Mason Delacroix
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is considered a brain disorder and can have harmful short-term and long-term effects on physical and mental health, finances, and personal relationships. Alcoholism is often associated with social drinking, but it can progress to alcohol abuse, dependence, and addiction. While some sources debate the truth behind certain statements about alcoholism, it is generally accepted that alcoholics typically cannot stop drinking at any time they want and may require professional help to recover. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and should be approached with medical supervision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol withdrawal | A potentially life-threatening process |
| Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) | A medical condition characterised by impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences |
| AUD treatment | Evidence-based treatment with behavioural therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications |
| Alcoholics | Unable to stop drinking anytime they want |
| Alcoholics | Will not stop drinking even if people tell them they have a problem |
| Alcoholics | Cannot stop drinking without admitting there is a problem |
| Alcoholics | Cannot stop drinking without help from other people |
| Alcohol | A stimulant and a depressant |
| Alcohol | A powerful drug |
| Alcohol | Affects women more than men |
| Alcohol | Increases the risk of suicide |
| Alcohol | Increases the risk of cancer |
| Alcohol | Causes prenatal issues |
| Alcohol | Impairs driving ability |
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What You'll Learn
Alcoholics cannot stop drinking whenever they want
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Alcoholism is a brain disorder that can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is a disease marked by a mental obsession and a lack of control.
Alcoholism is a condition where people cannot stop drinking, even when drinking negatively affects their health, safety, and personal relationships. They are unable to control the amount and frequency of their drinking. For instance, someone with an alcohol use disorder may begin drinking with the intention of having just one beer but ends up drinking six or seven due to a loss of control.
The brain interprets the good feeling induced by alcohol as a reward. This reinforcement causes drinking behaviours to increase to the point where people experience intense cravings if they do not drink. Even people who want to stop drinking may not be able to resist these cravings. They may convince themselves that the only way they can function is with alcohol.
Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening process that can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period of time suddenly stops drinking. Thus, alcoholics should seek professional help and find a trusted medical detox centre instead of trying to stop drinking on their own. Behavioural therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking.
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Alcoholism can bring turmoil to the entire family
Alcohol addiction can also cause emotional turmoil for families. The unpredictable behaviour of an alcoholic family member can create an unstable and chaotic environment, with family members constantly walking on eggshells, fearing the consequences of their words or actions. This can lead to heightened anxiety and even anxiety disorders. The emotional unavailability of an addicted family member can make loved ones feel neglected or abandoned, causing issues such as low self-esteem and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Children of alcoholics may also experience guilt, blaming themselves for their parent's behaviour and believing they could have prevented the addiction.
Alcoholism can also lead to marital issues and neglect of important duties. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions and physical capabilities, leading to a neglect of responsibilities, such as taking care of the home or family, and causing job troubles. Alcohol addiction can drive a wedge between family members, with the addict prioritising alcohol over their family, which can be perceived as a rejection or lack of love. Family members may also develop symptoms of codependency, inadvertently keeping the addiction alive despite its harmful effects.
The entire family can play a crucial role in the treatment of alcoholism. Family therapy can help make interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental changes that impact the person misusing alcohol, and can work to prevent recurrence. It is important to involve the family in the treatment process, as alcoholism affects not just the individual but the entire family unit.
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Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening
Alcohol withdrawal can indeed be life-threatening, and it is important to get help before stopping drinking. Alcohol withdrawal happens when people who have an alcohol dependency either stop drinking or significantly reduce their drinking. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild anxiety to severe physical and neurological effects that, at their most serious, can be life-threatening.
The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms depends on the level of alcohol dependency. For those with mild symptoms, outpatient plans with daily check-ins are recommended. However, individuals with more serious symptoms should be treated in an inpatient setting, where their condition can be closely monitored. Mild symptoms can begin to appear within 6 hours of stopping drinking, with moderate symptoms occurring within 12 to 24 hours.
Delirium tremens is the most serious symptom of alcohol withdrawal and can lead to death. It often occurs two to three days after the last drink and is estimated to affect 3% to 5% of people with a history of alcohol abuse. Delirium tremens is considered a medical emergency and can result in profound confusion, autonomic hyperactivity, and cardiovascular collapse. Other severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include hallucinations, seizures, and heightened sensitivity to pain.
Age also plays a role in the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Middle-aged adults, for example, may experience more severe symptoms due to the longer duration of alcohol exposure. Older adults and seniors are at an increased risk of complications due to age-associated conditions or medications. Additionally, the risk of alcohol-related health complications, such as liver disease, is more prominent in this age group.
It is always recommended to undergo alcohol detox and withdrawal in a supervised environment to address any complications that may arise. Doctors can prescribe medications to manage symptoms and make the withdrawal process safer and less distressing. Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking and improve the chances of a successful recovery.
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Alcohol is a depressant
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It affects the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down brain activity. This can lead to side effects such as relaxation, drowsiness, slurred speech, decreased inhibition, and problems with coordination. Drinking alcohol quickly and in large amounts can lead to more severe symptoms, such as memory loss, coma, or even death. While alcohol can have some stimulating effects (like increased heart rate and anxiety), these effects are brief. As a depressant, alcohol slows down the central nervous system, leading to decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, poor coordination, and reduced alertness. It can also cause other side effects, including a risk for dependence and addiction.
Alcohol is a common psychoactive drug that alters your consciousness, thoughts, and mood. It is easily abused and can be tempting to drink for its "mood-boosting" side effects. However, this can lead to alcohol abuse or dependence. The effects of alcohol depend on how much and how quickly you drink, along with varying factors such as your personal history, genetics, body size, gender, and tolerance.
Drinking heavily and regularly is associated with depression. Alcohol changes the chemicals in your brain, impacting your thoughts and behaviours. As your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises, so do the risks. Abusing alcohol can not only harm your health and mental health but can also hurt those around you, especially if you engage in risky behaviours while under the influence, such as driving, having unprotected sex, or fighting.
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Alcohol increases the risk of cancer
Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorised alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen in 1987, due to sufficient evidence that it causes cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, and liver. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that alcohol drinkers have a higher risk of certain cancers than non-drinkers, and that this risk increases with the amount consumed.
Alcohol is a known human carcinogen, capable of damaging DNA and proteins in the body. It can disrupt cell cycles, increase chronic inflammation, and impair the absorption of essential nutrients, all of which can contribute to cancer development. For example, alcohol can increase oestrogen levels, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. It also makes it easier for cells in the mouth and throat to absorb harmful chemicals, such as those found in tobacco, further increasing the risk of mouth and throat cancers.
Research has found that alcohol consumption was responsible for about 5% of all cancer cases diagnosed in the United States in 2019, amounting to nearly 100,000 cases. It is estimated that most of these cases could have been avoided if individuals adhered to the recommended limits for alcohol consumption. The Surgeon General's Advisory has called for a re-evaluation of these guidelines, taking into account the increased risk of cancer associated with even low levels of alcohol consumption.
It is important to note that the type of alcohol does not seem to matter; beer, wine, and spirits all increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk. Even light-to-moderate drinking, which is often associated with reduced all-cause mortality, cannot be considered safe from a cancer risk perspective.
While alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, it is important to recognise that not all drinkers will develop cancer. However, the evidence is clear that reducing alcohol intake can lower the chances of developing alcohol-associated cancers. This is especially important for individuals with a history of cancer or those undergoing cancer treatment, as alcohol can interfere with certain medications and treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
None of the following statements are true about alcoholism:
- Alcoholics are able to stop drinking anytime they want.
- Alcoholics will stop drinking if people tell them they have a problem.
- Alcoholics can stop drinking without help from other people.
Signs of alcoholism include:
- Drinking interfering with taking care of your home, family, job, or school.
- Continuing to drink despite causing issues with family or friends.
- Giving up or cutting back on activities to drink.
- Getting into risky situations while or after drinking.
- Continuing to drink despite feeling depressed or anxious.
- Needing to drink more to get the desired effect.
Alcoholism can negatively impact one's physical and mental health, finances, family, and community. It can lead to social and financial problems, affect one's ability to work, and cause issues within the family. Alcoholism can also increase the risk of cancer, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
