problems
Alcoholism can damage personal relationships and cause conflict with family, friends, and colleagues. It can lead to repeated failures to meet work or family obligations and negatively impact one's ability to care for their family or perform at work or school.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction, alcohol misuse, or alcohol dependence, is a common medical condition. People with this condition can’t stop drinking, even if their alcohol use upends their lives and the lives of those around them. Alcoholism is a term used to describe the most serious form of high-risk drinking, with a strong, often uncontrollable, urge to drink.
Doctors assess whether someone is dependent on alcohol by looking for signs that show they can’t regulate their drinking, and that they have a strong urge to drink alcohol. The specific symptoms they look for are:
- Impaired control over alcohol use
- Giving increasing priority to alcohol
- Unwanted physical or mental effects from drinking
The risk factors for developing alcoholism include:
- Age: The younger a person is when they start drinking, the more likely they are to drink heavily into adulthood.
- Genetics and family history: Studies show that people with a family history of alcohol use disorder have an increased risk of developing it.
- Mental health conditions: Having conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder.
