ALCOHOL ABUSE ALCOHOL ADDICTION ALCOHOL USE DISORDER ALCOHOLISM

Medically Reviewed By Dr Matthew Donlan

On 15 November 2022

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Last Medically Reviewed 15 November 2022

ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Alcohol use disorder causes not only medical and psychological problems but also social ones that can destroy a person’s life. These range from weight gain and liver disease to spousal violence, financial loss, unemployment, and congenital disabilities. Alcohol physically changes the brain leading to physical dependency, which results in severe withdrawal symptoms if a person tries to quit drinking.

Alcoholism is a global epidemic, accounting for approximately 5% of all fatalities. If you or someone close to you is struggling with alcoholism, it’s important to seek professional help at an alcohol addiction treatment center. Psyclarity Health has the resources and experience necessary to help you start your journey toward recovery.

WHAT IS ALCOHOL
ADDICTION?

Although alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, does not discriminate against anyone based on background or lifestyle choices, experts have attempted to find patterns in genetic predispositions, sex differences, race relations, and socioeconomics that might lead someone down the path of dependency. Unfortunately, there is no single cause.

There are many factors that can lead to developing alcoholism, such as psychological traits, genes, and behaviors. It’s essential to remember that alcoholism is a genuine disease. Alcoholism changes the brain and neurochemistry, which might make it difficult for someone addicted to alcohol to regulate their actions.

Alcohol addiction looks different for everyone, but there are usually some commonalities. People with alcoholism often drink heavily and cannot stay sober for long periods of time. The disease is also characterized by a dependence on alcohol and difficulty quitting drinking.

Alcoholism not only takes a toll on your mental and physical well-being but also on your social and spiritual health. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and there are many individual factors that contribute to someone’s likelihood of abusing alcohol or becoming addicted.

The following are some of the most common risk factors for alcoholism:

Although not everyone who consumes alcohol excessively will develop an addiction, the danger of doing so grows the more a person continues to drink regularly. If the person has pre-existing mental health issues, alcoholism will further complicate and intensify those symptoms. To cope with their mental illness, patients may develop a drinking problem which creates a continuous cycle of needing to drink more to self-medicate their mental health symptoms and ease symptoms of previous alcohol consumption.

SIGNS OF
ALCOHOL ABUSE

It can be tricky to identify an alcohol addiction because, unlike cocaine or heroin, drinking is widely socially encouraged. In many cultures, it’s even considered a part of celebrations and enjoyment. Because it’s such a staple in society, it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to drink every now and then and someone with an actual problem.

There are many warning signs of alcohol abuse, and if left unchecked, they will cause long-term damage to a person’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. The following are examples of some of these signs.

 

Physical Symptoms:

One of the most important things you can do if you think someone close to you has an addiction is to identify early warning signs. An addiction left unchecked will only get worse over time, but if it’s identified and treated early, there’s a good chance the person can avoid major consequences. In the short term, several indicators of alcohol dependence include:

  • Drinking more alcohol than previously consumed and spending more time and money on drinking habits
  • Spending large amounts of time drinking and recovering from hangovers
  • Slurred speech and poor coordination as a result of being drunk
  • Increased injuries as a result of falls or dangerous behavior
  • Poor hygiene
  • Smelling strongly of alcohol
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Significant weight gain, bloating
  • Drug abuse

 The following signs indicate long-term alcohol abuse:

  • High blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat
  • Fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Various types of cancer
  • Immune system dysfunction

 

Psychological Symptoms:

Alcohol addiction not only worsens pre-existing mental disorders, but it can also disguise the symptoms of such illnesses. This is due to the chemicals in alcohol interfering with normal brain function.

It is tricky to diagnose pre-existing mental disorders when the person is still actively abusing alcohol. In this case, treatment specialists will assess what mental health issues are actually involved and create a dual-diagnosis  treatment plan that addresses issues with both addiction and mental health. The following are some of the most prevalent psychological indications of alcoholism:

  • Moodiness
  • Irritability and outbursts of anger
  • Failure to complete tasks on time
  • Memory, focus, and attention issues
  • Sudden or worsening anxiety
  • Possible hallucinations or delusional thinking, particularly during withdrawal stages

 

Social Consequences of Alcoholism:

Excessive alcohol consumption can create difficulties in several areas of a person’s life. As drinking progresses, a person may start to distance themselves from their family to drink alone. They might often call in sick to work or miss social gatherings. If they get caught driving drunk, they could end up with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, making it hard to meet obligations at home or work.

The homeless population is particularly vulnerable to alcoholism, which may be due to a decline in social and occupational functioning. However, many people who suffer from alcoholism continue to live with their families and maintain some degree of job performance. The following are some signs that alcoholism may be affecting a person’s social life:

  • Drinking alcohol at inappropriate times, such as early in the morning or at places of worship or employment
  • Only being social where alcohol is present and avoiding gatherings where there is none
  • Changes in friendships circles or choosing to spend more time with people who also drink heavily
  • Avoiding family and loved ones
  • Hiding alcohol and their use of it
  • Physical dependence on alcohol to function every day
  • Increased lethargy, laziness, and antisocial behavior
  • Legal or professional issues like getting arrested or losing their job

Health Complications
Associated with Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder can lead to an increased chance of heart disease and liver disease, both of which can be deadly. Alcoholism can also cause:

  • High blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat
  • Fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Ulcers
  • Diabetes
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Birth defects
  • Weakened bone structure
  • Vision problems
  • Higher risk of cancer
  • Suppressed immune function

When people with alcohol use disorder take risks while drinking, it can endanger others as well. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every day in the United States, drunk driving kills 28 people. Also, studies show that drinking is associated with a higher incidence of suicide and homicide.

Alcohol addiction can cause many different complications, which is why it’s important to treat it early. With successful long-term recovery, nearly all of the risks involved in alcohol use disorder may be avoidable or treatable.

ALCOHOL
DETOX

The first step in recovering from alcohol use disorder is medical detox. The safest way to detox from alcohol is under the guidance of a medical professional during treatment. This is best done in an inpatient treatment setting.

During inpatient alcohol rehab at Psyclarity Health, the patient will stop drinking and is monitored by our highly qualified medical staff to receive medication and support during the withdrawal period. A person might expect several unpleasant symptoms during alcohol withdrawal.

 

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

  • Sweating
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors or shakiness
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

 

Many of these effects appear within a few hours of quitting and remain for 2–8 days on average. However, symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia might linger for six months or more.

Though it may seem depressing, patients recovering from alcoholism can, with time and patience, build a happy and satisfying life by entering into alcohol addiction treatment.

Due to the risk of relapse and the dangers of withdrawal, alcohol detox should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Many of these effects appear within a few hours of quitting and remain for 2–8 days on average. However, symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia might linger for six months or more. Though it may seem depressing, patients recovering from alcoholism can, with time and patience, build a happy and satisfying life by entering into alcohol addiction treatment.

Due to the risk of relapse and the dangers of withdrawal, alcohol detox should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Alcohol Dependence
& Treatment

Alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorders can be treated in a number of ways. For people who have more severe signs of addiction and dependency, inpatient/residential alcohol addiction therapy is usually recommended.

Psyclarity Health offers professional alcohol, dual diagnosis, and substance abuse treatment at our alcohol addiction centers throughout America. During addiction treatment, the patient will receive 24-hour care from a skilled team during inpatient treatment. To keep the client safe and prevent the risk of relapse, they will initially reside in the alcohol addiction treatment center and have restricted contact with people outside of it.

Treatments that allow a person to remain at home, work, and continue other habits while receiving therapy are known as outpatient care. Instead of staying in the treatment facility, the individual will go to their appointment and then return home. Intensive outpatient care might entail many hours of treatment multiple times a week to provide additional support to those who require it. Longer therapy intervals are often more beneficial than shorter treatment times. It is critical to continue the recovery process after rehab in order to avoid relapse.

People who have completed an inpatient treatment program at Psyclarity Health should transition to outpatient treatment with a solid aftercare plan and treatment provider. Outside of professional assistance, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) can help people stay on track to achieve their recovery objectives. Support groups give people a chance to engage with people who have endured similar experiences and gain insight and comradery from the relationships they build. The risk of relapse can be reduced, and longer durations of recovery can be established with healthy support systems and continued addiction therapy.

Get Help for Alcohol
Use Disorder Today

Help is available if you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism. The first and most crucial step toward recovery is to seek treatment for your alcohol problems. Psyclarity Health facilities offer a wide range of individualized treatment programs for alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Combining cutting-edge treatment modalities with our highly-skilled, compassionate staff complements, we can help you get your life back on track. To learn more about comprehensive alcohol abuse treatment and how you or a loved one can overcome their alcohol problems at one of our certified addiction treatment facilities, contact us today.

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