Alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder) is a chronic disease characterized by an uncontrolled need to drink, preoccupation with alcohol, and continuing to drink despite serious problems. It involves physical dependence, meaning you need to drink more to get the same effect or suffer withdrawal when you stop.
It is possible to be a "problem drinker" without being fully dependent. However, binge drinking and heavy use can quickly progress to alcoholism. Denial is a common symptom; many people cannot quit without professional help.
Symptoms
Signs of alcoholism can vary, but typically include:
- Inability to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Feeling a strong compulsion or urge to drink.
- Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect.
- Drinking alone or hiding your drinking.
- Withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shaking) when you don't drink.
- "Blacking out" or forgetting conversations.
- Keeping alcohol in unlikely places (car, desk, bathroom).
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy.
- Legal, relationship, or employment problems due to drinking.
Self-Check: Is my drinking a problem?
Ask yourself these questions. If you answer YES to even one, you may have a problem with alcohol:
- Do you ever need a drink to get started in the morning?
- Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever felt you should cut back?
- Do you get annoyed when people criticize your drinking habits?
- Men: Do you have 5+ drinks in a day?
- Women: Do you have 4+ drinks in a day?
- 12 oz (355 ml) of regular beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 oz (148 ml) of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 oz (44 ml) of hard liquor/spirits (40% alcohol)
Causes & Risk Factors
Alcoholism is influenced by genetic, psychological, and social factors. Over time, heavy drinking changes the brain's chemistry, affecting the ability to control behavior.
Risk Factors
- Steady drinking over time: Regular heavy use creates physical dependence.
- Age: Starting drinking at an early age increases risk.
- Family History: Genetics play a role; risk is higher if parents struggled with alcohol.
- Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are often linked to substance abuse.
- Social Factors: Peer pressure and glamorous media portrayals of drinking.
Health Complications
Excessive drinking affects almost every organ in the body.
- Liver Disease: Hepatitis (inflammation) and Cirrhosis (irreversible scarring).
- Heart Problems: High blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.
- Digestive Issues: Gastritis, ulcers, and pancreatitis.
- Diabetes Complications: Alcohol interferes with glucose release, causing low blood sugar.
- Neurological Damage: Numbness in hands/feet, dementia, and memory loss.
- Cancer Risk: Increased risk of mouth, throat, liver, and breast cancer.
- Bone Loss: Leads to osteoporosis and fractures.
Treatment Options
The first step is overcoming denial. Treatment depends on the severity of the addiction.
1. Detoxification & Withdrawal
This is the first physical step. It typically takes 2-7 days and may require hospitalization to manage withdrawal symptoms like shaking, confusion, or hallucinations (delirium tremens).
2. Psychological Counseling
Therapy helps you understand the root of the problem. Family therapy is also crucial to rebuild damaged relationships.
3. Medications
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): Makes you feel sick if you drink alcohol (deterrent).
- Naltrexone (Revia): Blocks the "good feeling" alcohol causes.
- Acamprosate (Campral): Helps combat alcohol cravings.
4. Support Groups
Aftercare is vital. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a community of support to manage relapses and cope with lifestyle changes.
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