“We are convinced …that alcoholics of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period of time, we get worse, never better”. Alcoholics Anonymous pg.30
There are a variety of indications that an individual may be an alcoholic. While some signs of alcoholism can be subtle, others are much more obvious. However, there are usually some early signs that an individual may be struggling with a growing drinking problem.
Some individuals may be considered alcoholic due to their daily consumption. Still, others may be characterized as alcoholics due to their habit of binge drinking alcohol. Binge drinkers tend to drink a lot over a short period of time. However, a binge drinker may not considered to qualify as an alcoholic because they are able to function normally between binges. However, binge drinking, as well as daily drinking to intoxication, can obviously lead to many forms of trouble.
“Unhealthy” alcohol use or “excessive drinking” is generally considered to be five or more drinks a day for men and four drinks per day for women. However, most people who have sought alcohol treatment or otherwise stopped abusing alcohol altogether know that there was no way to know when their alcohol misuse crossed the line to become more than just problem drinking and then progressed to full-blown alcoholism.
Dangers of Drinking Alcohol
The danger of consuming alcohol for someone who may have alcoholic tendencies is that alcohol intoxication from heavy drinking can become their “go-to” method of coping. Many people who began their alcohol consumption socially have found their alcohol use slowly increasing and progressing over time. Too late, they may then realize that their excessive drinking has now become the norm.
Abusing alcohol causes changes in brain function and is one of the most alarming consequences of alcohol misuse. And if uncontrolled drinking continues over time, it may actually produce alterations in the physical structure and certain functions in the brain. These changes in thinking can actually then contribute to the transition from occasional controlled use to chronic alcohol misuse.
More disturbingly, because alcohol interferes with brain function, these changes can endure even after the individual stops consuming alcohol. The additional bad news is that these changes can then add to possible relapse episodes, which in turn can lead to old drinking habits.
Almost any recovered alcoholic will tell you their alcohol use increased over time, along with the negative consequences.
Alcohol Use Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) had Changes in the description of what an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) was – in the DSM-IV, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were treated as separate disorders, each with its own criteria. The DSM-5 combines these two into one disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the symptoms.
For some clarity on this, The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines the parameters of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and tells us that AUD is considered to be a medical condition.
The definition of an Alcohol Use Disorder is “the impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” Easy enough to comprehend.
There are some known risk factors for developing AUD. They are: drinking before age 15; having a family history and/or genetic predisposition to addiction; having a history of trauma, and/or mental health issues.
Alcohol Abuse
The American Psychiatric Association, defines alcohol abuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a condition that occurs when frequent or heavy alcohol consumption becomes unmanageable, contributes to problems and negative issues in areas such as relationships, school and employment.
Unfortunately, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is fairly common. Almost 10% of the population of the US is afflicted. In addition to other health issues, if left untreated, AUD can also have a negative impact on an individual’s mental condition. Depression and anxiety are two examples.
The good news is that there are treatments that work. These include, but are not limited to – attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, medication, behavioral counseling interventions and therapies. Additionally, there are many other self help or support groups that exist for ongoing emotional issues that may co-exist, along with AUD.
Many people who suffer negative consequences from heavy drinking find they can quit drinking for a time, if the consequences they face are serious enough. Motor vehicle accidents being one example. Even then, however, it is a much different proposition to stop drinking, and stay stopped.
Risks of Alcohol Addiction
As you can see, there are a variety of risks from alcohol addiction. Obviously, chronic alcohol use disorder does impact almost all areas of an individual’s well being. These dangers include health risks, employment and relationship issues as well as legal problems.
Long term, chronic alcohol use disorder can also contribute to a weakened immune system. If we continue to abuse alcohol, we run the risk of becoming more vulnerable to illness from which it is then more difficult to recover. This also includes diseases such as cancer, pneumonia, and even the flu.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, especially after long term chronic misuse, can be dangerous and for some older individuals who may also be in ill health, sudden withdrawal can be life threatening.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range from a just having a hangover headache combined with mild anxiety, to more extreme conditions including experiencing convulsions and seizure. Additionally, individuals who have been abusing alcohol for long periods can be at an increased risk of developing delirium tremens (DT’s), seizures and hallucinations.
Please be advised that if you have been chronically abusing alcohol, and you plan to suddenly stop drinking alcoholic beverages it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional, preferably one that is knowledgeable in the areas of alcoholism and addiction.
Experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms is obviously an indicator that an individual’s alcohol use has become problematic. However, even if you are suffering the less severe withdrawal symptoms after bouts of drinking remember there is no clear indicator that you may have crossed the line from being a social drinker to developing the illness called alcoholism.
Medical Supervision for Signs and Symptoms
Some signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include drinking more than intended, trying but failing to cut down, spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from it, cravings for alcohol, not fulfilling responsibilities at work, home, or school, continuing to drink despite problems it causes in relationships, giving up important activities to drink, drinking in dangerous situations, or developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.
Again, if you feel that you have crossed that line and may be a candidate for the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, or feel you may have developed a dependence on alcohol and wish to seek treatment, it is wise begin by seeking medical advise, and undertake any treatment under medical supervision.
Seeking Help
Seeking help from health care providers or a mental health professional can be a very effective way to begin to untangle and begin to address problems in personal relationships, and variety of other areas that addictions like alcoholism, and drug abuse can create.
For those with alcohol problems, everyday life becomes more difficult to manage. If that is the case for you, it may be time to seek help. If you find that you are craving alcohol on a daily basis, or have been unable to stop drinking even though you have sworn off forever – with and without a solemn oath! – it may be time to get some help.
Health Problems
If what may at first be classified as a drinking problem then escalates to alcohol abuse, various health problems can begin to occur. In addition to everything else, individuals suffering from chronic and long term alcoholism can experience liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure – that can affect kidney function – and other serious issues. If the root cause of these ailments – alcoholism – is not addressed, these can and will eventually lead to lengthy hospitalizations, disability and even death.
It is important to keep in mind that efforts to reduce unhealthy alcohol intake and overcome other addictive disorders usually requires some type of emotional support. Without that ingredient, many individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms and cravings have seen their resolve to quit drinking, or using, vanish. The promise made yesterday fades into nothing as the psychological aspects of their addiction quickly overcome the desire to stop.
If you question where you are on the scale of use vs. abuse vs. alcoholism – many professional therapists and doctors can give you tests to see where you land. Seek help with your local doctor or call a treatment facility that specializes in treating alcoholism, like Turning Point of Tampa.
Mental Health Disorders
There are many mental heath issues that, especially when combined with alcohol use disorder, can lead to very serious consequences. Combining a high blood alcohol concentration with mental health disorders is never a good idea!
According to the Center for Disease Control –
Mental disorders and illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.
- More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.
- Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
Turning Point of Tampa
Turning Point of Tampa is dedicated to providing a safe environment and a strong foundation in 12-step principles, combined with high-quality individual and group therapy. Since 1987, we have been offering licensed residential treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and dual diagnosis in Tampa. If you or someone you know needs help, our admissions department is available 24/7 to assist you.
Sources
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/alcohol
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/alcohol-use-disorder
