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Alcoholism is the continued drinking of alcohol despite it causing problems. Some definitions require evidence of dependence and withdrawal. [15] Problematic use of alcohol has been mentioned in the earliest historical records.
- Overview
- What causes it?
- What are the risk factors?
- What are the symptoms?
- Self-testing: Do I misuse alcohol?
- Professional diagnosis
- How is it treated?
- What’s the outlook for a person with alcohol use disorder?
- How can you prevent alcohol use disorder?
Alcoholism, referred to as alcohol use disorder, occurs when someone drinks so much that their body eventually becomes dependent on or addicted to alcohol. There are different treatment plans available.
Alcoholism has been known by a variety of terms, including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Today, it’s referred to as alcohol use disorder.
People with alcohol use disorder will continue to drink even when drinking causes negative consequences, like losing a job or destroying relationships with people they love. They may know that their alcohol use negatively affects their lives, but it’s often not enough to make them stop drinking.
Some people may drink alcohol to the point that it causes problems, but they’re not physically dependent on alcohol. This used to be referred to as alcohol abuse.
The cause of alcohol use disorder is still unknown. Alcohol use disorder develops when you drink so much that chemical changes in the brain occur. These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get when you drink alcohol. This makes you want to drink more often, even if it causes harm.
Eventually, the pleasurable feelings associated with alcohol use go away and the person with alcohol use disorder will engage in drinking to prevent withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant and even dangerous.
Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease.
Known risk factors include having:
•more than 15 drinks per week if you’re male
•more than 12 drinks per week if you’re female
•more than 5 drinks per day at least once a week (binge drinking)
•a parent with alcohol use disorder
Symptoms of alcohol use disorder are based on the behaviors and physical outcomes that occur as a result of alcohol addiction.
People with alcohol use disorder may engage in the following behaviors:
•drinking alone
•drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance)
•becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits
•not eating or eating poorly
Sometimes it can be hard to draw the line between safe alcohol use and the misuse of alcohol. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you may misuse alcohol if you answer “yes” to some of the following questions:
•Do you need to drink more in order to feel the effects of alcohol?
•Do you feel guilty about drinking?
•Do you become irritable or violent when you’re drinking?
•Do you have problems at school or work because of drinking?
•Do you think it might be better if you cut back on your drinking?
Your doctor or healthcare provider can diagnose alcohol use disorder. They’ll do a physical exam and ask you questions about your drinking habits.
Your doctor may ask if you:
•drive when you’re drunk
•have missed work or have lost a job as a result of your drinking
•need more alcohol to feel “drunk” when you drink
•have experienced blackouts as a result of your drinking
Treatment for alcohol use disorder varies, but each method is meant to help you stop drinking altogether. This is called abstinence. Treatment may occur in stages and can include the following:
•detoxification or withdrawal to rid your body of alcohol
•rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors
•counseling to address emotional problems that may cause you to drink
•support groups, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
•medical treatment for health problems associated with alcohol use disorder
Recovering from alcohol use disorder is difficult. Your outlook will depend on your ability to stop drinking. Many people who seek treatment are able to overcome the addiction. A strong support system is helpful for making a complete recovery.
Your outlook will also depend on the health complications that have developed as a result of your drinking. Alcohol use disorder can severely damage your liver. It can also lead to other health complications, including:
•bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
•damage to brain cells
•cancer in the GI tract
•dementia
You can prevent alcohol use disorder by limiting your alcohol intake. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women shouldn’t drink more than one drink per day, and men shouldn’t drink more than two drinks per day.
See your doctor if you begin to engage in behaviors that are signs of alcohol use disorder or if you think that you may have a problem with alcohol. You should also consider attending a local AA meeting or participating in a self-help program such as Women for Sobriety.
- Darla Burke
Jun 14, 2024 · Whether you’re the loved one of someone struggling with alcohol addiction, or you yourself are struggling, it’s important to be aware of these signs and to know that you’re not alone. Thousands of people from all walks of life battle alcoholism every day, and thousands make the decision to seek help.
May 18, 2022 · If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. It can range from mild to severe. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
Jan 20, 2023 · Noticing that drinking or the after-effects of drinking caused problems at home, work, or school. Giving up on other activities you enjoy to drink instead. Continuing to drink even after ...
Alcoholism most often refers to alcohol use disorder—a problematic pattern of drinking that leads to impairment or distress—which can be characterized as mild, moderate, or severe based on the ...
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Sep 25, 2023 · No matter how serious the problem seems, people can recover from alcoholism and live happier, more productive lives. NIAAA reports that alcohol addiction treatment can be very effective, with research showing “that about 1/3 of people who are treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms 1 year later.”.
