Carbonell Institute
Alcoholism
Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking. Alcoholism occurs when you show signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink despite problems with your physical health, mental health, and social, family, or work responsibilities. Alcohol can control a person's life and relationships. Alcohol abuse is when drinking leads to problems, but not to physical addiction.
Causes of alcoholism
There is no single known cause of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but it is not known which ones or how they work. The amount of alcohol a person drinks can influence the likelihood of becoming dependent. People at risk for alcoholism include: Men who have 15 or more drinks per week; women who have 12 or more drinks per week; and anyone who has five or more drinks on any one occasion at least once a week. A drink is defined as one 340 ml bottle of beer, one 140 ml glass of wine, or 40 ml of a shot of liquor. A person is at greater risk of developing alcohol abuse and dependence if they have a parent with alcoholism. You may also be more likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent if you: Are a young adult under peer pressure. Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. Have easy access to alcohol. Have low self-esteem. Have problems with interpersonal relationships. Lead a stressful lifestyle. Live in a culture where alcohol use is more common and accepted.
Symptoms of alcoholism
People who suffer from alcoholism or alcohol abuse often: Continue drinking even when their health, work, or family life suffers. Drink alone. Become violent when they drink. Become hostile when questioned about their drinking. Are unable to control their drinking: they are unable to stop or reduce their alcohol consumption. Make excuses to drink. Miss work or school or experience a decline in performance due to drinking. Stop participating in activities because of alcohol. Need to drink alcohol most days to get through the day. Neglect to eat or eat poorly. Don't care about or ignore how they are dressed or clean. Try to hide their drinking. Tremble in the mornings or after periods without drinking.
Signs of alcohol dependence include: Memory lapses (blackouts) after binge drinking. An increasing need for more and more alcohol to feel intoxicated. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms when one has not had a drink for a while. Alcohol-related illnesses, such as alcoholic liver disease.
Treatment of alcoholism
Quitting alcohol completely is the ideal treatment goal. This is called abstinence. A strong social network and family support are important for achieving this. Quitting completely and avoiding alcohol is difficult for many people with alcoholism. There will be times when it will be challenging. Your aim should be to avoid drinking for as long as possible. Some people who drink excessively may be able to simply reduce the amount they drink. This is called moderate drinking. If this method doesn't work, you should try to stop drinking completely.
Long-term recovery
Recovery or support programs can help you stop drinking completely. These programs typically offer: counseling and therapy to address alcoholism and its effects, and how to manage your thoughts and behaviors; mental health support; and medical care. Depression or other anxiety or mood disorders can develop once you stop drinking and should be treated promptly. It is important for the patient to have a supportive living situation to help them avoid alcohol. Some programs offer residential options for people with alcoholism or alcohol abuse problems.
Possible complications of alcoholism
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can increase the risk of many health problems, including: bleeding in the digestive tract; damage to nerve cells; a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome; cancer of the esophagus, liver, colon, and other areas; changes in the menstrual cycle (period); delirium tremens (DT); dementia and memory loss; depression and suicide; erectile dysfunction; heart damage; high blood pressure; inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis); liver disease, including cirrhosis; nerve damage; malnutrition; and sleep problems (insomnia). Alcohol use also increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violence. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, such as fetal alcohol syndrome.
Take the first step
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