Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a chronic, usually progressive disorder. This disorder is characterized by having problems regulating the amount of alcohol you consume, preoccupation with alcohol, needing more to drink to feel the same levels of intoxication, continuing alcohol abuse even though it causes problems in your life, or experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if attempts to cut down drinking are made.
As our culture considers alcohol usage to be a bonding ritual, individuals often spend great deals of time in bars with friends, coworkers, and family in an effort to have fun and relax. It is possible to have a problem with alcohol even if one has not yet become an alcoholic. Problems with alcohol occur when an individual drinks too much which causes recurring problems in their lives without the physical or psychological dependence upon alcohol.
Binge drinking is a popular pastime for teenagers and college kids that can be a precursor to the development of alcoholism later. Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol usage in which a male drinks five or more drinks in a row or female drinks at least four drinks in a row can cause the same health concerns and interpersonal problems associated with alcoholism. The greater amounts of alcohol consumed, the greater the risks.
Individuals struggling with alcoholism may not be able to stop their problem drinking without help. Most who struggle with alcohol abuse deny that they do indeed have a problem with alcohol. With proper detox, treatment, and long-term support, it is possible to quit drinking and live a happy, sober life.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Alcohol use and abuse disorders often co-occur with other mental illnesses. These may include:
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Conduct disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Other substance abuse disorders and addictions
Statistics
In the United States, there are currently 15 million individuals who are affected by alcohol abuse and dependency. The 12 month prevalence of alcohol use disorders is estimated at 4.6% among 12-17 year olds and 8.5% among adults ages 18 and older. There is a variability among sexes: adult men have a greater prevalence at 12.4% and adult women have a prevalence of 4.9%. The greatest prevalence is among individuals in the 18-29 age bracket at 16.2% and the lowest is among individuals over the age of 65 at 1.5%.
Causes
Alcoholism and alcohol use disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic, social, environmental, and psychological factors. Some causes for alcoholism include:
Genetic: Individuals who have a first-degree relative with alcoholism or another substance addiction are at a higher risk for developing an addiction to alcohol.
Biological: Over time, the usage of alcohol changes the balance of neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain that are associated with providing pleasure feelings, ability to exercise control over behavior, and judgment. Additionally, individuals who begin to drink at a younger age are at a higher risk for developing problem drinking.
Environmental: As alcohol use is considered normal behavior among most of society, being around individuals who drink in excess can increase the likelihood for developing problem drinking.
Psychological: Many individuals who struggle with alcoholism have a co-occurring mental illness such as depressive disorders or anxiety disorders. To reduce the symptom severity of these illnesses, individuals may drink to reduce the symptoms. This process is called “self-medication.”
Signs and Symptoms
While not all individuals who suffer from alcoholism experience the same symptoms, some of the most common symptoms of alcoholism include:
Mood:
- Feeling ashamed
- Denying there is a problem
- Depression over inability to stop drinking
- Anxiety when alcohol is unavailable
- Guilt over alcohol usage
Behavioral:
- Hiding drinking from loved ones
- Risky behaviors
- Lowered inhibitions
- Intentionally gulping alcohol or ordering doubles to quickly become intoxicated
- Inability to limit amount of alcohol consumed
- Drinking alone
- Loss of interest in previously-enjoyable hobbies and activities
- Black-outs, or not being able to recall conversation and events that occur while heavily drinking
- Keeping alcohol supplies in unlikely places such as at your desk at work
- Legal problems
- Problems in interpersonal relationships
- Inability to hold down a job
- Pattern of ignoring responsibilities at work, school or home due to drinking
- Usage of alcohol in situations in which intoxication is dangerous
Physical:
- Needing more and more alcohol to feel the same effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempts to cut down on the amount of alcohol consumed
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Health-risks associated with risky behaviors done while drunk
- Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach lining
- Slowed, slurred speech
Psychological:
- Strong compulsion to drink
- Drinking at specific times and places, developing a ritual
- Irritation and anxiety when drinking ritual is interrupted
- Require a drink to relax
- Continuation of drinking despite problems it is causing in an individual’s life
- Drinking becomes a full-time job
- Blaming alcohol usage and associated problems on others
Effects
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that may initially cause brain stimulation that is quickly replaced by sedation. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, changes emotions, thoughts, and judgment. Effects of alcoholism include:
- Damage to vital areas of the brain
- Increased risks of cancer
- Damage to the nervous system
- Nystagmus (problems with eyes)
- Vitamin B-1 deficiency
- Complications of diabetes
- Cardiovascular problems
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Domestic abuse
- Problems with interpersonal relationships
- Poverty
- Homelessness
- Increase in violent behaviors and crimes
- Liver disease
- Acute pancreatitis
- Weakened immune system
- Gastritis
- Bone loss
- Coma
- Seizures
- Suicide
- Death
Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawing from alcohol can be a highly unpleasant experience which is why so many individuals who try to curtail their drinking relapse to avoid the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol is best performed under strict medical supervision. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Jumpiness
- Increased anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Depression
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations