Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. over the age of 12 struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to stop or control one’s drinking, as well as a constant preoccupation with alcohol. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction so you can get treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Although many people drink alcohol in moderation to relax or enjoy social activities, alcohol use can progress to AUD, also known as alcohol addiction.
These symptoms include:
- Consuming alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- Having a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Spending a great deal of time on activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
- Having cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol
- Failing to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home due to alcohol use
- Continuing alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by its effects
- Abandoning or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
- Repeatedly using alcohol in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Continuing alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
- Experiencing tolerance, which means you need more alcohol to feel intoxicated.
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or stop drinking.
Who Is at Risk for Alcohol Addiction?
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. The exact cause of alcoholism is unknown. However, some predictors have been linked to the onset of alcoholism. These factors may include:
- Having more than 15 alcoholic drinks/week for men
- Having more than 12 alcoholic drinks/week for women
- Having more than 5 alcoholic drinks/day (binge drinking)
- Having a parent with AUD
- Having a mental health condition (e.g. depression, anxiety, panic disorder)
Not everyone who drinks alcohol will become addicted or develop alcohol addiction. Additionally, certain factors may influence whether alcohol misuse develops into an addiction or not. Some of these factors may include but are not limited to:
- Gender
- Age
- Body composition
- Genetic makeup
- Previous drug use history or concurrent drug use
- Environmental factors
Effects of Alcoholism
Alcohol consumption in excess can have short- and long-term consequences on your health. Depending on how much you drink in one sitting, binge drinking can be lethal and may cause blackouts in which you experience periods of not knowing where you were or what you were doing. Blackouts can lead to hazardous situations and increase your risk of accidents, injuries, or altercations.
Chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol metabolism are strongly linked to several pathological consequences and tissue damage. Alcohol Liver Disease (ALD) is the leading cause of liver illness in both North America and Europe. Cirrhosis of the liver can occur when people consume too much alcohol, and the liver can no longer process it effectively. If the liver is weak or damaged, it can’t do its job properly, and health problems may arise.
Other long-term effects can include:
- Cardiomyopathy (stretching of the heart muscle)
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Pancreatitis
- Weakened immune system
- Larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Alcohol poisoning
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How to Treat Alcohol Addiction
Several different types of treatment options are available for alcoholism, including:
Detox
Detox is the first stage of treatment. It usually lasts from a few days to 10 days, where the individual goes through alcohol withdrawal under medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort throughout the process.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is the most intensive treatment option, which may last anywhere from 30-90 days, depending on your needs. Inpatient treatment involves residing at the center while receiving a combination of individual therapy, group counseling, and family therapy sessions.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab ranges from a couple of hours per week to several hours per day, depending on the level and intensity. Regardless of the frequency, you can live at home while recovering from alcohol addiction, which allows for more flexibility with your schedule and routine.
Medications for AUD
A few different medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcohol use disorder. Here are some of the most common medications used:
- Naltrexone (ReVia) is used only after someone has detoxed from alcohol. This type of drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are associated with the alcoholic “high.” In combination with counseling, this type of drug may help decrease a person’s craving for alcohol.
- Acamprosate is a medication that can help reestablish the brain’s original chemical state before alcohol dependence. This drug should also be combined with therapy.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an older drug that causes physical discomfort (such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches) any time the person consumes alcohol.
Aftercare and Ongoing Support
After your stay at an inpatient or outpatient facility, there is still work to be done. Maintaining your recovery will likely require ongoing care. Many individuals will transition to a second-stage facility with less structure or continue with their group support meetings.
Some common types of ongoing support for alcohol addiction include:
- Step-down treatment: If you have completed an inpatient treatment program, you may want to transition to an outpatient program, which is less intensive and has less structure, but still provides professional care.
- Sober living homes: Sober living homes are transitional facilities with less structure, but are still geared toward supporting a life centered around recovery.
- Group support meetings: Attending support meetings can help you stay sober with the help of peer support and guidance; examples include 12-step meetings, SMART Recovery groups, or online AA meetings that help you stay connected to your recovery community.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, help is available. Call
800-681-1058
(Sponsored)
.