Alcohol Addiction Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a problematic pattern of alcohol use. These problems include the inability to control alcohol consumption, having obsessions and misconceptions about alcohol consumption, and continuing to consume alcohol even though it has caused various problems.
In addition, people who are addicted to alcohol also often feel they have to consume more alcohol to get the same effect and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming it.
Alcohol intake can potentially pose a health and safety hazard or cause other alcohol-related problems. This condition also includes binge drinking, which is a condition when a person consumes large amounts of alcohol in a short time.
If the pattern of alcohol consumption that occurs causes significant distress and problems in carrying out daily activities, this can be categorized as alcohol addiction. This condition can be categorized from mild to severe. For this reason, early treatment of this condition is very necessary.
Symptoms
Alcohol addiction can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of signs and symptoms you are experiencing. Signs and symptoms that can occur include:
- Unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Attempting to limit alcohol intake or failing to limit alcohol intake.
- Spends a lot of time getting alcohol, consuming alcohol, and recovering after consuming alcohol.
- Feeling an excessive desire to consume alcohol.
- Repeated failure to meet obligations at work, school, or residence due to the effects of persistent alcohol consumption.
- Continue to consume alcohol even if this condition causes physical, social, and interpersonal problems.
- Stopping or limiting social, work and hobbies activities.
- Using alcohol in unsafe situations, such as when driving or swimming.
- Have tolerance to alcohol, so larger amounts are needed to get the same effect.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and shaking, when not consuming alcohol.
Alcohol addiction can also cause alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol intoxication results from an increased amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.
The higher the concentration of alcohol in the blood, the greater the effect. Alcohol intoxication causes behavioral disturbances and mental changes. This can include rude behavior, unstable moods, difficulty making decisions, slurred speech, impaired attention or memory, and poor body coordination.
In addition, periods can also be experienced when a person does not remember events when consuming alcohol. Very high blood alcohol levels can lead to coma or even death.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can occur when alcohol is consumed in large quantities and frequently, then stopped or greatly reduced. This can occur hours to days after discontinuation.
Signs and symptoms that occur can include sweating, rapid heart rate, shaking hands, sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness, anxiety, and sometimes, seizures. If the symptoms are severe enough, this can limit a person’s ability to perform tasks at work or in social situations.
Reason
There are many things that are associated with alcohol addiction. Genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors will largely determine how alcohol intake affects the body and behavior.
Some theories state that the impact of alcohol consumption felt by some people can be different and stronger, which can lead to alcohol addiction. Over time, consuming large amounts of alcohol can alter the normal functioning of certain areas of the brain associated with satisfaction, decision-making, and the ability to control behavior.
This can lead to a desire to consume even more alcohol to experience the pleasurable feeling. Even considered to reduce negative feelings.
Some of the risk factors for alcohol addiction are:
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Constant consumption of alcohol.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can lead to alcohol addiction and other problems related to alcohol consumption.
- Age.
Individuals who consume alcohol from a young age, especially in excess, have a high risk of experiencing alcohol addiction.
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Family history.
The risk of alcohol addiction is higher in people who have parents or family members with alcohol-related problems. This is also related to genetic factors.
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Depression and other mental health problems.
Problems related to alcohol consumption are common in people with mental health problems such as severe anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
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Social and cultural factors.
Having a friend or partner who consumes alcohol regularly can increase a person’s risk of developing an alcohol addiction. For young populations, the behavior of parents, friends, and other role models can increase the risk.
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects that there is a problem related to alcohol addiction, some things that can be done are:
- Ask a few things related to alcohol consumption behavior. The doctor will ask about the frequency of alcohol consumption, how long it lasts, how your daily behavior is, and whether alcohol consumption affects work or education. Doctors may also seek permission to communicate with family members and friends.
- Do a physical exam. The doctor can check for any physical signs related to complications from alcohol intake.
- Laboratory and imaging tests. Although there is no specific test to diagnose alcohol addiction, some abnormal patterns of test results can lead to frequent alcohol consumption.
- Complete psychological evaluation. This includes questions about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Treatment
Treatment for alcohol addiction varies, depending on the need. Treatment may include brief interventions, individual or group counselling, outpatient consultations, or inpatient care. The main goal of treatment is to stop alcohol intake to improve quality of life.
Some types of treatment that can be done include:
- Detox program and free from alcohol
- Train yourself to determine a treatment plan
- Train certain skills
- Psychological counseling
- Oral medication
- Injection treatment
- Ongoing support
- Treatment for psychological problems
- Medical treatment for health conditions
Prevention
Early intervention can prevent alcohol consumption problems in adolescents. Recognizing patterns of behavior early on can prevent alcohol abuse problems from becoming protracted.
Some of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a problem related to alcohol consumption in adolescents are:
- Decreased interest in activities, hobbies, and personal appearance.
- Red eyes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and decreased memory.
- Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as making new friends.
- Decline in grades is accompanied by problems at school.
- Frequent mood swings and defensive behavior.