Alcohol use is a common and accepted part of many cultures. Alcohol addiction is a chronic brain disease that consists of compulsive alcohol use. Alcoholics will continue to drink even though they know they have a drinking problem.
Alcoholism affects the central nervous system by altering the chemistry of the brain. One of the signs of alcohol addiction is having withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Alcoholism is a serious disease that abuses alcohol that affects the brain and the body. It’s important to know the warning signs of alcoholism so you can get help.
Alcohol abuse can lead to problems in various areas of life. This includes health, relationships, work, or school. Legal difficulties, depression or anxiety disorders, and financial difficulties are also common.
Alcohol misuse is a less severe form of problematic drinking, while Alcohol Use Disorder is a clinically diagnosable condition that has a more severe impact on an individual’s life.
Moderate drinking is defined as two drinks or fewer for men per day and one drink or less for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol misuse refers to a pattern of drinking that is harmful or dangerous, but does not meet the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Alcohol misuse may involve drinking more than intended, putting oneself or others in harmful situations while drinking, or neglecting responsibilities due to drinking.
Alcohol Use Disorder, on the other hand, is a diagnosable condition defined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) as a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. It is characterized by symptoms such as:
There are many different symptoms of alcohol withdrawal wich vary based on the individual, the amount they drink and their medical conditions. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
Alcohol abuse is a common problem that sees 1 in 8 Americans suffering from alcoholism.
It’s important to note that these numbers are likely to be underestimates, as underreporting and lack of access to data in some regions can affect the accuracy of the statistics. Alcohol use and its related consequences continue to be a major public health issue globally, and it’s important to address it through evidence-based prevention and treatment efforts.
There are several warning signs to look out for to detect alcoholism. One common sign is the person’s drinking habits. Alcohol can affect a person’s moods and personality. These change when they abuse alcohol and when they stop.
Drinking too much alcohol over time will become a coping mechanism. Individuals who struggle with alcoholism may start to neglect work and personal relationships. Alcoholics struggle to stop drinking despite the problems that arise. Those problems include financial strain, legal troubles, or withdrawal symptoms.
It’s important to understand these warning signs to get the appropriate help. Yet, it’s important not to place blame on a loved one, which can be counterproductive. Instead of pointing fingers, offer support and encourage them to seek treatment.
Some medical illnesses have similar symptoms or complications to alcoholism. The person will need a physical exam from a doctor to diagnose any issues.
Binge drinking is consuming more than 4 drinks in two hours for men, and 3 for women. Binge drinking is also considered hazardous to your health.
Among adolescents, binge drinking is consuming at least five drinks on occasion. They have not developed a tolerance and will experience more pronounced effects from alcohol.
Binge drinking leads to alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is a medical diagnosis for a pattern of recurring alcohol abuse issues. AUD is the most common form of substance use disorder in the United States.
As with any disease, it’s important to diagnose alcoholism. Diagnostic criteria for AUD include
Social drinking is a form of drinking that occurs normally without excess consumption. Alcohol is a legal substance and many individuals enjoy it responsibly at home, with friends, or in social settings without consuming to much alcohol or experiencing any adverse side effects.
A high-performing alcoholic is someone who can function in day-to-day life. Yet, they are dependent on alcohol. They may go about their workday/night, raise a family, and keep up with responsibilities. These alcoholics will drink before or during these tasks to maintain their habit.
One of the signs that someone is a high-functioning alcoholic is when they never drink alone. They are around people who drink which can lead them to believe that their habit is normal. Another sign is when someone drinks right after they wake up or before they go to bed, regardless of the time of day.
This means that they are dependent on alcohol to have a good time, regardless of the consequences. It’s important to remember that any amount of drinking can be dangerous. It will lead to problems so it’s important to be aware of this in everyday life. If you notice other signs of alcoholism, it’s important to be open about your concerns. in a gentle, non-judgmental way that offers support.
Alcohol is a popular legally controlled psychoactive drug that is commonly consumed in social settings. Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages that produces the feeling of being drunk. It lowers anxiety and inhibitions with a broad range of side effects, from euphoria to other harder side effects such as loss of coordination to slurred speech.
Many people feel that since alcohol is legal and everywhere it’s much harder to stop than other commonly abused drugs. Recovery from alcohol abuse and misuse is possible. Going to a medically monitored detox facility will put your mind at ease. Contact our admissions team to start the process today.
Alcoholism leading to drugs is not uncommon. It’s important to be aware of the signs so you can keep yourself and others safe. Alcohol is one of the most common substances used with other drugs. Such as tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, inhalants, and other drugs.
The difference is that alcohol is legal and accessible. Alcohol is available at any grocery store, convenience store, bar, and restaurant. Other substances such as marijuana or cocaine are not accessible in the same way. The ease of access makes it much more likely for people who enjoy alcohol to become addicted. Alcohol changes your brain fast. This means that your risk for mental health disorders increases the more you drink.
Get confidential help 24/7. Call now for:
Related Articles
Get Help Now
University Health Service. The Effects of Combining Alcohol with Other Drugs | University Health Service. (2022). Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://uhs.umich.edu/combine
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Alcohol and other drugs. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa76/aa76.htm
Heilig, M., Augier, E., Pfarr, S., & Sommer, W. H. (2019). Developing neuroscience-based treatments for alcohol addiction: A matter of choice?. Translational psychiatry, 9(1), 1-11.
Kruse, C. S., Lee, K., Watson, J. B., Lobo, L. G., Stoppelmoor, A. G., & Oyibo, S. E. (2020). Measures of effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of telemedicine in the management of alcohol abuse, addiction, and rehabilitation: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 22(1), e13252.
Tabakoff, B., & Hoffman, P. L. (1996). Alcohol addiction: an enigma among us. Neuron, 16(5), 909-912.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.
Call Us Now, Our Admissions Team Is Standing By And Available 24/7.
Head Office Location:
1530 N Federal Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460
Contact & Feedback:
We are here for you.
We are here for you, Call us and get started!