What Is an Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a widespread disease that affects people of all
walks of life. While experts have long tried to pinpoint genetic, gender,
racial, or socioeconomic factors that may predispose someone to alcohol
addiction, it appears that it has no singular cause and can afflict anyone.
In the medical community, alcohol addiction has long
been considered a psychosomatic condition (Carver, 1948). This means that
social, psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to
the disease. However, it’s important to note that it is a real disease, and
once addicted, an alcoholic may physically be unable to control his or her
actions. Research has shown that addiction, including alcohol addiction, causes
physical changes to the brain and neurochemistry of an addict.
Alcohol addiction can show itself in a variety of ways.
The severity, frequency of use, or type of alcohol consumed varies from one
person to the next. Some may drink heavily all day, while others binge drink
for a period and then stay sober until their next “bender.” The type of alcohol
you drink does not preclude you from alcoholism.
Regardless of how the addiction looks, alcoholism is
usually present if a person heavily relies on drinking and cannot stay sober
for a long period of time.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?
It may be difficult to recognize alcohol addiction.
Unlike drugs such as cocaine or heroin, alcohol is a widely available drug and
is accepted in most cultures. It is often at the center of social situations
and is closely linked to celebration, reward, and enjoyment. Drinking is a part
of life for many people, young and old. Also, alcoholics are often good at
hiding their drinking from loved ones or minimizing the seriousness of their habit.
Because of this, it is hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to
have a few drinks now and then and someone with a real problem.
The following could be signs of alcohol addiction.
- increased quantity or frequency of use
- higher tolerance when drinking or lack of
- drinking at inappropriate times (first thing
in the morning) or places (church or work)
- wanting to be where alcohol is present and
avoiding situations where it is not
- changes in friendships (an alcoholic will choose
friends who drink just as heavily)
- avoiding contact with loved ones
- hiding alcohol where no one will find it, or
hiding while drinking
- dependence on alcohol to function or be
“normal” in everyday life
- increased lethargy, depression, or other
- legal or professional problems such as an
arrest or loss of job
As this addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s
important to look for early warning signs. If identified and treated early, the
alcoholic may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease. If you are
worried that an addiction is present, it’s best to approach the alcoholic and discuss
your concerns in a supportive way. Avoid shaming them or making them feel
guilty. This could push them further away and make them more resistant to the
help you offer.
What Are the Treatment Options for Alcoholism?
Treating alcohol addiction can be complex and
challenging. In order for treatment to work, the alcoholic must want to get
sober. Usually, you can’t force a person to stop drinking or consider treatment
if they aren’t ready. Success depends on the individual’s personal drive to get
The recovery process for an alcoholic is a lifetime
commitment. It involves daily maintenance, and is not a quick fix. For this
reason, many people say alcohol addiction is never “cured.”
A common initial treatment option for alcoholics is an
outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation. In severe cases, an inpatient program
lasting anywhere from 30 days to a year can help the alcoholic handle the
withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges that come with stopping drinking.
Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the patient to live
in his or her own home.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Other Support Groups
Many alcoholics also turn to 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, there are also other support groups that
don’t follow the 12-step model. They include SMART Recovery or Sober Recovery.
Regardless of the type of support system someone in
recovery chooses, it’s usually important to get involved in at least one. Sober
communities can help an alcoholic deal with the challenges of sobriety in
day-to-day life. All of these options put the alcoholic in touch with other
people who have gone through similar experiences. It makes them accountable and
gives them new, healthy friendships. It also provides a place to turn when a
relapse may be on the horizon.
An alcoholic may also benefit from other treatment
methods, such as drug therapy, counseling, or nutritional changes. A doctor may
prescribe something like antidepressants if the alcoholic was self-medicating
for an existing problem like depression. They can also prescribe drugs to
assist with the emotions common in recovery. A therapist is useful in teaching
someone to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent
relapse. Also, a healthy diet can help undo damage that the alcohol may have
done to the person’s health, including any weight gain or loss.
In general, alcohol addiction involves several different
treatment methods that vary from one person to the next. It’s important that
the alcoholic has a recovery program that will work for him or her and support
long-term sobriety. This could mean an emphasis on therapy for someone who is
depressed, or inpatient treatment for someone with severe withdrawal symptoms.
The right treatment for you
depends on your specific needs.
What is the Outlook for Alcoholism?
When an alcoholic gets help early on, treatment tends be
more promising. However, long-term addictions can be successfully treated as
well. The danger with waiting to treat the addiction is that it tends to
progress quickly. Generally, addictions that have gone on longer are harder to
break, though many people are successful after struggling with addiction for
Relapses are not uncommon. An alcoholic who has remained
sober for months or even years may find himself or herself drinking again. He
or she may binge drink once or drink for a period of time before getting sober
again. A relapse does not indicate certain failure.
Friends and family of the alcoholic might benefit from
seeking professional support or by joining programs like Al-Anon/Alateen. The alcoholic’s recovery process can be just as
challenging and painful for loved ones as it is for the alcoholic. Ultimately,
however, sobriety is the responsibility of the alcoholic. It’s important to not
enable destructive behaviors and to maintain appropriate boundaries if the
alcoholic is still drinking. This could mean cutting off financial assistance
to the alcoholic or making it more difficult for him or her to indulge in the
What Are the Health Complications of Alcoholism?
Untreated, alcohol addiction can result in heart disease
and liver disease. Either of these can cause death. Untreated alcoholism can also
- diabetes complications
- sexual problems
- birth defects
- bone loss
- vision problems
- increased cancer risk
- suppressed immune function
If the alcoholic takes risks while drinking, he or she
could put others in harm’s way. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving, for example, takes
30 lives every day in the United States. Drinking is also associated with
increased incidence of suicide and homicide.
These serious complications are another reason it’s
important to treat this addiction early. But, nearly all of the risks of
alcohol addiction are avoidable or treatable with long-term, successful
What Are Resources for Alcoholism?
For more information about alcoholism or to help a loved
one find options for help, it may be best to talk to your doctor. He or she can
refer you to local programs in your area, such as treatment centers or 12-step
programs. Also, the following organizations may be useful: