Alcoholism

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a condition where a person’s consumption of alcohol is so extensive that their body inevitably develops a dependence or addiction. This condition is recognized by various terms such as alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Those grappling with alcohol use disorder persist in their drinking habits despite enduring detrimental outcomes such as job loss or relationship breakdowns.

They are often fully aware of the adverse impact their alcohol consumption has on their lives, yet this comprehension typically fails to curb their drinking.

Certain individuals may consume alcohol to an extent that it leads to significant complications, yet they do not exhibit physical dependence on it. This was previously identified as alcohol abuse.

What causes alcoholism?

The exact cause of alcohol use disorder remains elusive, yet it’s evident that it develops from prolonged, excessive drinking that triggers chemical changes in the brain. These alterations amplify the enjoyable sensations when consuming alcohol, inducing a desire to drink more frequently, even when it’s detrimental.

Over time, the joy derived from alcohol consumption dissipates, and individuals with alcohol use disorder find themselves drinking to stave off distressing and potentially hazardous withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol use disorder typically unfurls over time and is known to have a genetic predisposition, often running in families.

What are the risk factors of alcoholism?

The exact cause of alcohol use disorder may be elusive, but we can confidently pinpoint certain factors that significantly escalate the risk of developing this disease. These risk factors encompass:

• Consumption exceeding 15 drinks per week for males
• Consumption exceeding 12 drinks per week for females
• Binge drinking, defined as 5 or more drinks in a single day at least once a week
• Having a parent with an alcohol use disorder
• Co-existing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia

Additionally, your risk for alcohol use disorder intensifies if you:

• Are a young adult under peer pressure
• Have a low self-esteem
• Are subjected to high levels of stress
• Reside in a family or culture where alcohol use is prevalent and accepted
• Have a close relative struggling with alcohol use disorder

What are the symptoms of alcoholism?

Alcohol use disorder is characterized by a series of behavioral and physical manifestations resulting from alcohol addiction. Those grappling with alcohol use disorder may exhibit the following behaviors:

• Opting to drink alone
• Increasing alcohol intake to experience its effects (indicating a high tolerance)
• Displaying anger or aggression when questioned about their drinking habits
• Neglecting proper nutrition
• Overlooking personal hygiene
• Skipping work or school due to drinking
• Demonstrating inability to control alcohol consumption
• Justifying reasons to drink
• Persisting with drinking despite facing legal, social, or economic repercussions
• Abandoning significant social, occupational, or recreational activities due to alcohol use

Physical symptoms that may accompany alcohol use disorder include:

• Cravings for alcohol
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as shaking, nausea, and vomiting
• Developing tremors (involuntary shaking) following a drinking episode
• Suffering memory lapses (blacking out) after a night of drinking.
• Falling ill with conditions like alcoholic keto-acidosis (featuring dehydration-type symptoms) or cirrhosis

Alcohol use disorder can inflict severe and enduring harm on your liver. Tasked with the removal of toxins from your blood, your liver can become overwhelmed when excessive alcohol consumption hinders its ability to filter alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream. This can pave the way for liver disease and other health complications.

How is alcoholism treated?

The approach to treating alcohol use disorder can vary, but each strategy aims to guide you towards total abstinence. This treatment process may unfold in phases and could incorporate the following:

• Detoxification or withdrawal to cleanse your system of alcohol.
• Rehabilitation to acquire new coping mechanisms and behaviors.
• Counseling to tackle emotional issues that prompt you to drink.
• Participation in support groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or faith-based programs.
• Medical intervention for health complications linked to alcohol use disorder.
• Prescription medications to regulate addiction.

What are the complications and outlook of alcoholism?

Your perspective will be influenced by the health issues arising from your alcohol consumption. The adverse effects of alcohol use disorder can significantly harm your liver, potentially leading to liver cancer.

Additionally, it may contribute to various other health complications, such as:

• Bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• Damage to brain cells
• Cancer in the GI tract
• Dementia
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Nerve damage
• Changes in mental status, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a brain disease that causes symptoms such as confusion, vision changes, or memory loss)